The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f3.4 ASPH and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM is the longer of the two lenses at 71mm. The Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f3.4 ASPH with a length of 43mm, is 28mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM also has a larger diameter of 65mm compared to the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f3.4 ASPH's 53mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f3.4 ASPH weighs 279g, which means it is 71g (20%) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM which has a weight of 350g.
Filter Threads
The Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f3.4 ASPH has a filter size of 46mm whereas the Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM has a 58mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 46mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f3.4 ASPH:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f3.4 ASPH and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM has the same Leica M lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Leica M lenses are Leica M EV1, Leica M11-D and Pixii Max.
Focal Range
Leica Super-Elmar-M 21mm f3.4 ASPH is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 21mm.
On the other hand, the Carl Zeiss Distagon T4/18 ZM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 18mm.
