Elmarit 21mm 2.8 vs CV Ultron 21mm 1.8 on M9

[VisualLifeLine]

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Hello L- Camera- Users,

 

I'm currently searching for a 21mm lens for the M9. I lust after a 21 Lux or a WATE, but can't afford either of them. So I picked the Elmarit 21mm 2.8 and the Voigtlaender Ultron 21 1.8 as potential candidates for me.

I want to use this lens mainly for action (especially climbing) and landscape shots.

I previously owned the Zeiss Distagon 21 2.8 on a 5DII and liked this lens, though I didn't find it could hold up with its legendary reputation.

I like an even performance across from corner to corner, but realised, that a special rendering and a three dimensional and vivid look is more important to me. So what would be your choice?

 

Best regards,

VisualLifeLine

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[CalArts 99]

Here's a detailed opinion (from somebody else) on the CV21. They compare it with the rest of the current 21mm options (and the SEM 21, but not the 2.8 Elmarit since it's no longer current.)

 

Anyway, you can download full files posted from the CV21, and read and judge for yourself.

 

http://www.ronscheffler.com/techtalk/?page_id=130

 

fwiw, my own personal preference is for either the SEM21 or the ZM 4.5 Distagon 21 for their pure optical qualities (e.g., lack of any distortion) and the physical size of the lenses (I dislike big heavy lenses with the M cameras.) Although the 4.5 ZM is problematic (in color) with the M9 and I would use it on film M bodies.

[JeTexas]

The Elmarit is lighter and a little sharper, but if you're shooting action, you might want that extra stop provided by the Voigtlander -- especially in the mornings and evenings.

 

The difference between 1/30s and 1/60s can be the difference between blur and no blur.

[iedei]

i have a late-model 21mm Elmarit pre-ASPH i recently bought and i really really love it........it is a fairly large lens, but is beautifully built, takes wonderful photos with a characteristic leica look---and is overall just a joy to use. Nicer to focus with than my 40 cron OR 50 lux. i haven't needed anything faster than 2.8 so far....the lens is heavy and VERY stable....so i am able to reduce the shutter speed significantly and still get great photos even at night. I have noticed no significant flaring even in bright sunlight..

 

i think this is one of the truly great Leica wide lenses....available for a very nice price (generally less than $2k).

[ezc203]

People will argue that at 21mm, depth of field is a moot point, but I disagree. I've never owned a 21 mm Lux, but I have used a 24 Lux extensively for two years (at first on my M8 and then on a film M7). Shooting wide open at f/1.4 with a distinct subject in the foreground you get a very subtle "pop". The slight bokeh in the background really helps separate the subject. I find this to be very handy when doing street stuff when you don't have as much control of the lighting. It's easy to separate a subject in a control environment with a hair light or something, but "in the wild" the characteristics of a super-fast-super-wide lens really help make the images - at least in my opinion.

 

Personally, that's what I like to see in my pictures, so 8 times out of 10 I'm taking the 21mm Ultron (or the 21mm if I had that kind of money, but unfortunately I spent it all on the M9-P ).

 

Now with that said, give when you said you'd prefer (edge-to-edge, corner-to-corner quality) I would suggest the Voigtlander 21mm f/4 Color Skopar. I've used it on my M7 and it was a real pleasure. Call, compact, and the image quality was fantastic. Great sharpness in the center and next to none noticeable lack of sharpness in the corners. I'm a big fan. Yes, it's a little slower at f/4, but it's miles cheaper than the 21mm Elmarit and deliver about 90-92% of the image quality. Great value.

 

In a perfect world, I would have a 21mm Summilux and a 21mm Color Skopar. As they say, horses for courses, and with those two lenses I will have the best horse for any course waiting for me.

[iedei]

People will argue that at 21mm, depth of field is a moot point, but I disagree. I've never owned a 21 mm Lux, but I have used a 24 Lux extensively for two years (at first on my M8 and then on a film M7). Shooting wide open at f/1.4 with a distinct subject in the foreground you get a very subtle "pop". The slight bokeh in the background really helps separate the subject. I find this to be very handy when doing street stuff when you don't have as much control of the lighting. It's easy to separate a subject in a control environment with a hair light or something, but "in the wild" the characteristics of a super-fast-super-wide lens really help make the images - at least in my opinion.

 

Personally, that's what I like to see in my pictures, so 8 times out of 10 I'm taking the 21mm Ultron (or the 21mm if I had that kind of money, but unfortunately I spent it all on the M9-P ).

 

Now with that said, give when you said you'd prefer (edge-to-edge, corner-to-corner quality) I would suggest the Voigtlander 21mm f/4 Color Skopar. I've used it on my M7 and it was a real pleasure. Call, compact, and the image quality was fantastic. Great sharpness in the center and next to none noticeable lack of sharpness in the corners. I'm a big fan. Yes, it's a little slower at f/4, but it's miles cheaper than the 21mm Elmarit and deliver about 90-92% of the image quality. Great value.

 

In a perfect world, I would have a 21mm Summilux and a 21mm Color Skopar. As they say, horses for courses, and with those two lenses I will have the best horse for any course waiting for me.

 

valid points....however the Elmarit is the perfect middle ground between the glorious 21mm Summilux and the underwhelming 21mm Skopar. I briefly used a Skopar and really didn't like its aesthetics, build quality, and noticed nothing particularly enthusiastic about its rendering either. I think the Elmarit carries the Leica qualities of being able to capture shadows and detail far exceeding what the Skopar can. If i could afford a 21mm Summilux i would have one....but i don't think its premium is worth the amount when the 21mm Elmarit is THIS good.

 

21mm Elmarits are not that expensive. An early pre-ASPH goes for between $1000-1200 and a late model pre-ASPH goes between $1400 and $1800. The ASPH go for a bit over $2k. I think they're worth every penny. Probably my favourite lens on the M8 and for street photography.

[russell]

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Yes, the 21mm pre-asph is a joy on the cropped M8. On the M9 I find it a bit too wide. I've since gone to using the 28mm v3 pre-asph instead which is in the same vein.

 

In fact, I'd say I prefer the look of the 28mm on the M9 to the 21mm on the M8.

[jankap]

What is with the Super-Elmar? Have a look at the technical data.

A new designed lens and only a half stop slower. Weight and size?

Jan

[@bumac]

I have got my Ultron 1.8/21 a few days ago and it is a very good lens and it is fast. I code it as a 11134 21 Elmarit pre, no red corners at all.

 

Have a look: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/street-fotografie/275317-21er-im-reportage-einsatz.html#post2339635

 

and here: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-objektive/275114-cv-ultron-1-8-21-erste.html#post2337709