Carl Zeiss C Biogon T* 4,5/21 ZM

Leica M-Mount

Review

The Carl Zeiss C Biogon T* 4,5/21 ZM is a remarkable wide-angle lens designed specifically for the Leica M mount, offering photographers a unique blend of classic design and modern performance. One of the standout features of this lens is its superb optical quality, which is characteristic of Zeiss craftsmanship. With a focal length of 21mm and a maximum aperture of f/4.5, it excels in landscape, architecture, and street photography, where capturing expansive scenes is crucial.

From an optical standpoint, the lens incorporates several glass elements, including low dispersion glass, which helps to minimize chromatic aberrations and produces images with exceptional sharpness and clarity. The T* coating reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring that contrast and color fidelity remain intact even in challenging lighting conditions. Users will appreciate the way this lens renders colors with a wonderful vibrancy and depth, enhancing the overall image quality.

In terms of build quality, the Carl Zeiss C Biogon T* 4,5/21 ZM does not disappoint. It features a robust metal construction that exudes durability while being relatively lightweight for a wide-angle lens. The compact design makes it a great companion for the minimalist Leica M cameras, allowing for easy portability without sacrificing performance. The manual focus ring operates smoothly, allowing for precise adjustments, which many photographers prefer for gaining full control over their compositions.

However, a few drawbacks can be noted. The maximum aperture of f/4.5 means that this lens may not be ideal for low-light conditions, limiting its versatility during nighttime or indoor shooting scenarios. Additionally, while the lens provides a sharp center, some users report a decrease in sharpness towards the edges of the frame, especially when shooting wide open. This is a common trait in many wide-angle lenses but worth considering if edge-to-edge sharpness is a top priority for your photography.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional optical quality with sharpness and color fidelity
• Compact and lightweight design ideal for Leica M cameras
• Durable metal construction
• Smooth and precise manual focusing

Cons

• Maximum aperture of f/4.5 limits low-light performance
• Slight decrease in sharpness at the edges when shooting wide open

Verdict

Overall, the Carl Zeiss C Biogon T* 4,5/21 ZM is an outstanding wide-angle lens for Leica M users who prioritize image quality and build craftsmanship. While it has a few limitations in low-light situations and edge sharpness, its strengths in optical performance and handling make it an excellent choice for landscape and architectural photography. If you are seeking a reliable, high-quality wide-angle lens that embodies the spirit of precision and detail, this lens is certainly worth considering.