Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH

Leica M-Mount

Review

The Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH is a versatile wide-angle zoom lens that has garnered attention from both street and landscape photographers alike. This lens offers a unique combination of focal lengths, allowing users to cover three key perspectives without the need to switch lenses. Its construction and optical quality reflect Leica's commitment to precision and performance, making it a desirable choice for any Leica M user.

One standout feature of the Tri-Elmar is its compact design. While many wide-angle zooms can be bulky, this lens maintains a relatively lightweight profile, making it easy to carry for extended periods. The build quality is exceptional, as expected from Leica, showcasing a solid metal housing that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Optically, the Tri-Elmar-M delivers consistent performance across all three focal lengths. The images are sharp, with excellent resolution and contrast. Color rendition is superb, allowing for vibrant and true-to-life captures. Distortion is minimized, particularly at the wider end, thanks to clever optical engineering, making it suitable for architectural photography.

However, the maximum aperture of f/4 may be a limiting factor for some photographers, especially in low-light conditions. Users looking for a fast lens might find this discouraging since it requires longer exposure times or higher ISO settings to achieve proper exposure in dimmer environments. Additionally, the lack of image stabilization might concern some, although many dedicated Leica users prefer the precision of their own shooting techniques over this feature.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Versatile focal range (16-21mm) in one lens.
• Compact and lightweight design, ideal for travel.
• Exceptional optical quality with sharp images.
• Solid build quality synonymous with Leica.

Cons

• Limited maximum aperture of f/4 can hinder low-light performance.
• No image stabilization available.

Verdict

Overall, the Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH is a fantastic addition to any Leica M setup. Its combination of build quality, optical performance, and versatility make it a compelling choice for photographers who need a reliable wide-angle lens. While it has some limitations, particularly with the aperture and stabilization, its strengths far outweigh them within the scope of its intended use. Whether you're photographing urban landscapes or capturing the essence of street life, this lens delivers results that live up to the Leica name.