I think if I were to describe this post to someone... I'd call it the omnibus of a lens.
I'm convinced. This is a lens I want to start keeping an eye out for. Given that I'm in the Canon family, with an older model, I think I'll have to just settle with finding what I can closest to this range, but I am excited to try and find it!
You have an amazing eye! I find it difficult to compose with ultra wide angle lenses. I have a 21mm elmarit pre asph and after seeing these images I am inspired to step out of my comfort zone of 28-35-50 and put 21mm into circulation. Don't you find the 21 Summilux a bit heavy? Is it worth the extra stops? I find that as time goes by I gravitate towards lighter and smaller lenses. Very cool shots!
I do love your reviews and I definitely appreciate fine lenses. That said, an f1.4 21mm seems like a niche of a niche. At 1.4, it will still have crazy DOF. At 21mm, you can hand hold a very low shutter speed easily. I just don't understand why this lens exists. f2.8? Sure, but 1.4? I don't shoot that wide often, so I have a slow f3.5 Voigtlander...tiny and reasonably priced. At 5.6 it is as sharp as any other 21mm....and I got the 21mm viewfinder. It is a joy to use a 21mm with a viewfinder and shoot hyperfocal. The Voigtlander viewfinder is like looking at a big screen TV. I'm sure the Leica is even nicer. Oh, and every post makes me want to head to India for a month or two!
You're right, it really is a niche of a niche. That ultimately is what justifies its existence. The opportunity to create a compelling F1.4 image with a 21mm perspective is something that we're not used to in the photography world. At least, that's what I think. Thanks for reading ✌🏾
Great immersive 21mm photos, Gajan. I own and use the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH for daylight documentary work. It’s compact, lightweight, and remarkably sharp, with edge-to-edge detail. Handheld, it’s not ideal in low light, but on a tripod for architecture, it’s perfect. At less than half the price of the f/1.4, have you compared these two options? Martin
I’d 100% be in favor of the viewfinder idea, would love to have that be a part of those more unique lenses.
Also, the Espresso displays seem awesome and have been looking towards my own since I first saw you using one. One of them + the pen would be amazing for a mobile workspace
Man! I love your reviews. Beautifully, lovingly written, fantastic & varied photographs with an educated, curious and honest opinion. You’ve opened my eyes to the possibilities of the 21mm. Thank you!
I think if I were to describe this post to someone... I'd call it the omnibus of a lens.
I'm convinced. This is a lens I want to start keeping an eye out for. Given that I'm in the Canon family, with an older model, I think I'll have to just settle with finding what I can closest to this range, but I am excited to try and find it!
Truly appreciate you sharing that. Thanks for reading ✌🏾
You have an amazing eye! I find it difficult to compose with ultra wide angle lenses. I have a 21mm elmarit pre asph and after seeing these images I am inspired to step out of my comfort zone of 28-35-50 and put 21mm into circulation. Don't you find the 21 Summilux a bit heavy? Is it worth the extra stops? I find that as time goes by I gravitate towards lighter and smaller lenses. Very cool shots!
Thanks for sharing, and excited to hear you willing to push further.
And yes, it is a heavy lens but only something I pick up when the story demands it.
Thanks for reading ✌🏾
I do love your reviews and I definitely appreciate fine lenses. That said, an f1.4 21mm seems like a niche of a niche. At 1.4, it will still have crazy DOF. At 21mm, you can hand hold a very low shutter speed easily. I just don't understand why this lens exists. f2.8? Sure, but 1.4? I don't shoot that wide often, so I have a slow f3.5 Voigtlander...tiny and reasonably priced. At 5.6 it is as sharp as any other 21mm....and I got the 21mm viewfinder. It is a joy to use a 21mm with a viewfinder and shoot hyperfocal. The Voigtlander viewfinder is like looking at a big screen TV. I'm sure the Leica is even nicer. Oh, and every post makes me want to head to India for a month or two!
You're right, it really is a niche of a niche. That ultimately is what justifies its existence. The opportunity to create a compelling F1.4 image with a 21mm perspective is something that we're not used to in the photography world. At least, that's what I think. Thanks for reading ✌🏾
Great immersive 21mm photos, Gajan. I own and use the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH for daylight documentary work. It’s compact, lightweight, and remarkably sharp, with edge-to-edge detail. Handheld, it’s not ideal in low light, but on a tripod for architecture, it’s perfect. At less than half the price of the f/1.4, have you compared these two options? Martin
That lens is such great value and honestly, the better option for most people looking to explore the 21mm perspective.
Such a nuanced topic, great to read and learn about
Thanks for reading ✌🏾
I’d 100% be in favor of the viewfinder idea, would love to have that be a part of those more unique lenses.
Also, the Espresso displays seem awesome and have been looking towards my own since I first saw you using one. One of them + the pen would be amazing for a mobile workspace
Thanks for reading ✌🏾
Nice academic like discourse. But $10,000 US? Boy, that is a lot for a hobbyist...
Agreed
Man! I love your reviews. Beautifully, lovingly written, fantastic & varied photographs with an educated, curious and honest opinion. You’ve opened my eyes to the possibilities of the 21mm. Thank you!
I appreciate that, Jason. Thanks for reading ✌🏾
Always been intrigued by this or the 24mm Summilux. Well written, Gajan. I remain intrigued as to where this would fit in my kit.
Thanks for reading brother. Definitely worth testing out when you have an interesting shooting opportunity.