What is the Leitz Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH Lens?
The Leitz Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH lens is a versatile and high-quality lens designed for Leica M-mount digital cameras. It was released by Leica Camera AG, a renowned German manufacturer of cameras and lenses, known for their precision engineering and exceptional optical performance.
This lens stands out for its unique focal length range of 16-18-21mm, offering three fixed focal lengths in a single lens. With a maximum aperture of f/4, it provides excellent light-gathering capabilities and allows for greater depth of field control. It is designed for wide-angle photography and is particularly useful for landscape, architecture, and street photography.
The Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm lens features an aspherical element, which minimizes distortions and aberrations, resulting in images with superb sharpness and clarity. Its compact design and lightweight construction make it highly portable, perfect for photographers on the move.
Features and Benefits
1. **Versatile Focal Lengths**: With three focal lengths in one lens (16mm, 18mm, and 21mm), photographers can easily switch between wide-angle perspectives without the need to carry multiple lenses, saving both space and weight in their camera bags.
2. **Exceptional Optical Performance**: The aspherical element combined with Leica’s rigorous optical engineering ensures exceptional image quality, sharpness, and minimal distortion throughout the entire focal length range.
3. **High-Quality Build**: Leica lenses are known for their solid build quality. The Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm lens is no exception, featuring a durable metal construction that withstands the rigors of professional use while providing a satisfying tactile experience.
4. **Compact and Portable**: Measuring only a few inches in length and weighing a mere 13.2 ounces (375 grams), this lens is highly portable and allows photographers to travel light without compromising on image quality.
5. **Precision Aperture Control**: The lens’s f/4 maximum aperture allows for creative depth of field control, enabling photographers to emphasize their subjects while still capturing the surrounding details, all with the signature Leica look.
Compatibility and Pricing
The Leitz Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH lens is designed specifically for Leica M-mount digital cameras. It is not compatible with other camera systems or film cameras.
As for pricing, Leica lenses are known for their premium quality and craftsmanship, reflecting in their price. The Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm lens was initially released in 2004 with a suggested retail price of around $5,000. However, pricing may vary depending on the condition, availability, and any subsequent updates or revisions to the lens model.
Investing in high-quality lenses like the Leitz Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH can significantly enhance your photography, allowing you to capture breathtaking wide-angle images with Leica’s legendary image quality and precision.
