21mm choice: Voigtlander or Zeiss

[motorhead9999]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hello all!

I just got  my first ever Leica camera today (a M246 Monochrom). I'm looking for a wide angle lens, preferably in either  20 or 21mm range. At this point and time, I'm narrowed down to either the Voigtlander 21mm F1.7 Ultron, the Zeiss 21mm f2.8 Biogon, or the Zeiss 21mm F4.5.

I mostly shoot landscapes, and size/weight is not an issue for me, and I'll mostly be shooting at f8 or f11. The only caveat is that I do on occasion (and it certainly won't be happening this year it seems) shoot concert events, with which the Ultron would certainly help, but I also shoot at 2.8 a lot with my Sony gear, so I don't think it's the end of the world if the Zeiss is better IQ wise. Certainly the 4.5 makes concert shooting difficult, but it's also the cheapest of the 3 options.

I always buy used, and right now, my budget is  < $1000, which I've seen some used ones available for.

What are some thoughts on the matter? Thanks in advance!

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[setuporg]

@motorhead9999, congrats on your Leica M Monochrom M246!  It's a fantastic camera, and rather unique as it also shoots video, the only Monochrom to do so.  I have the Voigtlander and it's a fantastic lens.  I added a Summilux 24mm and then a WATE, but the Voigtlander holds its own.  I have Zeiss Biogons, 25mm and 28mm, and the IQ is great, but I would not say better than the Voigtlander.  It was my first wide lens specifically for urban and landscape uses.  Great build quality, a real gem.

[tgray]

I love my Zeiss 21/4.5. Never tried the others. I’ve been tempted by the ZM 21/2.8 and the new Voigtlander 21/1.4, but to be honest, in poorer light, I just switch over to my 28/2. That being said, with the high ISO performance of the Monochroms, you can shoot the 21/4.5 in reasonably poor light.

I also have the Zeiss Loxia 21 for my Sony A7rII. Fantastic lens but I’ve not directly compared the two. I enjoy shooting the ZM more. It’s a fantastic and unique lens. 

If I thought I really needed the speed, I would look at the Voigtlander 21/1.4. It’s a wee bit more than $1000, but I’ve heard amazing things about it. 

[davidmknoble]

@motorhead9999, you may be able to rent one or borrow one in store to see it on your camera and how it works for you?  Then you could make a decision? 

Your other choice would be to buy the least expensive one for now and work towards one that costs more later if you think it would help...