Buying your first Leica M lens is exciting, and slightly terrifying. Leica lenses aren’t cheap, and most photographers can’t afford to buy three or four lenses just to discover which focal length they prefer. The first lens you buy needs to be one you’ll use every day, not one that spends most of its life in the camera bag.
After years of shooting Leica cameras and trying different focal lengths, my recommendation is always the same.
Buy a 35mm.
Whether it’s the legendary 35mm f/2 Summicron or the stunning 35mm f/1.4 Summilux, a 35mm lens gives you the greatest versatility, the fastest learning curve and the best chance of falling in love with the Leica M system.
The Leica M Is Different
If you’re coming from a DSLR or mirrorless camera with zoom lenses, a Leica M can feel restrictive at first.
There’s no autofocus. No zoom. No image stabilisation. No endless menu system.
Instead, you’re encouraged to slow down and think about composition.
That’s why choosing the right focal length matters so much.
A 35mm makes that transition easier than almost any other lens.
Wide Enough Without Being Too Wide
One of the biggest mistakes first-time Leica owners make is assuming wider is always better.
A 28mm captures more of the scene, but it also demands stronger composition. It’s easier to include distracting backgrounds or end up with subjects that feel too small in the frame.
A 35mm gives you breathing room without sacrificing intimacy.
It captures enough context to tell a story while keeping attention on your subject.
More Flexible Than a 50mm
Many Leica photographers love the classic 50mm, and for good reason.
It’s beautiful for portraits and offers a traditional perspective.
But when you’re travelling, walking city streets or photographing family indoors, 50mm can quickly feel too tight.
You’ll constantly find yourself stepping backwards—only to discover there’s a wall behind you.
With a 35mm, those situations simply disappear.
You’ll Learn Faster
One of the hidden advantages of committing to a single 35mm lens is that your photography improves more quickly.
Instead of wondering which lens to mount, you begin recognising compositions instinctively.
Eventually you stop thinking in focal lengths altogether.
You simply know what fits within the frame before lifting the camera.
That’s when photography becomes effortless.
Summicron or Summilux?
Both are outstanding first Leica lenses.
Choose the Summicron if…
- You value compact size.
- You travel frequently.
- You want exceptional sharpness.
- You prefer a lighter everyday setup.
- You want one of Leica’s greatest all-round lenses.
The Summicron represents everything the Leica M system is famous for—small, discreet and optically brilliant.
Choose the Summilux if…
- You frequently shoot in low light.
- You enjoy shallow depth of field.
- You love photographing at night.
- You appreciate Leica’s signature rendering wide open.
The Summilux offers an extra stop of light and produces a distinctive look that many photographers find irresistible.
Don’t Overthink It
Many new Leica owners spend months comparing MTF charts, reading forum debates and watching endless YouTube videos.
The reality is much simpler.
Both the Summicron and Summilux are world-class lenses.
The bigger decision isn’t which version to buy—it’s choosing the focal length that you’ll actually enjoy using every day.
For most photographers, that’s 35mm.
My Advice
If I were buying my very first Leica M today, I’d still start with a 35mm.
It can shoot street photography in the morning, landscapes in the afternoon, family photos at dinner and city lights after dark.
It’s the lens that teaches you how to see.
And that’s ultimately what the Leica M experience is all about—not collecting equipment, but developing your eye.
If you only buy one Leica lens this year, make it a 35mm.
You probably won’t regret it.
