Leica 16-18-21mm f4 Tri-Elmar-M Asph Lens-

Standing as a supremely versatile super-wide lens, this unique and intuitive 16-18-21mm f4 Tri-Elmar-M Asph affords three separate focal lengths within one lens. As to the optical design, this centres around ten elements within seven key groups, including dual aspherical elements to limit spherical aberrations. This affords the clean, crisp, and accurate rendering of interior and architectural subjects; something that this lens is heavily praised for. By producing such minimal field curvature and utilising an internal manual focusing design , this Leica 16-18-21mm f4 lens is truly special when it comes to close-quarters shooting. Other key features include one floating element to ensure consistent image-quality throughout the focal range, the acceptance of 67mm threaded filters, and the inclusion of a detachable lens hood. You can essentially switch between 16mm, 18mm, and 21mm focal length positions within seconds; still maintaining a minimum focusing distance of just 50cm.

Leica 16-18-21mm f4 Tri-Elmar-M Asph Lens Key Features:

Expanded Leica 16-18-21mm f4 Tri-Elmar-M Asph Lens Key Features:

3-in-1 Functionality

Characterised as a three-focal-length lens, the Leica 16-18-21mm f4 Tri-Elmar-M Asph is truly unique in its optical construction. In short, you can seamlessly navigate between 16mm, 18mm, and 21mm focal length positions within seconds; still maintaining a minimum focusing distance of just 50cm. By adjusting your field of view, you can consciously manipulate framing and composition to suit your surroundings. This is backed up by two aspherical lens elements that actively reduce spherical aberrations, whilst further enhancing sharpness and clarity throughout the full aperture range at each focal length. For further creative shooting, you can secure a 67mm filter holder to the male-threaded front optics of the lens. Leica have crafted something really special here, with the 16-18-21mm f4 Tri-Elmar-M Asph standing as a versatile, functional, and stylish three-focal-length lens.

The Foundations of Architectural Photography

Built to conform to the critical specifications of interior and architectural photography, the 16-18-21mm f4 Tri-Elmar-M Asph lens has some serious tricks up its sleeve. Starting with the obvious, having access to 16mm, 18mm, and 21mm focal length positions massively suits shooting in enclosed spaces where creative problem solving is required. Rather than bringing three separate lenses, you can approach a space with just your Leica M Rangefinder system and this singular 16-18-21mm f4 Tri-Elmar-M Asph lens. By doing so, you can explore new angles of shooting, capture duplicated images at varying focal lengths, and engage more with the space around you.

Other optical factors to further improve your shooting experience include its super wide-angle designation, distortion reduction capabilities, and the ability to capture images with minimal field curvature. By combining this with the aforementioned high frequency corner-to-corner detailing, superior ghosting and flare control, and colour-accurate image creation - this lens stands as an incredibly impressive addition within the expansive M-mount range. With an internal manual focusing design, the 16-18-21mm f4 Tri-Elmar-M Asph lens measures just 62mm in length. Combine this with its 335g weight, and you have the perfect M-mount companion to take with you on your next big urban adventure.

The Story behind the M

The Leica M portfolio is a collection of lenses developed to fulfil the most stringent quality demands for both digital and analogue photography. Their image quality is second-to-none, pairing effortlessly with Leica’s range of compatible high-resolution camera systems. M-mount lenses were first made famous by street photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Frank, and Sebastiano Salgado. Unrivalled in resolution, contrast, structure, tonal depth, and overall performance - the Leica M-mount range consists of a special breed of camera lens.

What’s in the box?

FAQs:

How does the angle of view differ between the three available focal lengths?

The angle of view is slightly altered when at each focal length: 107° at 16mm, 100° at 18mm, and 92° at 21mm.

What is the main advantage of a three-focal-lens?

The key advantage of being able to switch between 16mm, 18mm, and 21mm focal length positions is that you can efficiently adjust your field of view. This is great for close-quarters interior shooting and high-end architectural photography.

Is this M-mount lens 6-bit coded?

As with all modern M-mount lenses, the Leica 16-18-21mm f4 Tri-Elmar-M Asph lens is 6-bit coded.

How does this lens compare to the Voigtlander Ultron?

The Voigtlander Ultron performs very well across the board, however, the Leica 16-18-21mm f4 Tri-Elmar-M Asph lens is truly exceptional.

How much does the Leica 16-18-21mm f4 lens weigh?

This lens weighs just 335g.