Additional information:
The Leica Summilux-M 21 mm f/ 1.4 ASPH is a superwide-angle ultra fast lens with multi-coating and almost completely corrected distortion for Leica-M rangefinder cameras.
As for the time of this review it was the fastest lens for 35 mm cameras with such a focal length.
With diagonal angle of view of 92° it is fit for outdoor and indoor photography when wide open.
The optical scheme of the Leica Summilux-M 21 mm f/ 1.4 ASPH includes 10 lenses. Aberrations are well corrected. In order to correct chromatic aberration five lenses are made of optic glass with partly anomalous dispersion, the two are aspherical.
To maintain high image quality and resolution one of the rear lens groups is floating and moves independently when shooting close-up.
Vignetting is slight and visible only when wide open, while distortion is almost absent (maximum level of distortion does not exceed 3.2%).
Due to its small focal length and very large depth of field, the Leica Summilux-M 21 mm f/ 1.4 ASPH can be used at hyperfocal range. In this case focusing and shooting can be very fast.
The table of depth of field:
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The lens is well done in a constructive way. The body is metal without plays and with very smooth movement of the rings.
The quality is compliant with high standards of Leica. The image is sharp, rather contrastive with good color and at the same time with good volume.
The Leica Summilux-M 21 mm f/1.4 ASPH is ideal for shooting landscapes, interiors, as well as for genre photography. Perhaps its only shortcoming is a prohibitive price.
It comes completed with a rectangular hood and extra cap. It is fit for mounting on filters of the VIII series.
The lens can be used by means of adapters on mirrorles Sony NEX and Micro 4/3 cameras.
Links to online resources:
Posted by: Sergei Borodin Date of publication: 09.11.2010
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