Numbers Posted April 10, 2013 Share #1 Posted April 10, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello as a new forum member and and Leica M user, I would kindly ask the help and experiences of the forum members. My M body, is soon to be delivered, and as a new M user I have Chosen a 35 summilux as my first lens. I will also need a wide angle lens. I am an architect, by profession, and I expect to be using the camera a lot for building exteriors and interiors, urban spaces like city squares and landscapes. the M, will replace my Nikon system, as I want the combination of compactness and high image quality. This means that I need a good quality wide angle lens for architecture. Distortion of geometry matters, sharpness in the corners. Weight and price are secondary factors but also part of the equation. So far, I narrowed my options down to a choice between the 18mm and 21 mm SEM. I had the opertunity to briefly try both, by taking them for a short walk with an M9. However, it didnt help me decide. the 18 shows more "Space" which I liked, but the 21 has less distortion. from what I have read, the 21 has a tad better sharpness. So what are your experiences and thoughts on the choosing between the two? In particular in relation to architectural photograpy and landscape? Have you used both? your input is highly valued. thank you. Christian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 10, 2013 Posted April 10, 2013 Hi Numbers, Take a look here what to choose: 18mm SEM, or 21 mm SEM. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
tappan Posted April 10, 2013 Share #2 Posted April 10, 2013 Hello, I love my 18 SEM. It is very sharp around the corners and minimal distortion and nice colors with my M9. This is a 32 second exposure at F3.8 at 160 ISO. I have done minimal post-production, only having clicked "auto levels" on photoshop CS5. Good luck on your decision. Mark Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/202391-what-to-choose-18mm-sem-or-21-mm-sem/?do=findComment&comment=2295702'>More sharing options...
macjonny1 Posted April 10, 2013 Share #3 Posted April 10, 2013 I'd pick the 21mm if you need Leica and like to use ND filters. I have a Zeiss 18mm which is on par with the Leica and can use filters without adapter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirk Mandeville Posted April 10, 2013 Share #4 Posted April 10, 2013 I think I would go for the 21 SEM for the lower distortion. But given the thread hinting about a new 14mm SEM coming, you may want to wait and consider that one. If you are cost-concious, the Zeiss wide lenses are on par with their Leica counterparts for about half the price. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
k-hawinkler Posted April 10, 2013 Share #5 Posted April 10, 2013 I love my WATE 16-18-21/4 but the SEM 21 has the least distortion If I am not mistaken. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted April 10, 2013 Share #6 Posted April 10, 2013 I have the 21 SEM and find it to be a superb lens. It is very sharp and very little distortion. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted April 10, 2013 Share #7 Posted April 10, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) To pair with a 35 a 24 or 21 seems to be the more logical choice. The distortion argument should clinch the matter, I think. My choice would be 35(50)-24-18, though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted April 10, 2013 Share #8 Posted April 10, 2013 18 is a little wide - as an ultra-wide its edging towards being a specialist len. Unless you really think that the extra angle is always going to be essential I'd stick with the 21. The 18 might all too easily become a bit too much.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertJRB Posted April 10, 2013 Share #9 Posted April 10, 2013 The 21mm has some advantages over the 18mm: 1: The 18mm is really really wide. The 21mm is just a little less wide but that makes it a little more useful sometimes. 2: The 18mm uses 77mm filtersize. And only when u buy an extra filter adapter for about 80 euro. The 21mm suits the lux perfectly with its 46mm filters. 3: The 18mm is more expensive than the 21mm. And gets even more expensive when u add the filterholder and add up the prices of 77mm filters. 4: The 21mm performs a little better than the 18mm, I have read. But, I really like the 18mm and its wide view it gives me. I know it has some flaws but the pictures make it all good for me. Its great for architecture and indoor photography. Further I would prefer the combination of 18mm with the 24mm elmar. Two examples from the 18 SE: Bigger size: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8636937899_08d6afa6fb_k.jpg Bigger size: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8638668422_070562f9d8_k.jpg The first on the M9, second on the M8. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zanydave Posted April 10, 2013 Share #10 Posted April 10, 2013 No experience of the 21mm but the 18mm just delivers. Love it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted April 10, 2013 Share #11 Posted April 10, 2013 Mark Norton posted an image of a bookshelf (?) in another threat, taken with the 18 SEM it showed a very unpleasant moustache distortion. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zanydave Posted April 10, 2013 Share #12 Posted April 10, 2013 Obviously a dodgy copy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Numbers Posted April 11, 2013 Author Share #13 Posted April 11, 2013 thank you all, for your replies. it seems its not an obvious choice - but now I have more food for thought. thanks again christian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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