Carl Zeiss Biogon T* 2,8/21 ZM

Leica M-Mount

Review

The Carl Zeiss Biogon T* 2,8/21 ZM is a compact wide-angle lens that has gained a reputation among Leica M users for its exceptional image quality and optical performance. With its 21mm focal length, this lens is ideal for landscape photography, street photography, and architectural shooting, offering a unique perspective without the distortion that often plagues wide-angle lenses.

One of the standout features of the Biogon T* is its excellent sharpness across the frame. Whether shooting at wide open aperture or stopped down, the lens delivers crisp images with impressive detail retention, which is a crucial aspect for those seeking to capture intricate scenes. Furthermore, with its T* coating, the lens effectively reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring that contrast remains high even in challenging lighting conditions.

The build quality of the Biogon T* 2,8/21 ZM is another significant advantage. Made from high-quality materials, this lens feels sturdy and well-crafted, making it a reliable companion for daily use. The focusing mechanism is smooth and precise, allowing for exact control over focusing, which is especially important when working with the Leica M system that values manual control.

Additionally, the compact size and lightweight design of this lens make it highly portable. It's an excellent choice for photo walks or travel photography, where carrying less gear while maintaining quality is desired. Moreover, when paired with a Leica M camera, the Biogon T* provides both aesthetic and functional synergy, complementing the camera's form factor and purpose.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the lens handles most conditions well, the maximum aperture of f/2.8 may not be sufficient for low-light situations if compared to faster wide-angle alternatives. Photographers who often shoot in dim light might find this limiting. Additionally, some users report slight vignetting at wider apertures, which, although typical for wide-angle lenses, may be a concern for those desiring a completely uniform brightness throughout their images.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sharpness and image quality
• T* coating minimizes flare and ghosting
• Sturdy and well-built construction
• Smooth and precise focusing
• Compact and lightweight design

Cons

• Maximum aperture of f/2.8 may limit low-light performance
• Some vignetting at wider apertures

Verdict

The Carl Zeiss Biogon T* 2,8/21 ZM for Leica M is an outstanding wide-angle lens that excels in delivering sharp, high-quality images in a compact form factor. While its maximum aperture may present some challenges in low-light situations, the overall performance, build quality, and the spirit of collaboration with the Leica M system make it a highly recommendable choice for photographers seeking a reliable wide-angle option. Whether you're capturing sweeping landscapes or intimate street scenes, this lens will undoubtedly contribute to the artistic quality of your photographs.