Leica Summilux-M 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens
The Leica 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. is a 21mm f/1.4 lens designed for Leica M mount cameras. Used copies start from $64.26 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leica Summilux-M 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens
Used Leica 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Leica 21mm f/1.4 ASPH.
Key Features — Leica 21mm f/1.4 ASPH.
21mm f/1.4 Maximum Aperture: An exceptionally rare combination at this focal length, allowing serious low-light shooting with a super wide-angle perspective.
Aspherical Optical Design: ASPH elements correct spherical aberration and distortion, which are particularly challenging to manage at wide angles and large apertures.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed for full-frame sensors, delivering the true 21mm field of view on native Leica M-mount bodies without any crop factor.
Leica M Mount: Natively compatible with Leica M-system rangefinder and mirrorless bodies, and adaptable to other systems with the appropriate mount adapter.
Prime Lens Construction: Fixed 21mm focal length encourages deliberate composition and typically delivers sharper optical performance than zoom alternatives.
Manual Focus Only: Designed for the rangefinder shooting workflow, with a smooth focus ring suited to the precise, hands-on approach M-system photographers prefer.
Lens Specifications — Leica 21mm f/1.4 ASPH.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel, Astrophotography |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 21mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Camera System | Mirrorless |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Weight | 580g |
Description — Leica 21mm f/1.4 ASPH.
The Leica Summilux-M 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. is a wide-angle prime lens designed around the Leica M mount, with full compatibility for full-frame mirrorless camera systems. Its standout specification is the f/1.4 maximum aperture at a 21mm focal length — a combination that positions it firmly in the upper tier of wide-angle prime lenses in terms of light transmission. The lens is a prime (non-zoom) design, fixed at 21mm in the wide-angle range.
Focusing is entirely manual, with no autofocus mechanism, consistent with the deliberate, rangefinder-oriented shooting style the M system encourages. Image stabilization is not present, so exposure management relies on aperture and shutter speed control. The lens weighs 580g, giving it a solid, purposeful feel. No filter thread size is listed in the available specifications, so accessory filter compatibility should be confirmed separately before purchase.
Pros — Leica 21mm f/1.4 ASPH.
- ✓Exceptionally wide maximum aperture of f/1.4 for a 21mm prime lens, offering strong light-gathering capability
- ✓Full-frame coverage ensures the 21mm focal length performs as intended on native Leica M-mount bodies
- ✓Prime lens design at 21mm delivers a fixed, wide-angle perspective suited to deliberate compositional work
Cons — Leica 21mm f/1.4 ASPH.
- ✗No image stabilization, requiring careful technique to manage camera shake at slower shutter speeds
- ✗Manual focus only with no autofocus capability, which may limit usability for action or fast-moving subjects
- ✗No filter thread size is specified in the data, leaving filter compatibility unclear
Reviews — Leica 21mm f/1.4 ASPH.
Videos — Leica 21mm f/1.4 ASPH.
Red Dot Forum Camera Talk: Wide-Angle Leica M Lenses — RedDotForum
Frequently Asked Questions — Leica 21mm f/1.4 ASPH.
What camera mount does this lens use?+
The Leica Summilux-M 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. uses the Leica M lens mount. It is designed for mirrorless camera systems that accept M-mount lenses.
Does this lens cover full-frame sensors?+
Yes, the lens format is specified as full frame, meaning it is designed to cover full-frame image sensors without vignetting introduced by the lens format itself.
Does this lens have autofocus or image stabilization?+
No. This lens is manual focus only and has no image stabilization. Photographers should account for these factors when selecting it for their shooting style.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The maximum aperture is f/1.4, which is notably wide for a 21mm prime lens and allows shooting in lower light conditions compared to slower wide-angle options.
What does this lens weigh?+
The lens weighs 580g. This is worth factoring in when considering overall kit weight, particularly for extended handheld shooting sessions.
Can I use filters with this lens?+
The specifications do not include a filter thread size, so filter compatibility cannot be confirmed from the available data. It is recommended to check directly with Leica or the seller before purchasing filters for this lens.