Leitz Cine HEKTOR 18mm T2.1 18mm
A classic Petzval-inspired optical design delivers colorful flares and subtle edge falloff at a fast T2.1 aperture, with interchangeable Sony E and Nikon Z mounts adding flexibility. The compact 840g build and consistent 120° focus rotation across the series streamline rig swaps and gimbal work. This lens suits narrative cinematographers seeking stylized, vintage character rather than clinical sharpness for full-frame productions.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong macro (81st percentile) 81st
Cons
- Below average build (9th percentile)
- Below average af (13th percentile)
- Below average optical (20th percentile)
- Below average aperture (20th percentile)
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Prime |
| Focal Length Min | 18 |
| Focal Length Max | 18 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | T22 |
| Min Aperture | T2.1 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weight | 0.8 kg / 1.9 lbs |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 220 |
vs Competition
| Spec | Leitz Cine HEKTOR 18mm T2.1 18mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 18mm | 28-300mm | 18-50mm | 17-28mm | 12-35mm | 18-135mm |
| Max Aperture | T22 | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E | Sony E | Nikon Z | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 840 | 590 | 290 | 450 | 306 | 326 |
| AF Type | manual focus only | VXD linear motor | stepping motor | Stepping Motor | Autofocus | Linear motor |
| Lens Type | prime | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leitz Cine HEKTOR 18mm T2.1 18mm | 13.3 | 23.1 | 8.8 | 81.3 | 20.2 | 20.3 | 33.6 | 36.8 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 98 | 78.2 | 65.1 | 85.8 | 96.7 | 66.3 | 97.7 | 82.4 |
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 86.9 | 82.1 | 86.1 | 91.7 | 82.2 | 84.2 | 78.6 | 36.8 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 86.9 | 87.3 | 75.2 | 85.8 | 88.2 | 84.2 | 68 | 36.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 Compare | 53.9 | 82.1 | 85.4 | 51 | 86.5 | 84.2 | 80.6 | 96.9 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 98 | 75.7 | 72.5 | 40.3 | 78.5 | 77.6 | 95.8 | 82.4 |
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.