Your videos are well produced, well shot and great audio. Different perspective from you than other photographers on youtube. Love to see more in depth content from you. Keep it up!
It could have been of interest, but three years ago I purchased, after considerable research, the ZEISS Biogon ZM f4.5/21mm. Distortion-Free Perfection. 👌 .. although I selected it for work with film. Rear elements of 'optically true' 21mm lenses are fine with film, but too close for digital sensors. This is where retrofocus designs are preferable, providing the corrections are adequate. Thanks for the findings you have shared in this video. ☆☆☆☆☆
Thanks for doing this review. I like how you cover film angle as well. Also, I like your image examples. They are great and provide a good sense of the lens.
Great, thorough walkthrough of the COLOR-SKOPAR 21MM. Love the IQ, and those sunstars alone at F/4 are seriously making me consider this lens over the LEICA SUPER-ELMAR - M 21MM. Almost $3K in savings!
Nice to read. I’ve got a 25zm and all longer Leica glass with a new (to me) m246m. I’d love to get that super elmar but at 2.5k in Hong Kong, and other expenses coming up… you know. I’m wondering if it’s too close in view° to the 25 to spend those dollars. Oh, I didn’t go to the 28 is that I also have a q2. Love 28 for decades, loving 25 more recently.
Great video. Detailed but not boring or long winded. Just yesterday, I got a great deal on a new f4 version of the Voigtlander for my Sony a7Cii, to complement my Sony 20mm f1.8. I’ll use the Voigtlander for travelling to reduce the overall form factor and weight. Looking forward to seeing the results. Thanks for the video.
Andrew, I'm a bit late but thank you for your wonderful picture packed review of the Voigtlander f/3.5 Color Skopar using *both* Digital & Film! I'm sure it was a lot of work. Some reviewers talk, talk & more talk w/very few sample images (not my kind of review). After seeing your images, I'm pulling the trigger on one of these 21's since I'm finding it nearly impossible to find a New Leica 21 SEM in stock (esp. below full List Price). Finally, I'll have to visit Montreal one day as I get up to Vermont & Maine every once in a while.
I see you mentioned the Summaron. I tested the Summaron 28mm f/5.6 on the M10 and just loved how sharp, yet subtle it was, especially with skin texture compared to the Summilux on my X-U. However, I had more limited use of the 5.6 aperture and also investing in 34mm filters just for this lens. So, I got the 35mm f/2.8 Summaron with no viewfinder attachment which uses my 39mm filters, as a trade-off. I have a larger aperture lens, the Summaron signature vignette wide open with the subtle sharpness signature. It's great both on my film M4 and my digital M246 Monochrom. But when I want some modern rendering especially for very detailed landscape, I'm getting the 35mm and 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar.
As I’ve seen very few people reviewing this lens, I appreciate your thoroughness on all aspects of how it performs. I recently got this and the first version of the 35mm f/2 which has the same focus stick. I tried the Haoge brand lens hood that fits both the 21 and 35 lenses, and it worked well and has a good, snug fit. When you mentioned using a CPL, do you use it while shooting on the rangefinder cameras? I didn’t know how you can do that effectively without being able to see the effect through the lens. Or do you only use the CPL on digital?
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it. The 35 is a solid choice, how are you finding the focus stick? I use the cpl on digi and film M cameras. I mark the top of the filter with the help of the digital camera and align the filter on my film M. I also account for the roughly one stop loss of light when metering. The reference point is clutch as I can know what to expect when shooting film and on the fly stuff.
@@GenericPhotographer thanks for explaining how you do that. I don’t think I’ve come across anyone else using a CPL on a rangefinder before. If you would consider making a video about that, I would find it helpful. I don’t mind the focusing stick. I know people didn’t like it, so the version II has a traditional tab. But I’m fine with the stick especially since the 21mm has it too.
Lovely review, the only proper one for this lens so thank you for that. Could you kindly explain what you mean by saying it's difficult to attain low contrast B&W images? I am considering this lens for my digital cl but want a lens that has good microcontrast for B&W photography
Hi Andrew, thanks for sharing your insight on the Voigtlander. I'm going to visit Montreal in Dec (not the best time to visit, but it's cold and wet here in Vancouver anyway). As an intern architect, I'll probably try to get some photos of Notre Dame, some interesting metro stations, old Montreal, etc. Long story short, would you say I should get a 21mm or should my 35mm be adequate?
Personally, it’s either a single 35mm lens or both a 50 & 21 combo for me. The 21 and 50 combo is very satisfying but I can survive solely with a 35 as it’s not too wide nor too zoomed in. Still the 21 is a really natural way of exploring the wide angle perspective.
@@GenericPhotographer Awesome! I do have a 50mm Lux but I guess I'll probably go with just the 35mm for now unless I see a very good deal on the 21mm viewfinder!
Bonjour! Nice review! keep 'em coming. I've been eyeing this lens for a while and might just pick one up but have also thinking about saving up for the Leica SEM. Have you felt any need to upgrade from this lens? You mentioned some other Leica lenses (possibly other 21mm lenses?) that showed some field curvature, which ones did you try?
Thanks! A very good video, with the pros and cons listed neutrally. 21mm is a focal length that I have never used. On my Leica MP I have a 28mm. On my zoom for my digital camera, I can go to 24mm. I fear that if I go lower, I will get a fun lens which distortions and exaggerated perspective. I also hate changing lenses. Can you tell me what I miss by fearing 21mm?
Thanks! I'd be more inclined to get this lens simply due to the zeiss wobble fear and more recent/better build of the voigt. Cardigan from is Simons ;)
I just got the 25zm in silver- I’m a huge Zeiss ze fan and needed a break from my 28 life, and I have a Q. That said, I’m wanting something wider. $3k for a super elmar is a hard chew. I’m a 28 & 50 guy normally, + 1 wider and 1 longer. I hoped the 25 would be the middle to keep to a 3- lens kit. Not sure, damn
Great review thanks. I can really tell from the review that you have been using the lens for a year and not a week. That’s very refreshing. Have you tried it on your SL? I would love to get the Voightlander 20mm for Nikon mount but it is very hard to find as I don’t think many were made. I like the very close focus option of an SLR lens.
Hey Andrew, good review man. One question: did you think about the other 21mm f/4 Color-Skopar lens Voigtlander offers? I have no idea how one would compare against the other in terms of optical qualities and results... I've been considering both of these lenses for while for my M10M so this is useful, thanks a lot and keep sharing! Cheers from Spain
Thanks for watching! The 21 f4 is an older design and made for film. It didn’t play well on digital sensors in the edges displaying color casts. Which wouldn’t apply to you if you’re only shooting monochrome. Also I’ve witnessed sample variations in the f4 so make sure you try it before you buy it and check for decentering. It’s a great lens as well.
I have the 21mm f/4 Color-Skopar. I only use it on my M4 film Leica, and not on my M246 Monochrom, for which I use my Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 Biogon, such a sweet lens!
I had a Voigtländer 21 mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar and found it indeed had chromatic aberration. I didn’t try to remove it in post, but sold the lens and several other lenses I tested at that time (Voigtländer Super Wide-Heliar 15 mm f/4.5, Voigtländer Nokton Classic-M 35 mm f1.4, TT Artisans-M 50 mm f/1.4, and Leica Summarit-M 90 mm f/2). Perhaps I shouldn’t have been so picky.
It has gobs of micro contrast and sharpness. It’s an easy lens to keep and use for the image quality and size. I don’t feel like I’m missing out at all with this lens
The size and weight; I wanted a small and quick-to-focus lens. I've got 35 1.4 or 50 1.4 lenses for subject isolation, which even a 21 1.4 couldn't come close to with regards to shallow depth of field. Hope that helps!
Hi there, great video. Is this Voigtlander 21mm f3.5 type 2 review or type 1? Im shopping for 21mm for my Leica, but not willing to spend Leica 21mm f2.8 elmarit $$$$. Thanks
This is now designated as the Type 1, however from what I gather they're the same optics in different packages, much like the 35 and 28 ultrons. I like both designs, I prefer the focus stick of the type 1's while I also like the full brass heft of the type 2's.
I have no idea why this is happening, but every. single. camera/lens/film review video is Canadian. Is no one in the United States producing camera/lens/film review videos, or are the 190 billion TH-cam videos being produced exclusively in Canada? I have nothing against Canadian made content, but I think I've counted 11,000 "aboot"s this week alone.
![How to get closer! [Leica 21mm Super-Angulon Review]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/eLBRnFS-btA/mqdefault.jpg)
Your videos are well produced, well shot and great audio. Different perspective from you than other photographers on youtube. Love to see more in depth content from you. Keep it up!
It could have been of interest, but three years ago I purchased, after considerable research, the ZEISS Biogon ZM f4.5/21mm. Distortion-Free Perfection. 👌
.. although I selected it for work with film. Rear elements of 'optically true' 21mm lenses are fine with film, but too close for digital sensors. This is where retrofocus designs are preferable, providing the corrections are adequate.
Thanks for the findings you have shared in this video.
☆☆☆☆☆
Thanks for doing this review. I like how you cover film angle as well. Also, I like your image examples. They are great and provide a good sense of the lens.
Great, thorough walkthrough of the COLOR-SKOPAR 21MM. Love the IQ, and those sunstars alone at F/4 are seriously making me consider this lens over the LEICA SUPER-ELMAR - M 21MM. Almost $3K in savings!
Nice to read. I’ve got a 25zm and all longer Leica glass with a new (to me) m246m. I’d love to get that super elmar but at 2.5k in Hong Kong, and other expenses coming up… you know. I’m wondering if it’s too close in view° to the 25 to spend those dollars.
Oh, I didn’t go to the 28 is that I also have a q2. Love 28 for decades, loving 25 more recently.
Great review Andrew. Tiny lens and so much versatility. Nice content👌👌
Thanks for watching and for the support Marlon! It’s a little gem of a lens indeed
Nice job. No BS. No drama. Just conversation and information. All good.
I'm in love with the Zeiss 21mm f/4.5.
Love that lens too, I tried one and considered it big time! Only catch was the color casts on digital cameras:(
@@GenericPhotographer I was going to ask for a comparison between these two. I've got my eyes on the Zeiss 21mm 4.5 or this Voigtlander 21mm 3.5
@@OneStarLeatherGoods If you shoot or plan on shooting digital, just go for the voigtlander. The zeiss is great but it's not made for digital sensors.
Great video. Detailed but not boring or long winded.
Just yesterday, I got a great deal on a new f4 version of the Voigtlander for my Sony a7Cii, to complement my Sony 20mm f1.8. I’ll use the Voigtlander for travelling to reduce the overall form factor and weight. Looking forward to seeing the results.
Thanks for the video.
Very helpful video , just got a great deal on one of these along with the hood and viewfinder , can't wait to use it on my M10-D
You’re gonna love it! Talk about a digital analog experience
Andrew, I'm a bit late but thank you for your wonderful picture packed review of the Voigtlander f/3.5 Color Skopar using *both* Digital & Film! I'm sure it was a lot of work.
Some reviewers talk, talk & more talk w/very few sample images (not my kind of review).
After seeing your images, I'm pulling the trigger on one of these 21's since I'm finding it nearly impossible to find a New Leica 21 SEM in stock (esp. below full List Price).
Finally, I'll have to visit Montreal one day as I get up to Vermont & Maine every once in a while.
Your shot of the moonlit clouds over the lake was amazing. Was it taken hand held?
I see you mentioned the Summaron. I tested the Summaron 28mm f/5.6 on the M10 and just loved how sharp, yet subtle it was, especially with skin texture compared to the Summilux on my X-U. However, I had more limited use of the 5.6 aperture and also investing in 34mm filters just for this lens. So, I got the 35mm f/2.8 Summaron with no viewfinder attachment which uses my 39mm filters, as a trade-off. I have a larger aperture lens, the Summaron signature vignette wide open with the subtle sharpness signature. It's great both on my film M4 and my digital M246 Monochrom. But when I want some modern rendering especially for very detailed landscape, I'm getting the 35mm and 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar.
As I’ve seen very few people reviewing this lens, I appreciate your thoroughness on all aspects of how it performs. I recently got this and the first version of the 35mm f/2 which has the same focus stick. I tried the Haoge brand lens hood that fits both the 21 and 35 lenses, and it worked well and has a good, snug fit. When you mentioned using a CPL, do you use it while shooting on the rangefinder cameras? I didn’t know how you can do that effectively without being able to see the effect through the lens. Or do you only use the CPL on digital?
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it. The 35 is a solid choice, how are you finding the focus stick? I use the cpl on digi and film M cameras. I mark the top of the filter with the help of the digital camera and align the filter on my film M. I also account for the roughly one stop loss of light when metering. The reference point is clutch as I can know what to expect when shooting film and on the fly stuff.
@@GenericPhotographer thanks for explaining how you do that. I don’t think I’ve come across anyone else using a CPL on a rangefinder before. If you would consider making a video about that, I would find it helpful. I don’t mind the focusing stick. I know people didn’t like it, so the version II has a traditional tab. But I’m fine with the stick especially since the 21mm has it too.
Lovely review, the only proper one for this lens so thank you for that. Could you kindly explain what you mean by saying it's difficult to attain low contrast B&W images? I am considering this lens for my digital cl but want a lens that has good microcontrast for B&W photography
Hi Andrew, thanks for sharing your insight on the Voigtlander.
I'm going to visit Montreal in Dec (not the best time to visit, but it's cold and wet here in Vancouver anyway).
As an intern architect, I'll probably try to get some photos of Notre Dame, some interesting metro stations, old Montreal, etc.
Long story short, would you say I should get a 21mm or should my 35mm be adequate?
Personally, it’s either a single 35mm lens or both a 50 & 21 combo for me. The 21 and 50 combo is very satisfying but I can survive solely with a 35 as it’s not too wide nor too zoomed in. Still the 21 is a really natural way of exploring the wide angle perspective.
@@GenericPhotographer Awesome! I do have a 50mm Lux but I guess I'll probably go with just the 35mm for now unless I see a very good deal on the 21mm viewfinder!
Bonjour! Nice review! keep 'em coming. I've been eyeing this lens for a while and might just pick one up but have also thinking about saving up for the Leica SEM. Have you felt any need to upgrade from this lens? You mentioned some other Leica lenses (possibly other 21mm lenses?) that showed some field curvature, which ones did you try?
Thanks! A very good video, with the pros and cons listed neutrally. 21mm is a focal length that I have never used. On my Leica MP I have a 28mm. On my zoom for my digital camera, I can go to 24mm. I fear that if I go lower, I will get a fun lens which distortions and exaggerated perspective. I also hate changing lenses. Can you tell me what I miss by fearing 21mm?
I have the 35mm f1.4 Voigtlander, you think it would be a big difference?
Nice video, I have been looking at this lens vs the Zeiss 25mm 2.8. Unrelated, but where did you get that cardigan?
Thanks! I'd be more inclined to get this lens simply due to the zeiss wobble fear and more recent/better build of the voigt. Cardigan from is Simons ;)
I just got the 25zm in silver- I’m a huge Zeiss ze fan and needed a break from my 28 life, and I have a Q.
That said, I’m wanting something wider. $3k for a super elmar is a hard chew.
I’m a 28 & 50 guy normally, + 1 wider and 1 longer. I hoped the 25 would be the middle to keep to a 3- lens kit. Not sure, damn
Great review thanks. I can really tell from the review that you have been using the lens for a year and not a week. That’s very refreshing.
Have you tried it on your SL? I would love to get the Voightlander 20mm for Nikon mount but it is very hard to find as I don’t think many were made. I like the very close focus option of an SLR lens.
At 5:12 you mention coding the lens, what’s your process? Do you select something in camera or in LR?
I don’t apply any profile in camera and I apply the proper lens profile in Lightroom.
@@GenericPhotographer Got it, thanks. Since not all Voigtlander lenses have a proper LR profile, i wasn't sure if you were using a workaround.
Excellent review, thanks.
Hey Andrew, good review man. One question: did you think about the other 21mm f/4 Color-Skopar lens Voigtlander offers? I have no idea how one would compare against the other in terms of optical qualities and results... I've been considering both of these lenses for while for my M10M so this is useful, thanks a lot and keep sharing! Cheers from Spain
Thanks for watching! The 21 f4 is an older design and made for film. It didn’t play well on digital sensors in the edges displaying color casts. Which wouldn’t apply to you if you’re only shooting monochrome. Also I’ve witnessed sample variations in the f4 so make sure you try it before you buy it and check for decentering. It’s a great lens as well.
I have the 21mm f/4 Color-Skopar. I only use it on my M4 film Leica, and not on my M246 Monochrom, for which I use my Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 Biogon, such a sweet lens!
There are tests between the 21/4P and the new 21/3.5 on the M10. The new lens is much sharper in the corners, pretty much perfect for what it is.
I had a Voigtländer 21 mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar and found it indeed had chromatic aberration. I didn’t try to remove it in post, but sold the lens and several other lenses I tested at that time (Voigtländer Super Wide-Heliar 15 mm f/4.5, Voigtländer Nokton Classic-M 35 mm f1.4, TT Artisans-M 50 mm f/1.4, and Leica Summarit-M 90 mm f/2). Perhaps I shouldn’t have been so picky.
What is the difference between this 21mm f3.5 vs f4 version? are both for digital cameras?
F4 isn’t optimized for digital cameras. The 3.5 is more modern and corrected
Would the e mount version the same?
Hmmmm. I just bought a Voigtlander 21mm F1.8. Also nice.
Fantastic lens as well, the trade off for speed is size in this case. One could easily have both lenses.
@@GenericPhotographer the faster lens appealed to me for indoor people shots.
How do you compare this to the distagon? I own a 28 cron, but am looking for a good 21, sub Leica pricing….
It has gobs of micro contrast and sharpness. It’s an easy lens to keep and use for the image quality and size. I don’t feel like I’m missing out at all with this lens
7:50 Could you have used a vintage Ihagee, they are amazing value all metal, I use them on most of my vintage lenses.
Any reasons why you didn’t get Nokton 21mm f/1.4 Aspherical instead, besides the price? Thx!!!
Luv your channel!
The size and weight; I wanted a small and quick-to-focus lens. I've got 35 1.4 or 50 1.4 lenses for subject isolation, which even a 21 1.4 couldn't come close to with regards to shallow depth of field. Hope that helps!
Thanks for sharing 👍
Always a pleasure!
Hi there, great video. Is this Voigtlander 21mm f3.5 type 2 review or type 1? Im shopping for 21mm for my Leica, but not willing to spend Leica 21mm f2.8 elmarit $$$$. Thanks
This is now designated as the Type 1, however from what I gather they're the same optics in different packages, much like the 35 and 28 ultrons. I like both designs, I prefer the focus stick of the type 1's while I also like the full brass heft of the type 2's.
great content
Thank you!
Can you review your 15mm?
I shall eventually!
Do you know how this lens compares to the f4 version?
It’s better in every way other than size and price.
I have no idea why this is happening, but every. single. camera/lens/film review video is Canadian. Is no one in the United States producing camera/lens/film review videos, or are the 190 billion TH-cam videos being produced exclusively in Canada? I have nothing against Canadian made content, but I think I've counted 11,000 "aboot"s this week alone.
The algorithm thinks you’re Canadian 🇨🇦