Does the Elmarit-TL 18 f/2.8 ASPH make sense...

[Magic]

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...when you already have the Vario-Elmar-TL 18-56 f/3.5-5.6 ASPH ?

 

Hello,

 

since a couple of weeks I own the Leica CL with the Vario lens and I am very happy with it.

 

As stated in my topic - does it make sense to purchase the 18mm Elmarit ? Just for the lower f-stop ?

 

I already have the M10 with 28mm Summilux (I also have the X2)...and so far I like just grabbing the CL and having the option to zoom...but because of my other cams, I am used to "foot zoom".

 

Can anyone convince me to buy or NOT to buy it ?

 

Thank you very much for your replies.

 

Greetings,

 

Jurgen

 

edit: can a mod please delete the "s" in "makes" in the Topic ? Thank you

Edited March 11, 2018 by Magic

[frame-it]

did you try it ?

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[Magic]

No, not yet....that's why I am asking.

[microview]

I think the principal attraction of the 18mm lens is that it makes the camera pocketable.

[jaapv]

Not for the f-stop, ISO performance is good enough and the difference in DOF is not worth it IMO. As a compact carry-everywhere lens, yes.

[grahamhoey]

I have the TL 18-56 and had the 18mm. In my view the IQ of the 18mm is not on par with the Leica standard. Colours aren’t as full and image just didn’t seem as sharp. Sold the 18mm to another forum member who tried it and sold it as well. To me pocket ability isn’t an issue as I am going to carry the camera around my neck on my my shoulder anyway.

[wlaidlaw]

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I did not buy the 18TL as I already have an 18mm SE-M. However the 18-56 is so good (as is the 11-23), that I see no requirement for an 18mm lens at all. The CL with either of the zooms, is so light, I can carry it on my shoulder all day without concern or really noticing it is there. I have to admit that I slightly miss not having the 24mm wide end of my SL zoom but I am not missing humping that great lump of camera and lens around one little bit. My SL is now only used when I am on a car journey or as a studio camera. 

 

Wilson

Edited March 11, 2018 by wlaidlaw

[Jared]

The 18mm is a fine lens for what it is (a pancake lens that lets the CL fit in a coat pocket), but it’s only half a stop faster than your zoom at the 18mm focal length, and the image quality is certainly no higher, arguably a touch worse in the corners. If you like the size, get it. If that’s not an attraction, skip it. The 18-56 is a much more versatile lens.

[mhoutman]

Or get the 23mm

[alainD]

The 18mm is a fine lens for what it is (a pancake lens that lets the CL fit in a coat pocket), but it’s only half a stop faster than your zoom at the 18mm focal length, and the image quality is certainly no higher, arguably a touch worse in the corners. If you like the size, get it. If that’s not an attraction, skip it. The 18-56 is a much more versatile lens.

[alainD]

I like the small 18mm. And not just for its size. I like the way it renders. It is not as contrasty as the zooms or the other primes. But sometimes, this is just what I need. I have many shots with it that I really, really like.

[Magic]

Thank you very much for your replies. They actually are in line with what I was thinking - so I’ll save US$1300.

[Alistairm]

I bought the 18mm pancake and the 18-56mm at the same time. I agree with Graham's assessment about colours and sharpness. 

 

I think Leica gave up too much too make it so small and the lens is substandard in terms of image quality so, like others, I sold mine. Don't get me wrong, you can make nice photos with it, but in my experience the IQ of the CL with the 18mm is not up to Leica standard and, indeed, was no better than with the (now rather venerable) Ricoh GR. 

[scott kirkpatrick]

After studying Sean Reid's reviews of the 18/TL on the TL I saw no reason to buy it when I have the 11-23.  I don't put my CL in my pocket.  It stays in my hand.  I have tried out the 18 SEM with adapter on the CL.  It works very nicely, but is even bigger than the 11-23, no faster in aperture, and slower in use.  I'd still like to see Leica come out with a 14mm f/2.0 TL lens with AF and a somewhat reasonable size.  Maybe both 14 and 18 Summicrons -- we can dream, can't we?

Edited March 13, 2018 by scott kirkpatrick

[nspur]

I  bought the CL in a kit with the 18/2.8. It's not really pocketable. I bought a cheap hardly used T on which the 18 now lives more or less permanently.