It is an astonishing lens, indeed! I wonder why nobody went for such a comparison yet, maybe because the new Leica 21mm is just being shipped to consumers.
Nice introduction. I got mine the day before yesterday. the 24-90 is good of course but 21 is a very different experience. I will now try 21, 35 and 90 and see if this makes sense instead of 24-90.
Thanks Geert. A collection of selected prime lenses is clearly what most pro photographers go for although the 24-90mm gives you a great range of focal lengths with really good image quality on the SL2 and SL2-S.
Wow! Absolutely amazing! I'd love to see some portraits (both street/environmental or even close-ups/headshots) done with that lens! It's the only thing missing from your sample images, shucks.
Taking photos of architecture being my thing, I had been waiting so long for this lens since they announced it years ago. Now, I am not sure whether to go for the X2D 28mm combination or, see what Leica has to offer this 21mm with SL3. Would be great if you can add the X2D 28mm to the comparison test. Love your work as always!
Thank you very much! The X2D with 28mm and the SL2 with 21mm are really very different, its hard to put them in a comparison. If you care about a larger sensor, the X2D is your choice. If you care about good autofocus and a more modern system camera with Multi-shot and lots of features like Perspective Control, the SL2 is your choice. In terms of lens system, the two cameras are at par: the XCD lenses are excellent and minimalistic too, the SL-lenses and M-lenses with M-SL-adapter are rich in terms of choices and excellent from their optics. So there are good arguments for both camera systems and my experience is that user experience and handling then makes the differences which triggers one or the other preference and choice.
Thank you for this wonderful review, and indeed I’m looking forward to this lens - perhaps when I acquire the upcoming SL3 next year? I’ve just purchased the 14-24mm len s that was announced with it and I love it as well - wonder if you have a forthcoming review for it?
Hello, thank you for the video. I am always impressed by your photographs, particularly those at higher ISOs. Not your usual style, but I would love to hear how you post process your images. I don't seem to get the same reults, but I am a novice when it comes to post processing (and taking the photographs as well).
Dear Mathphotographer! Many Thanks for your impressions of the new Summicron 21. It would be very interesting to compare the SL3 (with this lens) and the X2D from Hasselblad with the XCD 4/28. I´m considering at the moment which combination could be better for street photography and for large prints (up to 2x3 Meter). Perhaps you can do it one day. Many thanks from cologne, André
is that an indication that Leica would consider making another q series camera with a 21mm lens since smartphone companies are creating a new trend by making ultra wide lenses with super close min focusing distance
Great review from a beautiful city. Not being able to afford, not even wanting all of the L-APO primes, I think a great kit would be the 21, 35 and 90 L-APOs with the SL-3. Can't wait. 🙂
MP, great video, and great images, question, over at Leica Aus, Nick Rains said in a short review of the Super-Apo 21 that wide open 2.0 is sharp edge to edge, but that 2.0 may be the sharpest aperture sweet spot for the 21. Is that possible? That would be quite exceptional,, did you peep across your 5.6 images to compare? Again thks, you're videos are a masterclass. 👍
Math, thanks for your wonderful work! How would you go about comparing it to the sigma art 20mm f1.4 dg dn l mount ( other than price and weight ) I use capture one and neither have lens profiles
Thanks for your much anticipated and beautiful review. Will really help if you compared it to say, 20mm part of tri elmar.. M lens. Or 21mm ultron VM lens. Or for that matter other build and mount 20mm f1.8 lenses, such as Nikon AFS 20…While I would love to own this, few of us will be able to. Some of us have other older DSLRs which adds to the breadth of one’s experiences..
Thank you for your nice feedback, much appreciated. Actually, this new 21mm SL-lens could be compared with a bunch of other lenses with comparable focal length and maybe I will do such a comparison next weeks, for instance with the comparable Sigma lens for the SL-system. Having said that, you will likely always get the best performance with a native SL-lens on the SL2 because Leica has special ways to calibrate their lenses in a dedicative way for their own cameras. And the new SL-lenses are also optimised for autofocus speed in combination with the the SL2(-S) camera's autofocus system.
Did you think that the leica sl apo lenses are sharper than the Fuji gf ones ? Is the leica system better in optical performance than the somewhat medium format of Fuji ?
So tempted to pick up an sl2 with Leica's $1500 discount they have going on for a kit, but I’m assuming they are trying to offload to introduce the SL3 early next year.
I think this is a fair assumption, Gaston :) Although many people will go for the special offer and the SL2 is already a powerhouse ... plenty enough for many pro photographers and no need to speculate about an SL3 in 2024 :)
@@mathphotographer Do you notice any difference in image quality compared to an A7RV (even though this is a question mostly related to the lens attached)?
@@GastonShutters I think both camera systems are excellent. Having said that, Sony's autofocus system is clearly better, in particular when it comes to sports and action photography. I wonder when Leica brings the SL3 to market whether they beefed-up the autofocus system to bring it at par with Sony, Nikon and Canon as well as Fuji where the new GFX100 II really is shining in terms of autofocus although its sensor is even bigger with higher resolution.
As Leica killed the Leica S, if Leica ask photographers for a new medium format camera specifications so they could make the best medium format digital camera ever, what specifications would you recommend to them ? I would recomme the following: 4/3, 8.25 microns Pixel Pitch 250 MP stacked CMOS image sensor with a global shutter sensor shield 8 frames pre second 8 stop image stabilization large diameter lens mount one terabyte internal memory 1 memory cards continuous eye/face tracking autofocus weatherproof
Wow! Looks incredible. Distortion looks minimal - did you use the transform tool for any of these? I am sorely tempted but have the X2D and 21mm XCD - wonder how they compare? I didn’t love the SL2 sensor when I had it due to noise performance, but perhaps with the LR raw noise reduction tool it’s not as much an issue as it used to be. This lens is really really tempting me - 21mm is my favorite field of view.
Have the photos been post-edited? I really like the photos you took. especially buildings. Very three-dimensional. Can other brands of cameras do it? (3d ) I currently use sony, but it’s just not good enough for 3D. I'm not good at post-production
Yes - they always come with a little bit of post-processing. Thanks for your nice comment. To your other point: have you tried Carl Zeiss lenses on your Sony? Maybe this gives you the 3D pop you are looking for.
Hi, Thank you for a great video as always, I’m in! I think I noticed chroma in the rope close up (on the top out of focus strand of rope) and ghosting on the close up leaf pic. Do you have any comment on that? Many Thanks Ken.
How is the focus breathing for video? I'm thinking of building an apo SL kit for film making but there is so little info about them in this use case. I'm not sure why? They are all about the same size and filter thread
@@peetje28021970 Yes, I have shot the Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35 f/3.5-4.5 ASPH. and must say I like it a lot. I would go as far as saying that this lens is at any focal length in its range almost as good as a prime lens, so has my full recommendation. Of course, in pixel peeping and looking at the lens performance at the boundaries, a prime lens is most of the time superior to a zoom lens but there is no practical relevance actually in that statement and if you want that focal length flex then the 16-35 is an excellent choice.
Looks to be a superb performer! I’d love to see a comparison between this lens and the Sigma Art 20/1.4 DG DN.
It is an astonishing lens, indeed! I wonder why nobody went for such a comparison yet, maybe because the new Leica 21mm is just being shipped to consumers.
I’m looking forward to the SL3 as well🎉 ✌️out
It will be an incredible new system camera, cannot wait to get my hands on it :)
Nice introduction. I got mine the day before yesterday. the 24-90 is good of course but 21 is a very different experience. I will now try 21, 35 and 90 and see if this makes sense instead of 24-90.
Thanks Geert. A collection of selected prime lenses is clearly what most pro photographers go for although the 24-90mm gives you a great range of focal lengths with really good image quality on the SL2 and SL2-S.
Wow! Absolutely amazing! I'd love to see some portraits (both street/environmental or even close-ups/headshots) done with that lens! It's the only thing missing from your sample images, shucks.
Very impressive lens
I’m very happy you find this new purchase extremely satisfying
Good luck with it and very kindest regards
Many thanks, appreciate your comment!
Taking photos of architecture being my thing, I had been waiting so long for this lens since they announced it years ago. Now, I am not sure whether to go for the X2D 28mm combination or, see what Leica has to offer this 21mm with SL3. Would be great if you can add the X2D 28mm to the comparison test. Love your work as always!
Thank you very much! The X2D with 28mm and the SL2 with 21mm are really very different, its hard to put them in a comparison. If you care about a larger sensor, the X2D is your choice. If you care about good autofocus and a more modern system camera with Multi-shot and lots of features like Perspective Control, the SL2 is your choice. In terms of lens system, the two cameras are at par: the XCD lenses are excellent and minimalistic too, the SL-lenses and M-lenses with M-SL-adapter are rich in terms of choices and excellent from their optics. So there are good arguments for both camera systems and my experience is that user experience and handling then makes the differences which triggers one or the other preference and choice.
Thank you for this wonderful review, and indeed I’m looking forward to this lens - perhaps when I acquire the upcoming SL3 next year?
I’ve just purchased the 14-24mm len s that was announced with it and I love it as well - wonder if you have a forthcoming review for it?
Thank you very much. Will consider to do some video on the 14-24mm, great lens with a really good focal length coverage.
Hello, thank you for the video. I am always impressed by your photographs, particularly those at higher ISOs. Not your usual style, but I would love to hear how you post process your images. I don't seem to get the same reults, but I am a novice when it comes to post processing (and taking the photographs as well).
Thanks Christopher. Maybe over the Xmas holidays I find time to share some tips & tricks for post-processing, let's see :)
@@mathphotographerI will look forward to that. Thank you.
Thanks Math, beautiful pictures! Have a good time for the rest fo the weekend.
Greetings from Frankfurt - Andreas
Thanks you Andreas, have a great Sunday!
Dear Mathphotographer!
Many Thanks for your impressions of the new Summicron 21. It would be very interesting to compare the SL3 (with this lens) and the X2D from Hasselblad with the XCD 4/28. I´m considering at the moment which combination could be better for street photography and for large prints (up to 2x3 Meter). Perhaps you can do it one day. Many thanks from cologne, André
Late to the game, is it the first time you present the Silver SL2 ? Just love it congratulations !
Many thanks - and yes, that's the first time I showed the silver chrome SL2. It's a fabulous camera and looks sooo good!!!
I recently purchased a silver SL2 at a very reasonable price. Only later I learned it is limited to 1000 copies worldwide.
is that an indication that Leica would consider making another q series camera with a 21mm lens since smartphone companies are creating a new trend by making ultra wide lenses with super close min focusing distance
Great review from a beautiful city. Not being able to afford, not even wanting all of the L-APO primes, I think a great kit would be the 21, 35 and 90 L-APOs with the SL-3. Can't wait. 🙂
Spot on comment, thanks David. This 21mm is really amazing, glad you liked the video and the images.
MP, great video, and great images, question, over at Leica Aus, Nick Rains said in a short review of the Super-Apo 21 that wide open 2.0 is sharp edge to edge, but that 2.0 may be the sharpest aperture sweet spot for the 21. Is that possible? That would be quite exceptional,, did you peep across your 5.6 images to compare? Again thks, you're videos are a masterclass. 👍
Got one a couple of days ago, it's fantastic! 🤩 Thanks for the great review and pictures!
Many thanks and congratulations that you got yours already, happy shooting :)
Which is the better lens for Leica M11?
When were they released?
APO summicron M 75 f/2 ASPH
APO Summicron M 90 f/2 ASPH
The lens produces magnificent images, but I am still waiting for mine!
Math, thanks for your wonderful work! How would you go about comparing it to the sigma art 20mm f1.4 dg dn l mount ( other than price and weight ) I use capture one and neither have lens profiles
Thanks for your much anticipated and beautiful review. Will really help if you compared it to say, 20mm part of tri elmar.. M lens. Or 21mm ultron VM lens. Or for that matter other build and mount 20mm f1.8 lenses, such as Nikon AFS 20…While I would love to own this, few of us will be able to. Some of us have other older DSLRs which adds to the breadth of one’s experiences..
Thank you for your nice feedback, much appreciated. Actually, this new 21mm SL-lens could be compared with a bunch of other lenses with comparable focal length and maybe I will do such a comparison next weeks, for instance with the comparable Sigma lens for the SL-system. Having said that, you will likely always get the best performance with a native SL-lens on the SL2 because Leica has special ways to calibrate their lenses in a dedicative way for their own cameras. And the new SL-lenses are also optimised for autofocus speed in combination with the the SL2(-S) camera's autofocus system.
Did you think that the leica sl apo lenses are sharper than the Fuji gf ones ? Is the leica system better in optical performance than the somewhat medium format of Fuji ?
So tempted to pick up an sl2 with Leica's $1500 discount they have going on for a kit, but I’m assuming they are trying to offload to introduce the SL3 early next year.
I think this is a fair assumption, Gaston :) Although many people will go for the special offer and the SL2 is already a powerhouse ... plenty enough for many pro photographers and no need to speculate about an SL3 in 2024 :)
@@mathphotographer Do you notice any difference in image quality compared to an A7RV (even though this is a question mostly related to the lens attached)?
@@GastonShutters I think both camera systems are excellent. Having said that, Sony's autofocus system is clearly better, in particular when it comes to sports and action photography. I wonder when Leica brings the SL3 to market whether they beefed-up the autofocus system to bring it at par with Sony, Nikon and Canon as well as Fuji where the new GFX100 II really is shining in terms of autofocus although its sensor is even bigger with higher resolution.
As Leica killed the Leica S, if Leica ask photographers for a new medium format camera specifications so they could make the best medium format digital camera ever, what specifications would you recommend to them ?
I would recomme the following:
4/3, 8.25 microns Pixel Pitch 250 MP stacked CMOS image sensor with a global shutter
sensor shield
8 frames pre second
8 stop image stabilization
large diameter lens mount
one terabyte internal memory
1 memory cards
continuous eye/face tracking autofocus
weatherproof
You’ve done some damage to my wallet! 😂 … I now have the 21 super APO & 28 summaron & nikon zf! Great job on videos btw
Wow! Looks incredible. Distortion looks minimal - did you use the transform tool for any of these? I am sorely tempted but have the X2D and 21mm XCD - wonder how they compare? I didn’t love the SL2 sensor when I had it due to noise performance, but perhaps with the LR raw noise reduction tool it’s not as much an issue as it used to be. This lens is really really tempting me - 21mm is my favorite field of view.
I used Leica's perspective control (in-camera), worked like a charm :)
Have the photos been post-edited? I really like the photos you took. especially buildings. Very three-dimensional. Can other brands of cameras do it? (3d ) I currently use sony, but it’s just not good enough for 3D. I'm not good at post-production
Yes - they always come with a little bit of post-processing. Thanks for your nice comment. To your other point: have you tried Carl Zeiss lenses on your Sony? Maybe this gives you the 3D pop you are looking for.
@@mathphotographer Do you mean sony&za or batis and loxia? I use sony&za and GM.thanks
Hi, Thank you for a great video as always, I’m in! I think I noticed chroma in the rope close up (on the top out of focus strand of rope) and ghosting on the close up leaf pic. Do you have any comment on that? Many Thanks Ken.
Thanks Ken, appreciate your feedback. I need to have a closer look in Lightroom, thanks for pointing out.
great video! Would like a review of the new 28mm m-summicron
Thanks Christoffer. I will for sure do a review of the new Summicron-M 28mm with improved near distance focusing :)
How is the focus breathing for video? I'm thinking of building an apo SL kit for film making but there is so little info about them in this use case. I'm not sure why? They are all about the same size and filter thread
Thank for the Vid, looks great!
Many thanks for the kind feedback!
Very nice. When is sl3 coming. Would love to try at beach..
Likely next year ;) I am not supposed to talk about a potential SL3 and when potentially it will be announced :)
@@mathphotographer not problem thanks for info.
Great depth of street!
Yes - thanks, Peter.
I think I would prefer the 16-35
Good choice too with more flex of course in focal length coverage.
@@mathphotographerdo you have any experience with it please?
@@peetje28021970 Yes, I have shot the Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35 f/3.5-4.5 ASPH. and must say I like it a lot. I would go as far as saying that this lens is at any focal length in its range almost as good as a prime lens, so has my full recommendation. Of course, in pixel peeping and looking at the lens performance at the boundaries, a prime lens is most of the time superior to a zoom lens but there is no practical relevance actually in that statement and if you want that focal length flex then the 16-35 is an excellent choice.
@@mathphotographerthank you for this well explained answer.