Just picked up a Q3 and love the 28mm, but I need something wider for architecture and tight interior shots when I travel. I know the lens is fixed, so I’m looking at the WATE (Wide Angle Tri-Elmar) or maybe just grabbing the Leica Q3 wide angle adapter.
I’ve read a few threads suggesting the WATE is the gold standard for versatility, but then some users claim the adapter is sharper and way easier to carry for street stuff. My logic was that the WATE gives me more focal length flexibility, but it’s huge and adds so much bulk that it kinda defeats the point of a compact Q3. On the other hand, the adapter seems like a pain to keep swapping if I’m in a rush. I’m an intermediate shooter and mostly do travel photography, so I don't want to carry a massive bag. Has anyone actually used the adapter long-term versus just manual focusing a wider M-mount lens? Which one is actually worth the investment for architectural work?
Everyone pushes the Leica Wide-Angle Lens Q2/Q3 Adapter like it is magic, but honestly, it is just okay. For architecture, stick to the Leica WATE 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH if you want real precision...
Stumbled upon this thread a day late, but honestly, skip the pricey M-glass and just go with the Leica Wide-Angle Lens Q2/Q3 Adapter. It’s way cheaper than a WATE and the digital correction built into the Q3 firmware makes the results look incredible for interiors. Save that extra cash for a decent travel tripod instead—you'll need the stability for architecture more than you'll need the extra focal flexibility.
Look, listen. You bought a compact camera to keep things simple, so why are you trying to turn it into a massive rig? Putting a heavy lens on a Q3 just ruins the balance. I spent years fixing machines and I know that the more parts you add, the more stuff breaks or gets in the way. If you need wide, just get any decent adapter from Leica. It keeps the weight down and you dont have to worry about complex setups while you are out moving through a city. Honestly, for architecture, you just need a steady hand and a good eye. Forget about dragging extra glass everywhere. Keep your kit light. If you keep adding weight, you might as well have bought a bigger camera system to begin with...
Did this last week, worked perfectly
Yep, this is the way
Honestly, I totally agree with the others about keeping the kit small. Ngl, I tried lugging around a massive setup for a trip to Chicago last year and I lowkey hated every minute of it—my back was killing me by noon. Just keep it simple. If you go with the adapter, just make sure you keep the front glass clean, because any smudge shows up way more when you're shooting wide-angle interiors.
Gonna try this over the weekend. Will report back if it works!
Rarely post but I had to chime in because the WATE is overkill for the Q3. You are paying for a complex viewfinder setup you cannot even use properly on that body. If you want architectural shots without wasting money on heavy glass, use the Leica Wide-Angle Lens Attachment M 0.75x or look at the Voigtlander Super Wide Heliar 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III.
- The native adapter is matched perfectly to the sensor software, saving you time in post.
- The Voigtlander is significantly cheaper than the WATE and offers better corner sharpness for architecture.
- Manual focus with focus peaking on the Q3 is accurate enough for static buildings. Save the thousands you would spend on a WATE and put it toward a better tripod. For architecture, a stable base matters more than the lens brand.
To add to the point above: the adapter is the way to go. I saved a ton by avoiding the WATE. Honestly, why spend thousands when the Leica Wide-Angle Lens Attachment M 0.75x does the job? I did the math and for my travel budget, that saved me enough to cover flights for the whole family. The sharpness is fine for interiors and the cost per use is way better than some massive lens you'll never haul around.
TIL! Thanks for sharing