Leica Super Wide Angle/Wide Angle Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 Aspherical Manual Focus Lens (6-Bit, Updated for Digital) with Universal Wide-angle Viewfinder USA

Comments about Leica Super Wide Angle/Wide Angle Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 Aspherical Manual Focus Lens (6-Bit, Updated for Digital) with Universal Wide-angle Viewfinder:

This is not a lens for every day use, nor should it be one of the first Leica M lenses that you buy. However, it does have some very good applications.

Uses: I find it impressive for in close(not "close-up") photography. You can work in close proximity and the result will spread out and give a roomy impression. This is great for interior people photography and camera shy subjects who are sure that the camera is not pointed at them. Interiors, such as churches, museams, and theaters are often difficult to include adequate coverage to give a true impression of the size and character of the subject. Not with the WATE.

Ergonomics: It is well designed and constructed. It is easy to use and has very smooth focusing and focal length adjustments. There is essentially no finder blockage from either the hood or the 67mm filter adapter when the Universal finder is used.

Resolution: I expected the same optical performance as my previous series I and II 28-35-50mm Tri Elmars, but the WATE's performance is much better. Color reproduction is spectacular, and contrast is extremely good, if not superb. Certain reviewers state that you can tell a sharpness difference in this lens and the prime lenses it covers if you examine the emulsion on film. What he is saying that this lens really approaches the limits of sensor resolution on the M9. For my purposes, this is more than adequate. I was blown away by the depth of field. At f8 and focused at a distance of 150 feet, the building was sharply focused and the plants at my feet on the lower margine of the frame were surprisingly sharp.

Who is this lens for? Its for those of use who are looking to expand photography to a level that many of us have not ventured into before. I am still on a learning curve and find new uses for the lens whenever I pull it out of the bag. Its use is less limited than I originally thought.

The Universal viewfinder takes a little getting used to, but it soon becomes obvious why Leica designed it the way they did.

It is pricy, but still a great investment.

Comments about Leica Super Wide Angle/Wide Angle Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 Aspherical Manual Focus Lens (6-Bit, Updated for Digital) with Universal Wide-angle Viewfinder:

for some reason I use this lens at 16mm most of the time and wonder why I simply didn't buy a wide angle lens to begin with. I am new to leica glass, I have a 50mm 1.4 and a 90mm 2.0 and have the new 35mm on order. For landscape and for interesting perspectives I love this wide angle lens. leica has me so much more disciplined than when I was a dslr snapper. i love shooting wide open but am still experimenting.

Comments about Leica Super Wide Angle/Wide Angle Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 Aspherical Manual Focus Lens (6-Bit, Updated for Digital) with Universal Wide-angle Viewfinder:

The last time I saw an M lens this wide it cost $15,000used, thanks to collectors, so try to consider this abargain This lens on a M8 has put my Canon IDs with 24tilt-shift and the 16-35 on the shelf. It has also made meponder if I really still need my M 21mm 2.8 anymore. Thissharpness compared to any and all Canon wide lenses is verywelcome.The viewfinder really isn't necessary for framing thanks todigital, but the built in level allows me to shootarchitectural photos hand held. So sure, the viewfinder isbig, but it is smaller, lighter and less expensive than agitzo carbon fiber tripod. The electronic registration with the M is problematic fornow, the need for an adapter for the UV filter is an issue,but I have been happy with the images without filter while Iwait for it.Oh, and the price, it only goes up.Don't get confused on my rating of the ease of use at a 2,that's just a reflection of the viewfinder adjustments andthe need for filters etc.The fact that I rate this a five star as value for the moneyreflects how much I like this lens.

Expertise: Professional