p.1 #1 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
The long awaited.... Leica SL 21 APO !! And the Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24 f/2.8 ASPH.
"Expand your perspectives
With the new ultra-wide-angle lenses
Expand your view of the world around you with our latest ultra-wide-angle lenses: the Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24 f/2.8 ASPH. and the Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 ASPH. These lenses are crafted to meet your exacting photographic standards so you can focus solely on capturing your subject. The world awaits your rediscovery."
p.1 #2 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
I'm debating whether I should replace my Voigtlander 15mm with the 14-24 for my SL2-S. I really only need it for the widest end, but I'm wondering how the image quality will compare. AF is pretty much a non issue at that focal length. The SL2-S is so clean at higher ISOs that I'm not sure the extra stops will make that much of a difference.
p.1 #3 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
saxguy wrote:
I'm debating whether I should replace my Voigtlander 15mm with the 14-24 for my SL2-S. I really only need it for the widest end, but I'm wondering how the image quality will compare. AF is pretty much a non issue at that focal length. The SL2-S is so clean at higher ISOs that I'm not sure the extra stops will make that much of a difference.
The 14-24mm lens performs better at 14mm than the Voigtlander lens. However, the Voigtlander lens is much smaller, has excellent resistance to flaring, and can create sharp, well-defined sunstars at f/5.6.
I didn't make a direct comparison between these two lenses, but I did compare them to the Sony 12-24mm lens. You can analyze the results from these tests to draw your own conclusions.
p.1 #4 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
LBJ2 wrote:
The long awaited.... Leica SL 21 APO !! And the Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24 f/2.8 ASPH.
"Expand your perspectives
With the new ultra-wide-angle lenses
Expand your view of the world around you with our latest ultra-wide-angle lenses: the Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24 f/2.8 ASPH. and the Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 ASPH. These lenses are crafted to meet your exacting photographic standards so you can focus solely on capturing your subject. The world awaits your rediscovery."
p.1 #7 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
The SL 21/2 APO is the heaviest SL f/2 APO prime lens, weighing 789 grams. It's also the only 21mm f/2 APO lens available in the market, and surprisingly, it comes with a priced at $5,495, which is actually less expensive than the SL 90/2 APO lens.
p.1 #8 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
Fred Miranda wrote:
The SL 21/2 APO is the heaviest SL f/2 APO prime lens, weighing 789 grams. It's also the only 21mm f/2 APO lens available in the market, and surprisingly, it comes with a priced at $5,495, which is actually less expensive than the SL 90/2 APO lens.
Wow, I've been waiting for this for a very long time. Cool!
p.1 #9 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
Fred Miranda wrote:
The SL 21/2 APO is the heaviest SL f/2 APO prime lens, weighing 789 grams. It's also the only 21mm f/2 APO lens available in the market, and surprisingly, it comes with a priced at $5,495, which is actually less expensive than the SL 90/2 APO lens.
A Big day in Leica SL-land. Many on the forums waiting for the 21 APO to arrive and here it is. Not necessarily a focal length for me, but happy to have a new APO lens in the SL system.
The Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24 f/2.8 ASPH is a surprise. Not sure there were any rumors floating around about this Vario. Interesting twist since I am waiting/have expectations for the SL 24 APO at some point 🤷🏽♂️
p.1 #10 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
At least this shows me that the mount isn't dead, that the SL3 will most certainly come out and that we won't be limited to just the current Leica L lineup ...Its is a big day indeed.
p.1 #11 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
"While not quite up to the optical performance of the Super-Vario Elmarit-SL 16-35mm, the 14-24mm isn't too far off, while offering a wider field of view."
It's quite evident that the author hasn't had the chance to use the Sigma 14-24/2.8 lens nor the new Leica zoom. This lens is considered one of the best ultra-wide zooms available, with its main competition coming from the Sony 12-24/2.8 (Review).
I've tested two copies of the SL 16-35/2.8, and in my opinion, it's the weakest link in the SL zoom lens series. It doesn't justify its price, size, and weight. It's surprising that the author suggested the SL 16-35 outperforms the new Leica 14-24, considering the latter shares the same optics as the Sigma lens.
p.1 #12 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
"Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 ASPH."
I was wondering why the use of "Super-APO" in the name of the new SL 21 APO as none of the other Leica SL APO lenses include "Super" in the name:
“Super” might be true for the image quality, but it refers to something else
You might think the “Super” in the name alludes to the design. Leica writes about it: “The 14 high-precision made lenses – three of them with an aspheric surface – are divided in 11 groups and contribute to the highest possible degree of image quality, even with the aperture fully open. The apochromatic correction of the lens is unique to its focal length and once again proves the highest standards of the Leica engineers.” But in fact, it is a nod to the company’s tradition: The early Angulon 21 mm lenses for M-Mount had already “Super” in their names. Because these were super-wide lenses, quite extraordinary for the time."–macfilos
p.1 #13 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
I just pre-ordered the SL 14-24 at Leica Miami. Based upon my own experience with the SL 24-70 and the spectacular reviews of the Sigma 14-24 DG DN Art, this lens will be a fine Leica L mount addition.
I'll be in Paris next March and with my silver SL2 plan to use the 14-24/2.8, often wide open, for interiors of the Palais Garnier, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, and Musée de l'Orangerie.
p.1 #14 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
Fred Miranda wrote:
"While not quite up to the optical performance of the Super-Vario Elmarit-SL 16-35mm, the 14-24mm isn't too far off, while offering a wider field of view."
It's quite evident that the author hasn't had the chance to use the Sigma 14-24/2.8 lens nor the new Leica zoom. This lens is considered one of the best ultra-wide zooms available, with its main competition coming from the Sony 12-24/2.8 (Review).
I've tested two copies of the SL 16-35/2.8, and in my opinion, it's the weakest link in the SL zoom lens series. It doesn't justify its price, size, and weight. It's surprising that the author suggested the SL 16-35 outperforms the new Leica 14-24, considering the latter shares the same optics as the Sigma lens.
I have both and my experience is different to yours. My Leica 16-35 is basically an extension of the 24-90 and at the wide end it is slightly better than the long end but not by enough to worry about. From 16-about 28 it's the best wide zoom I've used. A hair better than the Sigma, maybe. It also doesn't extend (dust) is really well sealed and has filter parity with the 24-90 and 90-280. It also zooms the same way for continuity of use.
My copy of the Sigma is basically as sharp but draws differently. I can see a difference side by side. It's wider, faster, lighter and a better match for the 24-90 or 24-70 with no cross over but it can't take filters (without great difficulty). I don't find it better than the SL16-35 but I do tend to favour it because of it's speed, weight and focal range. Unless you need filters I don't see a reason to buy the 16-35.
I have the Canon 14-35 RFL, Sony 16-35 GM1, Sony 12-24 G, Nikon 14-30/4, Olympus 7-14/2.8 and Fuji 8-16 2.8. Oh, and the GF20-35 for the GFX. Both the Sigma and Leica are better than all of these with maybe the exception of the Olympus (you can't get enough pixels on the Olympus to really test it's capabilities but damn it's good.). I'd have no hesitation with each of the Sigma or Leica.
I suspect that the new Leica 14-24 will do very well. It's proven that people will pay more for a better build and the red dot. It'll be hard for most to justify no real world optical improvement just to get filter compatibility. I can't imagine I'm going to see any optical improvement so I'll stick to my Sigma version which is lighter and cheaper than the Leica.
I also hate the giant font they use on the rebadge Sigma lenses. I think it looks cheap.
Gordon
Oh, And I don't need the 21 but I do want it. Unfortunately it's a near perfect addition to my APO set (28, 50, 90)......
p.1 #15 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
flash wrote:
I have both and my experience is different to yours. My Leica 16-35 is basically an extension of the 24-90 and at the wide end it is slightly better than the long end but not by enough to worry about. From 16-about 28 it's the best wide zoom I've used. A hair better than the Sigma, maybe. It also doesn't extend (dust) is really well sealed and has filter parity with the 24-90 and 90-280. It also zooms the same way for continuity of use.
My copy of the Sigma is basically as sharp but draws differently. I can see a difference side by side. It's wider, faster, lighter and a better match for the 24-90 or 24-70 with no cross over but it can't take filters (without great difficulty). I don't find it better than the SL16-35 but I do tend to favour it because of it's speed, weight and focal range. Unless you need filters I don't see a reason to buy the 16-35.
I have the Canon 14-35 RFL, Sony 16-35 GM1, Sony 12-24 G, Nikon 14-30/4, Olympus 7-14/2.8 and Fuji 8-16 2.8. Oh, and the GF20-35 for the GFX. Both the Sigma and Leica are better than all of these with maybe the exception of the Olympus (you can't get enough pixels on the Olympus to really test it's capabilities but damn it's good.). I'd have no hesitation with each of the Sigma or Leica.
I suspect that the new Leica 14-24 will do very well. It's proven that people will pay more for a better build and the red dot. It'll be hard for most to justify no real world optical improvement just to get filter compatibility. I can't imagine I'm going to see any optical improvement so I'll stick to my Sigma version which is lighter and cheaper than the Leica.
I also hate the giant font they use on the rebadge Sigma lenses. I think it looks cheap.
Gordon
Oh, And I don't need the 21 but I do want it. Unfortunately it's a near perfect addition to my APO set (28, 50, 90).........Show more →
Hello Gordon,
I value your input, but you're aware of how thorough I am when evaluating lenses. You're free to have your own beliefs.
p.1 #16 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
Just in time. I'm getting ready to sell off my Sony kit and jump back in with an SL2 and three lenses, two of which will be the APO 35 and APO 90, but was considering alternatives for the wide angle. Like Gordon mentions above, I was also considering the 28, 50 & 90 combo, but having had the 35, I definitely want to get that lens again. I suppose 24, 35, & 75 might also be a possibility.
I was wondering why the use of "Super-APO" in the name of the new SL 21 APO as none of the other Leica SL APO lenses include "Super" in the name:
“Super” might be true for the image quality, but it refers to something else
You might think the “Super” in the name alludes to the design. Leica writes about it: “The 14 high-precision made lenses – three of them with an aspheric surface – are divided in 11 groups and contribute to the highest possible degree of image quality, even with the aperture fully open. The apochromatic correction of the lens is unique to its focal length and once again proves the highest standards of the Leica engineers.” But in fact, it is a nod to the company’s tradition: The early Angulon 21 mm lenses for M-Mount had already “Super” in their names. Because these were super-wide lenses, quite extraordinary for the time."–macfilos
Leica probably feels very proud of this accomplishment because making high-quality wide-angle APO lenses is becoming more difficult compared to producing telephoto APO lenses. This new 21mm APO lens, the first of its kind, is a significant achievement for Leica.
p.1 #18 · Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the Leica SL-System
Fred Miranda wrote:
Hello Gordon,
I value your input, but you're aware of how thorough I am when evaluating lenses. You're free to have your own beliefs.
Absolutely and I'm not questioning your findings. I may have some sample variation is a good way with my 16-35. I only have one copy of each lens so I can only comment on that copy.
Also my lens went to Leica after I dropped it for a complete rebuild. I don't remember it being worse before its holiday to Wetzlar but it may have come back better. I don't know.
But I'm absolutely confident in my finding for my lenses. I'm actually off to leica today to drop in my M11 (RF has some weird behaviour) but I'm happy to do some tests on my SL 2 when I get home.
