Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH

Leica M-Mount

Review

The Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH is an impressive addition to the Leica M mount lineup, meticulously designed for both street photographers and landscape enthusiasts alike. Known for its compact size and exceptional optical performance, this lens stands out among wide-angle offerings.

Build Quality and Design

The lens boasts a robust construction typical of Leica's high standards. The Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH features a minimalistic aesthetic, which is both classic and modern. Its all-metal housing provides durability while still feeling surprisingly lightweight for a wide-angle lens. Ergonomically, it is a joy to handle, with a comfortable focus ring that offers smooth and precise control. The lens is also weather-sealed, ensuring that photographers can use it in a variety of environments without any concerns about damaging the mechanics.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Super-Elmar-M does not disappoint. Utilizing aspherical elements, this lens minimizes distortion and chromatic aberrations, keeping images sharp and clear across the entire frame. Field curvature is kept to a minimum, providing a consistent depth of field. The f/3.4 maximum aperture, while not the fastest, offers excellent low-light performance combined with a pleasant bokeh that works well for separating subjects from their backgrounds. The lens produces images that are rich in color and contrast, a hallmark of Leica lenses.

Usability and Compatibility

This lens is well-suited for the Leica M system, and as such, it is designed to integrate flawlessly with M-series cameras. The wide 21mm focal length offers a fantastic perspective for environmental portraits and landscapes. However, users coming from different mounts may need to adjust their shooting style due to the manual focus nature of the lens. This can be a rewarding experience for those who enjoy the precision of manual operation, but it might not be the best fit for fast-paced situations where autofocus would be beneficial.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional build quality and durability
• Compact and lightweight design
• Sharp optical performance with minimal distortion
• Clean bokeh despite moderate maximum aperture
• Weather-sealed for outdoor use

Cons

• Manual focus may not suit everyone
• Maximum aperture of f/3.4 might limit low-light versatility
• Higher price point typical of Leica lenses

Verdict

The Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH is a top-tier wide-angle lens that will satisfy discerning photographers who appreciate quality and craftsmanship. Its optical performance and rugged build make it an excellent choice for landscape and street photography. While the manual focus might require a bit of a learning curve for some, the results it delivers are undeniably worth the effort. If you value performance and are willing to invest in a premium lens, the Super-Elmar-M should be on your shortlist.