Lenses

Leica Lenses: Precision Crafted for Perfect Imagery

Discover the unparalleled quality and artistry of Leica lenses, designed to deliver stunning clarity and character. This category explores Leica’s legendary optics, from classic M-mount lenses to modern SL lenses.

I’ve had the Leica 28mm F1.4 Summilux for 3 months at the time of writing this review. In that time I’ve trialled it for landscapes, close ups, low light. All the samples in this review are unedited, I want to show you a true indication of what the lens is...

Maximum performance in a compact construction: the APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH sets new benchmarks. What is new and special about the 35mm Summicron APO is that now we can focus down to 30cm to our subject whereas previously it has been 70cm. This is achieved with a new focus mechanism....

Classics never die I guess. I tried the 50mm 0.95 Noctilux some time ago on my MP and review and thoughts here. With the Noctilux-M 50 f/1.2 ASPH. Leica is re-issuing a lens that occupies a very special place in the company’s history. Produced from 1966 to 1975, the Noctilux...

Model Number 11145 46mm Filter Thread F3.4 to F16 Apature Range Four Low Dispersion Elements One Double Sided Aspherical Element Angle of View [diagonal/horizontal/vertical] 90°/80°/50° (when used on a 35mm sensor or film camera 8 Lenses in 7 groups With the manual focus, you can focus as close as 70cm...

After testing, I am confident to say this lens is sharp all the way from F2.8 to F16 and only falls over when you each F22. My test wasn’t exactly scientific. I’m not a pixel peeper. I don’t buy lenses just to test them. I buy lenses to use them....

Kodak Portra is a professional level film admired for it’s high level of detail from a very fine grain, smooth, natural colours but still with a bit of punch and richness, open shadows without crushed blacks and for being hard to blow out highlights. All this makes for a beautifully...

So…I got to try a Noctilux! But unfortunately only for 1 hour. The Leica Noctilux is the lens most Leica users strive for. At nearly $A15,000 new, this is a 50mm price F0.95. Yep, thats right, F0.95. I don’t techically know how a lens can go below F1.0 (which is...

In my view, the 35mm Summicron is the sharpest lens made by Leica. Hands down. I’ve made some samples available in full resolution to show off the power of this lens. It is a classic. Particularly for street photography. In classic Leica M style, it has a focusing tab, is...

Leica lenses are the gold standard in optical engineering, celebrated for their unmatched sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and distinctive rendering that transforms every photograph into art. In this category, we explore Leica’s extensive lens lineup, from the timeless M-mount lenses favored by rangefinder photographers to the cutting-edge SL lenses designed for modern mirrorless systems. Each review delves into the unique qualities of Leica’s lenses, including their build quality, optical performance, and real-world applications. Learn about iconic lenses like the Noctilux with its ultra-wide apertures, the Summicron for its balance of size and performance, and the Summilux for its signature look. We’ll also cover how Leica lenses excel across genres, from portrait and street photography to landscapes and documentary work.

For those new to Leica, we provide guidance on choosing the perfect lens to complement your camera and shooting style. Seasoned users will find insights into maximizing their lens’s potential and discovering hidden gems within Leica’s catalog. From legendary manual-focus optics to state-of-the-art autofocus designs, Leica lenses are a testament to the brand’s dedication to excellence. Explore the craftsmanship and innovation that have made Leica lenses a benchmark for photographers around the world.