The Professional's Source Since 1973

Log In / Account
Video Chat with a B&H Expert & Get Photography Advice Live!
HomePhotographyLensesRangefinder LensesLeica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH.

Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH. Lens with Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder

BH #LE161821MTFB • MFR #11642
7 reviews
Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH. Lens with Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder
Key Features
  • Leica M-Mount Lens
  • Aperture Range: f/4 to f/22
  • Two Aspherical Elements
  • Floating Elements System
Configured for ultra-wide photography with an M-mount rangefinder camera, the Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH. Lens with Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder from Leica bundles the uniquely versatile three-focal-length lens with the Universal Wide Angle Viewfinder for making more accurate compositions with each focal length position.
In Stock
$7,095.00
$592/mo. suggested payments for 12 Mos.
with the credit card.§ 
Protect your Gear
Add a protection plan from $215.99
Configuration
Lens Only
With Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder

Trade in your gear for cash: Learn more

True Know-How

Ask Our Experts

866.264.7509

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

Configured for ultra-wide photography with an M-mount rangefinder camera, the Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH. Lens with Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder from Leica bundles the uniquely versatile three-focal-length lens with the Universal Wide Angle Viewfinder for making more accurate compositions with each focal length position.

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

A uniquely versatile super-wide lens, the Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH. from Leica allows you to work with three separate focal lengths within one lens. The optical design, which includes a pair of aspherical elements, notably reduces distortion for clean, accurate rendering of interior and architectural subjects, and the aspherical elements also promote a more compact form factor. Seamless switching between 16mm, 18mm, and 21mm focal length positions is possible while retaining a minimum focusing distance of 1.6', and a floating elements design is used to maintain image quality even at close range.

Unique three-focal-length lens gives you the option to seamlessly switch between the 16mm, 18mm, and 21mm focal length positions to adjust your field of view.
Super wide-angle lens has been designed to notably reduce distortion and field curvature to suit photographing interior and architectural subjects.
Two aspherical elements are featured to limit spherical aberrations and improve sharpness and clarity throughout the aperture range and at each focal length setting.
An internal manual focusing design is used along with a floating elements system to achieve consistent image quality throughout the focusing range at each focal length, even at the minimum focusing distance of 1.6'.
The aspherical elements also contribute to a more compact form factor.
The front of the lens is male threaded to accept the included lens hood or an optional 67mm filter holder.

Leica Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder for M System

The Leica Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder M is a shoe-mounted external viewfinder for M-system rangefinder cameras (including M8). This viewfinder offers bright-line frames to match the 16-18-21mm lens. Since the 1.33x conversion factor has to be considered for the M8 digital camera, bright-lines for 21, 24, and 28mm are also included. It can also be used with other fixed lenses that match this range. A parallax compensation dial allows for adjustment of the frame to the focusing distance, in five steps (0.5, 0.7, 1, 2 meter & infinity).

The use of one aspherical lens element and one with achromatic correction in the viewfinder makes it insensitive to stray light, and provides a high resolution and exceptional brilliance image.

An illuminated spirit level helps to keep the camera horizontal even in unfavorable light conditions.
Compatible with the R8/R9 series of diopter correction lenses.
UPC: 799429120115

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

Focal Length16mm
18mm
21mm
Aperturef/4 to f/22
Camera Mount TypeLeica M
Angle of View16mm: 107°
18mm: 100°
21mm: 92°
Minimum Focus Distance1.6' / 50 cm
Reproduction Ratio16mm: 1:38
18mm: 1:35
21mm: 1:30
Optical Design10 elements in 7 groups
Diaphragm BladesNot specified by manufacturer
FocusManual
Filter ThreadN/A (male thread to accept included lens hood or optional 67 mm filter holder)
Dimensions2.1 x 2.4" / 54 x 62 mm
Weight11.8 oz / 335 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight1.26 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)5.85 x 5.35 x 4.7"

Leica Universal Wide-Angle Viewfinder for M System Specs

Packaging Info
Package Weight0.57 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)4.7 x 4.6 x 2.85"

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

Mustache-distortion...

By Anonymous
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2021-07-08

THIS LENS IS AWFUL... NO NEED FOR WORDS. SEE PICTURES.

useful for film or digital

By squarecropper
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2014-03-17

Useful for:Architectual photos -- exaggerated perspective in hallways, entrances, arcades, lobbies, cathedral interiors. Landscapes with foreground subject or pattern with wide vistas requiring depth of focus.Sky scenes -- sunrise or sunset.Including the context of the surroundings with an interesting foreground subject.City 'canyon' photos with skyscrapers outlining shapes overhead.Reflected scenes with still water or wet pavement in the foreground.Capturing overhead visual elements such as overpasses, archways, clouds.No disclosure -- I bought this for my personal use. I like using it. I am a photography student. This is a specialized lens. It will be fun learning to use it. It could be used with M-mount rangefinders, Sony NEX and alpha 7 cameras, and Voigtlander and Zeiss rangefinders.Recommended for full frame and film cameras. I like the viewfinder, but you do not absolutely need the viewfinder --use your hands held out to the side. Think -- lots! Bring the lens, consider leaving the viewfinder.

Exceeded some very critical expectations

By reallyretired
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2012-04-22

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.

Quite amazing

By kiwicafe
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2010-09-27

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.

Wow

By Anonymous
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2007-10-09

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

Great wide angle lens

By Thomas
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-05-29

This far this lens is very sharp and little distortion. The color rendition and contrast is second to none. I highly recommend it.

A great multi wide lens

By Thomas
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-05-26

Though this lens is pricy the quality is second to none. Very little distortion and color rendition and sharpness is excellent!

See any errors on this page? Let us know

YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Can this be used with a Visoflex?

Can this be used with a Visoflex?
Asked by: tim
If you are referring to using the Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH. Lens with the Leica Visoflex (Typ 020) Electronic Viewfinder, B&H # LEVSB, along with a camera that is compatible for use with the Leica Visoflex (Typ 020) Electronic Viewfinder, then yes, the Leica Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH. Lens and the Leica Visoflex (Typ 020) may be used together.
Answered by: Manzell
Date published: 2021-02-03

With the Leica adapter, can it be used with the ...

With the Leica adapter, can it be used with the Leica SL [601]?
Asked by: Peter
Yes, with the M-L adapter it will work.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-09-01

question

what year was 16-18-21 first released?
Asked by: Anonymous
The Tri-Elmar was announced at Photokina in September 2006.
Answered by: James B.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

can this lens be shot at in between setting of its focal lengths say at 17 ?
Asked by: Frank
It would not be possible to shoot in between the set focal lengths of this lens.
Answered by: Kirk R.
Date published: 2022-01-07

I am shooting with an M10 and M10P and own a ...

I am shooting with an M10 and M10P and own a visoflex 020. Will the visoflex work with this lens or do i need the additional wide angle viewfinder?
Asked by: Richard
The Leica Visoflex (Typ 020) Electronic Viewfinder should work with most any lens. It is just forwarding the information the back lcd panel would see.
Answered by: Robert
Date published: 2022-04-04

How does it (at 21mm f4) compare with others such ...

How does it (at 21mm f4) compare with others such as VM glass, f1.8 Ultron or f4 lens, both stopped down to f4?
Asked by: Manojchandra
At all comparable settings, the Voigtlander Ultron's performance is very good, but the Leica is outstanding.
Answered by: Dennis A
Date published: 2019-08-16

I don't find the "optional 67 mm filter holder" ...

I don't find the "optional 67 mm filter holder" on your site; do you sell it?
Asked by: Jeffrey E.
Yes. The item # is B&H # LEA6716 and Leica's # 14473. It is not in stock at the moment and they are back ordered with Leica. If you place an order for one we will do our best to deliver to you as soon as they come in from Leica.
Answered by: Richard
Date published: 2019-09-11

Is the lens 6 bit coded? Will it provide full ...

Is the lens 6 bit coded? Will it provide full info through the Leica M to L adapter for the [email protected]?
Asked by: Robert
Yes, this lens is 6 bit coded and the M to L adapter will read it when on a SL2.
Answered by: Richard
Date published: 2020-02-11
  • y_2022, m_7, d_2, h_20CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.32
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_10
  • loc_en_US, sid_461971, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo
036