Leica Super-Apo-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH Lens Review

The L mount system now offers quite a range of different lenses at very different price levels; some might say quite disparate price levels. From the extremely low cost all the way up to what can only be described as premium lenses, the full gamut is there. Right at the top of the pile are the Leica SL lenses, now added to by the Super-Apo-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH, billed by Leica as the widest and fastest 21mm apo lens in the world. The cost is high, so the lens has to have a very special performance to justify itself in a highly competitive market. Let’s see how it handles and how the technical tests work out, using the new 60MP Leica SL3 full frame camera body.

Leica Super-Apo-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH Handling and Features

There is a wide manual focus ring that is electronic in operation and very even in its action. However, it is quite firm and possibly could do with being just a tad less so. This is a small point, though and not of huge handling significance. Focusing is down to 21cm or 8.27”, for a maximum magnification of 1:5.3, which is usefully close. The dual synchro drive AF system is fast, accurate and virtually silent. Choosing AF or MF is via the camera menus as there are no other controls on the lens itself.

Optical construction is 14 elements in 11 groups, including 3 aspherical. Most of the elements use custom glass with anomalous partial dispersion.

The lens has an under-stated feel of quality about it and has no controls to interrupt its simple, smooth lines, apart of course for the manual focusing ring. Apertures are selected via the camera, with a choice of one third stop or half stop intervals. AF/MF selection is also via the camera. This leaves us merely to see the 21mm field of view without hinderance and intrusion from the lens itself, a pure window on the world. There is a certain freedom in this, and the new lens offers an ideal tool for landscape, street photography, events, architecture and photo journalism as well as creative use with other genres.

Leica Super-Apo-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH Performance

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is virtually banished at the centre of the frame and although higher values are recorded at the edges there is little by the way of colour fringing in most images. If necessary, further correction can be made in software.

Distortion is very close to zero, but -0.02% barrel distortion can be measured. This is better than most macro lenses so is indeed a very impressive result with an ultra-wide lens. This makes it ideal for architectural photography.

Bokeh is very smooth and attractive, the out of focus areas showing smooth gradation and enhancing the parts of the image that are in focus.

Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 ASPH. Chromatic Aberration Charts

Flare is well handled, again impressive for an ultra-wide lens, and only the severest lighting shows any sign of artefacts.

Vignetting is also modest and in any event a slight amount of corner darkening can be quite attractive in many images, including darkening blue skies where a polariser for the same purpose can show an uneven effect.

Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 ASPH. Sample Photos

Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 ASPH. Aperture range

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Value For Money

The [AMUK]Leica Super-Apo-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH|Leica Super-Apo-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH[/AMUK] lens is priced at £4700.00

This is a unique lens in many ways and the alternative prime lenses around 21mm are all priced at such a different level that a VFM assessment in terms of cost just does not work. However, here goes with a selection of L mount lenses:

• [AMUK]Panasonic Lumix 18mm f/1.8|Panasonic Lumix +lens[/AMUK], £799
• [AMUK]Sigma 20mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary|Sigma +lens[/AMUK], £649
• [AMUK]Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG DN Art|Sigma +lens[/AMUK], £899

Clearly there is a huge difference here, and it is a choice that for most will not be a choice at all. Those who want the unique Leica look and quality will know what their choice is.

Leica Super-Apo-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH Verdict

A truly magnificent 21mm lens that handles superbly and produced exquisite images, the new 21mm is a really attractive proposition. Yes, it is a shame that it costs what it costs, but that is the same dilemma as always with the premium marques. An ultra-wide of 21mm is a wonderful lens in use, with wide interiors, vast sweeping landscapes or even close up street photography all within its remit. Out on the street, getting in close increases the intimacy of the images and the sense that the photographer is involved and not just a distant observer. The handling is also superb, with no distractions from the lens operation itself. Overall, it is a great ergonomic experience and the lens has to be Highly Recommended.

[REVIEW_FOOTER]R_features=4|R_handling=5|R_performance=4.5|R_value=4|R_overall=4.5|A_level=4.5|A_text=Highly Recommended – A delightful to use ultra-wide lens with superb results|E_id=8027[/REVIEW_FOOTER]

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