Wide Angle M Lenses on SL2

[alywit]

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I want to purchase a lighter weight wide angle lens to use with my SL2 and stay within my planned budget. I recently got a used M to L Adapter (18771) and am considering the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH. OR the Leica Super-Elmar-M 18mm f/3.8 ASPH.

Please correct me if I am wrong:
I know that as long as the lens is coded and the camera identifies it's focal length it will be able to use IBIS with the lens.
I know that an M lens on an SL2 is manual focus.

What I don't know:
Can the aperture (f-stop), ISO and shutter speed automatically be set by camera with these lenses?
Does the lens utilize the full sensor or is it like the TL lenses with partial sensor (aps-c mode)?
What don't I know (duh moment) that I haven't asked about the SL2-M lens functionality?

Also I would be open to explanations of why to choose or not choose either of those lenses. I have read reviews and think I probably couldn't go wrong with either?  However being a newbie Leica owner I would appreciate the 'experts' weighing in with their insights.

Thanks!

 

 

[thighslapper]

11 hours ago, alywit said:

Also I would be open to explanations of why to choose or not choose either of those lenses. I have read reviews and think I probably couldn't go wrong with either?  However being a newbie Leica owner I would appreciate the 'experts' weighing in with their insights.

Thanks!

yup ..... you couldn't go wrong with either ..... although I would give the 21/3.4 the edge optically having used both in the past. 

as long as six bit coded everything should work fine, although you will have to focus and change aperture manually on the lens, as you are aware. the camera will default to what is effectively aperture priority so you will have the choice of either fixed ISO or Shutter speed with the other changing automatically, with exposure compensation available, or full manual where you change everything yourself dependent on the metering. 

the six bit coding will allow the camera to adjust IBIS for the focal length and apply adjustments to the DNG file to compensate for vignetting and other issues inherent on using an M lens on an SL/SL2 body. 

bear in mind you will be paying a lot of money (even second hand) for lenses that are not designed with the L mount in mind just for the benefits of a few hundred grams ..... and losing half the functionality of the camera into the bargain. also, none of them are weather sealed. I have no issue with folk buying an SL/SL2 and using manual Leica lenses, but it has always struck me as a bit like buying a sports car then driving everywhere at 20mph. 

if you can compromise on weight/size, Sigma have a selection of very fast L mount wides which are optically excellent as good and very reasonably priced. 

Like many, I initially tinkered with my existing M mount lenses on the SL and if anything they are all actually TOO small to balance or use comfortably on a body the size of the SL/SL2. Leica R lenses are a much better fit, are optically excellent and often far cheaper second hand than their M equivalents. Size and weight wise they are between M and L mount lenses. 

Personally I'd consider the new Lumix 16-35/4 pro ...... which is Leica Certified, smaller and lighter than the Leica 16-35, weather sealed and is priced new at about the same as the M lenses you are considering second hand. 500g. $1500 from B&H. What's not to like ?

Edited January 29, 2020 by thighslapper

[trickness]

I used the 21 SEM on my SL and the photos were spectacular. This lens on this camera is a match made in heaven 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

10 hours ago, thighslapper said:

yup ..... you couldn't go wrong with either ..... although I would give the 21/3.4 the edge optically having used both in the past. 

as long as six bit coded everything should work fine, although you will have to focus and change aperture manually on the lens, as you are aware. the camera will default to what is effectively aperture priority so you will have the choice of either fixed ISO or Shutter speed with the other changing automatically, with exposure compensation available, or full manual where you change everything yourself dependent on the metering. 

the six bit coding will allow the camera to adjust IBIS for the focal length and apply adjustments to the DNG file to compensate for vignetting and other issues inherent on using an M lens on an SL/SL2 body. 

bear in mind you will be paying a lot of money (even second hand) for lenses that are not designed with the L mount in mind just for the benefits of a few hundred grams ..... and losing half the functionality of the camera into the bargain. also, none of them are weather sealed. I have no issue with folk buying an SL/SL2 and using manual Leica lenses, but it has always struck me as a bit like buying a sports car then driving everywhere at 20mph. 

if you can compromise on weight/size, Sigma have a selection of very fast L mount wides which are optically excellent as good and very reasonably priced. 

Like many, I initially tinkered with my existing M mount lenses on the SL and if anything they are all actually TOO small to balance or use comfortably on a body the size of the SL/SL2. Leica R lenses are a much better fit, are optically excellent and often far cheaper second hand than their M equivalents. Size and weight wise they are between M and L mount lenses. 

Personally I'd consider the new Lumix 16-35/4 pro ...... which is Leica Certified, smaller and lighter than the Leica 16-35, weather sealed and is priced new at about the same as the M lenses you are considering second hand. 500g. $1500 from B&H. What's not to like ?

The Sigma 12-24mm 2.8 is also excellent. Not great for filters buy sharp to the corners.

Gordon

[Sanford]

Ditto on the 21 SEM. Loved it on my M10 and my SL looking forward to using it on my SL2. Great lens. 

[alywit]

Thanks all for clarifying the M functionality on the SL2 camera as well as sharing your Leica preferences and suggestions for alternatives. After much thought I am planning on purchasing the 21 SEM from a reputable local Chicago store that has a couple of used ones in stock. I can’t wait to take the combo out for a spin!

 

[SrMi]

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20 hours ago, thighslapper said:

<snip>

Personally I'd consider the new Lumix 16-35/4 pro ...... which is Leica Certified, smaller and lighter than the Leica 16-35, weather sealed and is priced new at about the same as the M lenses you are considering second hand. 500g. $1500 from B&H. What's not to like ?

I believe that Lumix 16-35 has the MF/AF switch via the clutch. Which means that back-button-focusing will not work with SL2. It depends on the individual, but I really dislike the AF/MF clutch on m43 systems (too easy to accidentally switch AF/MF mode).