With the introduction of the ELMARIT-M f/2.8/21 mm ASPH., Leica Camera has added a new super-wide-angle lens of the highest optical performance to its range of lenses for the LEICA M6 and all older M models. In order to achieve a visible improvement of the image quality, the optical complexity was increased considerably in comparison with the lens's predecessor: the new lens now comprises 9 elements in 7 components, including one element with an aspherical surface. Three of the elements are composed of high-refractive glass and two of glass with partial anomalous dispersion. Thanks to these improvements and a sophisticated optical design, a lens has been created, which, although considerably smaller than its predecessor, features visibly enhanced optical performance.Even at full aperture the lens is notable for its very good reproduction of contrast and detail in the center of the image and across the entire image field. Comma and astigmatism are virtually non-existent up to an image height of 18 mm. This very good performance can be enhanced still further by stopping down slightly. Another remarkable feature of the lens is its perfectly flattened field and its low tendency towards flare under unfavorable shooting conditions, for example where the image contains light sources. The lens provides further proof that sophisticated and complex optical design and state-of-the-art production methods can be used to set new quality standards for super-wide-angle lenses. With the ELMARIT-M f/2.8/21 mm ASPH., Leica Camera has added yet another high-performance lens to the LEICA M system. Thanks to its compact design and excellent optical performance, this lens proudly takes its place in the new generation of super-wide-angle lenses.