WATE or 21 lux

[leica1215]

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Hi all, I recently consider getting wide angle lens either 21 or WATE, don't know about optical performance in WATE compare to 21 lux? anyone member can share some insight or experience?

 

thanks in advance

[jrp]

Not sure why you would compare these lenses -- one offers two additional focal lengths, the other the potential of better subject isolation and low light performance. The WATE will also behave better on non-Leica cameras. 

 

The 21mm Leica f3.4 will perform better than either at wider apertures. 

 

But it it is hard to offer more specific advice without understanding what purpose you hope the lens to serve. 

[algrove]

I own both the 21/1.4 and the WATE. I am a fixed lens person so that might explain why I do not use the WATE much plus its f4.0 sometimes limits my flexibility. I have attached a photo which was taken with the M9 ISO1250 ⅓50 and f1.4. Not saying it's great just showing what's possible. Even though it weighs more, maybe even much more in my hands than the TE, when using the 21/1.4 there is a well balanced feel to it on an M. Downside on both are either odd filter sizes or ungainly filter holders/filter sizes. Although the Series 8 filters on the 21/1.4 fit nicely within the lens hood. I usually just leave a UVa on it.

[algrove]

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[algrove]

Just think what this 21/1.4 lens can do on the M246 in very dark situations with ISO 8000-12500.

[thighslapper]

21/3.4 produces incomparable images that are hard to find fault with ..... super sharp and punchy contrasty colours.

 

WATE has the flexibility of 18+16 as well ...... which for indoors is a great bonus ...... images are less saturated and contrasty but this can be changed in PP very easily

 

F4 is not an issue as you can use very low shutter speeds with this lens.

 

I have both ..... and will never sell either .... so I can't help you on choice ...... 

[bocaburger]

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The WATE and both current 21's are waaayyyy more than I'm willing to spend but I did have a 21 ASPH Elmarit and sold it to keep the pre-ASPH and a CV 21/4.  I couldn't wish for better performance than those 2 lenses offer, especially the CV given the cost and size.  It's the one I travel with.  True, subject isolation is better with a 1.4, and it allows faster shutter speeds and/or lower ISO in dim light, but frankly for what I use a 21 it doesn't really matter that much to me for my usage. 

[jdlaing]

WATE.

[algrove]

We all try to help, but as I reread this thread I notice you did not tell us where and how you plan to use these lenses and on what M camera. Perhaps more information on your end will yield more useful information from our end.

[leica1215]

We all try to help, but as I reread this thread I notice you did not tell us where and how you plan to use these lenses and on what M camera. Perhaps more information on your end will yield more useful information from our end.

Thanks Algrove. I actually intend to use it when travel shooting scene and people try to get all in on frame, I have 35 summicron, but often is not wide enough to get people and scene fitting in one frame. for example when shooting Eiffel Tower trying to fit friends and tower in one frame.

[MarkP]

 for example when shooting Eiffel Tower trying to fit friends and tower in one frame.

 

M9, 21 Summilux

Hand-held at ISO 200-400

 

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/145837-eiffel-tower-ad-nauseum/

 

 

Also be aware that with ultra-wide lenses, once you put your friends to the side or bottom of the image, and/or tilt the lens up from horizontal, horrible things may happen to your friends (fat & distorted) that they may not thank you for.  

[leica1215]

M9, 21 Summilux

Hand-held at ISO 200-400

 

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/145837-eiffel-tower-ad-nauseum/

 

 

Also be aware that with ultra-wide lenses, once you put your friends to the side or bottom of the image, and/or tilt the lens up from horizontal, horrible things may happen to your friends (fat & distorted) that they may not thank you for.  

great pics, seems like not a good idea to use ultra wide to include friends in it.. Thanks

[algrove]

Not that I often do it, but PP correction is not difficult even in LR.

[jrp]

if all you want is "wider" no point in getting a Summilux.

[duckrider]

WATE.

BOTH