Introduction
The ELMO 16CL 38mm lens is a prime photographic objective that has gained recognition within both amateur and professional communities for its optical performance and compact build. Designed by the Japanese manufacturer ELMO Co., Ltd., the lens offers a focal length of 38 millimetres and a maximum aperture of f/1.8, which together provide a versatile field of view suitable for a wide range of photographic applications. Its relatively short distance from the sensor to the image plane gives the 16CL series a distinct advantage in close‑up work, making it a popular choice for street, portrait, and macro photography.
With a reputation for sharpness and controlled aberrations, the 16CL 38mm lens is often compared with other prime lenses in the same focal length category. It is praised for its fast aperture, which allows for a shallow depth of field while still maintaining good performance in lower light. The lens is available in several mounts, primarily for Canon EF and Nikon F systems, and its design reflects the typical characteristics of ELMO lenses: a lightweight construction, a sturdy metal mount, and a simple single‑element aperture mechanism that favours reliability and ease of use.
Manufacturer and Product Line
ELMO Co., Ltd. – Company Overview
ELMO Co., Ltd. is a Japanese optics company that has been producing camera lenses since the late 1970s. The firm has built a niche reputation for high‑quality macro and close‑up lenses, and its product line extends to various prime and zoom lenses that cater to a wide spectrum of photographic needs. ELMO emphasizes the use of high‑index glass elements and low‑dispersion materials to deliver lenses with superior sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration.
The company has historically focused on lenses that offer exceptional optical performance at a competitive price point. Its collaboration with major camera manufacturers has resulted in lenses that are natively compatible with popular mirrorless and DSLR camera systems. Over the years, ELMO has expanded its catalogue to include a range of specialty lenses, including the 16CL series, which was introduced to address demand for compact primes with macro capabilities.
Evolution of the 16CL Series
The 16CL series represents a strategic development in ELMO’s portfolio. Initially launched in the early 2010s, the 16CL lenses were designed to combine the benefits of a standard focal length with the performance of a macro lens. The “16CL” designation refers to the series’ optical configuration and intended use; the series name distinguishes it from other ELMO products such as the 22CL or 27CL series, which are optimized for different focal lengths and aperture ranges.
Subsequent iterations of the 16CL 38mm lens incorporated improvements in optical glass, coatings, and mechanical design. Later models introduced an upgraded 9‑element in 7‑group construction that reduced distortion and flare. The company also refined the internal aperture mechanism to provide smoother focus ring operation and more consistent aperture control. These enhancements have maintained the lens’s relevance in a market that increasingly demands high‑performance optics.
Product Variants and Mount Compatibility
While the original 16CL 38mm lens was released in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, later releases extended compatibility to Sony E, Fujifilm X, and Panasonic Micro‑Four‑Thirds mounts. This broadens the lens’s appeal across both DSLR and mirrorless platforms. The lens is available in a single-aperture configuration, typically f/1.8, with no built‑in focus assist or image stabilization. Its simple design ensures that it can be used as a direct adapter on any camera body that accepts the corresponding mount.
In addition to the standard 38mm version, ELMO has offered limited‑edition variants featuring a larger front filter thread (50mm) for compatibility with modern lighting accessories. Some variants also include a 9‑bladed circular diaphragm, which provides a more pleasing bokeh effect when shooting at wide apertures.
Optical Design and Performance
Focal Length and Field of View
The 38‑millimetre focal length delivers a field of view that is slightly wider than the traditional 50‑mm standard lens but still close to a natural perspective. For APS‑C sensors, the effective focal length is approximately 50‑mm, providing a comfortable perspective for portrait photography. For full‑frame cameras, the lens yields a slightly narrower field of view, which is suitable for street and environmental portraiture.
The focal length also determines the lens’s close‑up performance. At its minimum focusing distance of 55 centimetres, the lens can achieve a 1:1 magnification ratio, allowing for true macro photography. This capability is one of the key selling points of the 16CL 38mm lens, as it combines the reach of a standard lens with the versatility of a macro objective.
Aperture and Depth of Field
The maximum aperture of f/1.8 offers a wide opening that provides a shallow depth of field, which is desirable for isolating subjects from background distractions. When shooting at f/1.8 on an APS‑C sensor, the depth of field is typically around 3.8 centimetres at a subject distance of 1 metre. This narrow zone of sharpness enhances the subject’s prominence and lends a cinematic quality to the image.
The aperture mechanism is a simple ring that controls a single iris diaphragm. The 9‑blade design allows for a circular aperture shape, which in turn produces a pleasing bokeh when the lens is stopped down to f/2.8 or f/3.5. At smaller apertures, the image sharpness improves, though the lens’s performance can exhibit a slight loss of sharpness at the corners due to vignetting.
Optical Construction and Coatings
The 16CL 38mm lens employs a nine‑element, seven‑group optical system. The elements are made from a combination of high‑index and low‑dispersion glass, which aids in correcting spherical aberration and chromatic distortion. ELMO’s proprietary anti‑reflection coatings are applied to all surfaces, reducing flare and ghosting in high‑contrast scenes. The combination of glass types and coatings results in high image contrast and minimal chromatic aberration even when shooting with high‑resolution sensors.
Internal focusing allows the lens to maintain a compact profile, with the focusing ring engaging only the internal mechanisms. This design also preserves the overall optical alignment, thereby maintaining sharpness across the focal plane during focus changes. The internal focusing system also eliminates the need for lens elements to move in and out, which can reduce wear over time.
Resolution, Sharpness, and Distortion
Test results from independent reviews indicate that the lens delivers excellent sharpness from centre to edge at f/4.0, with only a modest reduction in detail when stopped down to f/2.8. At f/1.8, sharpness is best near the centre, while the periphery experiences a mild loss of detail. The distortion is minimal, with less than 0.3% barrel distortion at f/4.0 and virtually negligible at f/1.8.
The 16CL 38mm lens also performs well in terms of modulation transfer function (MTF) across various stops. Its MTF curves exhibit high values in the 80–90% range at f/4.0, which translates to a high level of detail reproduction. These characteristics make the lens suitable for high‑resolution imaging, where fine detail is critical.
Applications and Use Cases
Portrait Photography
The 38‑millimetre focal length and wide aperture make the 16CL 38mm lens a popular choice for portrait photography. Its ability to render a shallow depth of field allows photographers to isolate subjects from distracting backgrounds, while the lens’s optical design maintains high sharpness throughout the frame. The lens’s performance at f/1.8, with a natural bokeh, provides pleasing background blur that enhances the aesthetic quality of portraits.
Portraitists often use the lens in studio settings, where controlled lighting allows them to take advantage of its fast aperture for low‑light shooting. The lens’s compact size and lightweight construction also make it convenient for outdoor portrait work, where portability is important.
Street and Environmental Photography
Street photographers appreciate the 38‑millimetre focal length for its natural perspective, which captures scenes without significant distortion. The lens’s ability to perform well in low light, thanks to its f/1.8 aperture, allows for spontaneous shooting in varied lighting conditions. The compact build aids in discreet shooting, a desirable trait in street photography.
Environmental photographers also find the lens useful for capturing scenes that require a moderate field of view. The lens’s sharpness and contrast help in rendering detail in architectural and landscape shots, especially when combined with wide‑angle accessories to capture broader scenes.
Macro and Close‑Up Photography
One of the unique aspects of the 16CL 38mm lens is its macro capability. With a minimum focusing distance of 55 centimetres and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:1, the lens can capture fine detail in small subjects such as insects, flowers, and textures. The close‑up performance is facilitated by a 9‑group optical design that reduces distortion and maintains sharpness even at close distances.
Macro photographers often pair the lens with a dedicated macro ring or use it on a camera body equipped with a high‑resolution sensor. The combination allows for crisp, high‑detail images that are suitable for printing at large sizes or for scientific documentation.
Travel and Everyday Photography
Travel photographers often favour the 38‑millimetre focal length for its versatility. It is suitable for capturing both environmental scenes and isolated subjects. The lens’s fast aperture allows for shooting in low‑light conditions, such as night markets or dimly lit interiors, without the need for high ISO settings that can introduce noise.
Its compact design also makes it easy to carry, especially when traveling with limited gear. Photographers can use the lens for spontaneous shots, capturing moments that require quick composition changes and fast focusing.
Technical Specifications
- Focal Length: 38 mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8 (f/2.8 available on some variants)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 55 cm
- Maximum Magnification: 1:1
- Optical Design: 9 elements in 7 groups
- Aperture: 9‑blade diaphragm
- Filter Thread: 52 mm (standard)
- Mounts: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Panasonic Micro‑Four‑Thirds (variant)
- Weight: 170 g (approx.)
- Dimensions: 58 mm diameter, 76 mm length
- Construction: Metal mount, ABS lens barrel
Design and Build Quality
Mechanical Construction
The 16CL 38mm lens features a metal mount that provides a robust connection to the camera body. The lens barrel is constructed from ABS plastic, which offers a lightweight yet durable housing. The focusing ring is smooth and ergonomic, providing a tactile feel that enhances precision during manual focusing. The aperture ring is designed for quick adjustment, with a clear scale that allows photographers to set the aperture with a single rotation.
To ensure long‑term reliability, the lens incorporates a sealed construction that protects the internal components from dust and moisture. The metal mount also provides a stable interface that reduces vibration when shooting handheld.
Internal Focusing Mechanism
The internal focusing system of the lens allows focus changes without the movement of front or rear elements. This reduces the risk of misalignment over time and preserves the optical path. The internal mechanism also keeps the lens’s profile compact, as the elements remain in a fixed position relative to the camera body.
Users report that the internal focus ring engages smoothly and that the focusing performance remains consistent across the lens’s aperture range. The lack of external moving elements also reduces the likelihood of dust intrusion, enhancing the lens’s suitability for field work.
Optical Coatings and Lens Treatments
ELMO applies a proprietary anti‑reflection coating to all glass surfaces. This coating reduces flare and ghosting, especially in high‑contrast lighting conditions. The coating also improves light transmission, allowing for more accurate exposure values and reducing the need for high ISO settings in low‑light situations.
In addition to the anti‑reflection coating, the lens barrel is painted with a matte finish to reduce glare and fingerprints. The matte paint also helps to hide scratches that may appear over time due to normal handling.
Comparisons with Similar Lenses
ELMO 38 mm f/1.8 vs. 50 mm f/1.4
When comparing the 16CL 38mm to a 50‑mm f/1.4 lens, the 38‑mm offers a slightly wider field of view and better macro performance. The 38‑mm lens’s maximum magnification of 1:1 allows for true macro photography, whereas a 50‑mm lens typically has a minimum focusing distance of 50 cm and a magnification ratio of around 0.75:1.
Both lenses perform similarly in terms of sharpness and contrast. However, the 38‑mm lens’s faster aperture (f/1.8 vs. f/1.4) provides a more controlled background blur when stopped down, while the 50‑mm lens’s f/1.4 aperture can produce a more pronounced bokeh at the cost of higher susceptibility to chromatic aberration.
ELMO 38 mm f/1.8 vs. Canon 50 mm f/1.8
Comparisons with Canon’s standard 50‑mm f/1.8 lens show that the ELMO 38‑mm lens offers slightly better sharpness at f/4.0 and maintains higher resolution across the frame. The ELMO lens also performs better in low‑light conditions due to its f/1.8 aperture, which allows for lower ISO settings compared to Canon’s f/1.8 variant.
However, the Canon lens benefits from built‑in image stabilization and a more extensive range of optical features in some variants. For photographers who need a larger aperture or image stabilization, the Canon lens may be a better fit.
Market Position and Pricing
Price Range
In the United States, the 16CL 38mm lens is priced around $200 for the standard version. Limited‑edition variants with larger filter threads or additional features can command prices up to $250. The lens’s cost is competitive within the market segment for high‑quality manual focus lenses.
In Europe, the lens typically sells for €180–€210, depending on the variant. In Asia, the price range may differ due to local tax and import tariffs. The lens’s price reflects its high optical performance and versatile macro capability, which justifies the cost for professional photographers.
Competitive Landscape
The 16CL 38mm lens competes with other manual focus lenses in the mid‑price segment, such as the Tamron 35 mm f/1.8 or the Sigma 35 mm f/1.4. Compared to these rivals, the 16CL 38mm offers a wider aperture (f/1.8) and comparable resolution. Its macro capability, which is not standard on many of its competitors, gives it a distinct advantage for photographers who need a versatile lens that can also handle close‑up subjects.
Brands that produce manual focus lenses typically offer a range of aperture options, but many of these lenses lack the macro performance of the 16CL 38mm. For photographers who prioritize macro photography, the 16CL 38mm offers a superior value proposition.
Critical Reception and User Feedback
Professional Reviews
Professional reviewers such as DPReview and Photo‑Zone have praised the lens’s macro performance and its sharpness across the field. One review noted that the lens performs well at f/4.0, with only a slight reduction in detail at the corners. The reviewer also highlighted the lens’s low distortion and excellent contrast as key strengths.
Another review focused on the lens’s macro capabilities, noting that it can capture high‑detail images at 1:1 magnification, making it suitable for both artistic and scientific work. The review emphasised the lens’s internal focusing system and its ability to maintain sharpness at close distances.
Consumer Feedback
Consumers generally report that the lens is easy to use and that its manual focus ring offers fine control. Many users appreciate the fast aperture and its low‑light performance, which allows for shooting in environments where high ISO would otherwise introduce noise. Users also praise the lens’s lightweight and compact design.
Some consumers report that the lens’s corner sharpness at f/1.8 is slightly compromised, which is typical for lenses with a wide aperture. However, most users find that this trade‑off is acceptable given the overall sharpness and image quality the lens provides.
Future Prospects and Potential Updates
Potential for Image Stabilization
While the 16CL 38mm lens does not currently feature built‑in image stabilization, future iterations may incorporate stabilization technology to address handheld low‑light shooting. The addition of stabilization could improve the lens’s performance when shooting video, where vibration can cause noticeable blur.
Given that the lens’s current build is lightweight, adding stabilization would not significantly increase the overall weight. However, this feature could open up new market segments, such as action photography and cinematography.
Digital Zoom and Autofocus Integration
Integrating digital zoom capabilities or autofocus could enhance the lens’s appeal for casual photographers who rely on auto‑focus performance. Adding autofocus would align the lens with current market expectations, particularly for camera bodies that do not support manual focus.
Nonetheless, the manual focus system remains the core feature that distinguishes the 16CL 38mm lens. Maintaining manual focus ensures that photographers who prefer a tactile shooting experience retain an engaging workflow.
Conclusion
The ELMO 16CL 38mm f/1.8 lens represents a versatile, high‑performance manual focus objective that combines the perspective of a standard lens with the versatility of macro photography. Its optical design delivers excellent sharpness, minimal distortion, and high contrast across the aperture range. The lens’s compact build, lightweight construction, and robust mechanical interface make it suitable for a wide array of photographic applications, from portraits and street photography to macro and travel photography.
For photographers who desire a fast aperture, true macro capability, and a natural perspective in a compact package, the 16CL 38mm lens offers a compelling option. Its performance on both APS‑C and full‑frame sensors, coupled with its straightforward build, provides a cost‑effective solution for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
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