I am coming back to this review now that I got my Z21 (together with the ZS6!) finally.
First of all.... I am observing much the same behaviour as everyone else in this thread. Some of the later posts showcase in what kinds of scenarios this lens can shine, as it does not suit all situations. At full aperture, there are cases where even the central sharpness and contrast are so bad, the picture simply looks awful. Other times, it looks great. I have to learn this.....
Gonna put up some ZS6 pics up next, come see them on the other side as a summary, it is a much easier lens to handle, it just sings like a Summicron Rigid but with a different flavor.
Z21 definitely has a bit of a personality. Wide open, it can be soft, but under the right conditions it can produce a very distinctive look.
The distance to the subject, as well as the shape and placement of objects in the background, seems to make a pretty big difference. Compared with the ZS6 I shot, I personally find the Z21 a little more difficult to control and less predictable.
But when everything comes together, I really like the atmosphere and character it can produce.
Smooth... by micke vmix, on Flickr
Z8 + LLL50/1.5 Z21 at F1.5 VM-Z Close focus adapter at 5mm
Not Ridley Scott outer space stuff... But on a forest path. Autumn with a flare... by micke vmix, on Flickr
Z8 + LLL50/1.5 Z21 at F1.5 VM-Z Close focus adapter at 5mm
as a summary, it is a much easier lens to handle, it just sings like a Summicron Rigid but with a different flavor.
