Jean-Michel Posted August 13, 2018 Share #21 Â Posted August 13, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) Then there is the Tri-Emar WATE! I recently purchased one of those and am rather pleased with it. I don't have a plethora of other wide angle lenses to compare, but the Tri-Elmar is definitely an 'upgrade' on the 21 Color-Skopar that I had before. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 13, 2018 Posted August 13, 2018 Hi Jean-Michel, Take a look here Leica 18mm vs. 21mm SEM. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Gregm61 Posted August 14, 2018 Share #22 Â Posted August 14, 2018 (edited) Sunrise duo, a few of the images from this summer so far.. Â 21mm f3.4 Super Elmar.. Â Â 18mm Super Elmar.. Â Â 21mm Super Elmar.. Â Â 18mm Super Elmar.. Â Â Then there was the morning with the nicest light yet and I did have either one, having to "settle" for the 24mm f3.8 Elmar.. Â Edited August 14, 2018 by Gregm61 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
budjames Posted August 14, 2018 Share #23  Posted August 14, 2018 . . . . and you would not mind if it were you to be the next customer to get then the "new" lens that is not new at all? A lens that is not originally parcelled and that is full of finger prints? If I would get such a lens i would send it back  I would propose to rent these lenses and try them out like that.  B&H Photo has a very liberal return policy. So it's not a problem, but I understand your comments.  The other option would be to visit a Leica store and try out the lenses there.  I checked out rentals and they are not cheap. Renting both lenses for a couple of days could cost about $700. Pretty pricy.  Regards, Bud James Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregm61 Posted August 14, 2018 Share #24  Posted August 14, 2018 (edited) They are two wonderful lenses. I tend to either have just the 21mm Super Elmar if I limit myself to three lenses, or the 18mm Super Elmar and 24mm f3.8 Elmar two-lens wide to super wide duo instead to go along with either a 35/75/135 or 35/90 combination. It's a constant state of flip/flop in my carry bag, depending on how big a setup I want to have on any particular day.  When I use my other system, the standard zoom starts at a 24mm equivalent and typically a huge percentage of my shots wind up being captured at the 24mm end so I SHOULD use the 18/24mm combination more as I seem to "see" many scenes in that focal length and the 24mm f3.8 Elmar could very well be the sharpest lens I have ever owned. Just brilliant, and the 18mm f3.8 is the perfect ultra-wide complement to it. Edited August 14, 2018 by Gregm61 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckuwajima Posted August 14, 2018 Share #25  Posted August 14, 2018 (edited) Can't speak for the 18; I've owned the 21 SEM for 2 years. Prior to this, a ZF 21 and 14-24 Nikkor. In comparison, the SEM is one for the ages. A design tour de force; compact, none of the color issues of the Summilux, and sharper into the corners at equivalent f-stops. Very modern 'look', if that's what you're after.  Recall also that the 18 has no built-in filter thread in contrast to the M46 of the 21mm and is essentially an ƒ/4 lens. You already own a 15.  There is no way to use filters on SE 18mm. It vignettes heavily, even with appropriate 14484 E77 filter holder, at least on M10's. Edited August 14, 2018 by ckuwajima Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertknappmd Posted August 15, 2018 Share #26  Posted August 15, 2018 You cannot go wrong with either lens... I have the 21 and love it.. Technical gem IMHO..  Albert   1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
traderjoe Posted August 15, 2018 Share #27  Posted August 15, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) Speaking strictly in terms of focal length, I prefer the 21mm. I shoot a lot of interiors and find the 21mm my most utilized lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
S Maclean Posted June 8, 2024 Share #28  Posted June 8, 2024 The SE 21 has always been one of my favorite cityscape and street-wide lens.  I have 28, 35, 50 and on medium format 28, 25 etc but this little lens just gives perfect shots and is incredible easy to manage and zone focus. I jsut got a second hand SE 18mm (the CS 15 I has not given me great results and I wanted a Wide option. Well, It is IN-CRE-DI-BLE!! What an amazing Lens. Is it one or the other?  I don't think so.  The 18 can give very natural shots if handled well, but it is really great at perspective shots. Magical.  The 21 can give very interesting perspective shots but it truly excels at making wide shots look very normal.  Sharpness, contrast, color rendering etc is incredible in both.  I have posted a lot of 21mm in this forum so I'll only add a couple 21 and then focus on 18mm here. First some 21mm street and citiscape shots: 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!  And here are my fisrt 18mm SE shots taken yesterday on a walk through NYC a mix of more traditional street, city and a little experimentation:  4 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!  And here are my fisrt 18mm SE shots taken yesterday on a walk through NYC a mix of more traditional street, city and a little experimentation:  ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/271416-leica-18mm-vs-21mm-sem/?do=findComment&comment=5338826'>More sharing options...
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