Compact lenses for SL

[hirohhhh]

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I started my SL journey with 24-90, 5 years ago, and although it was a heavy setup, I liked it, and I didn't mind. It became a burden over the years, so I tried some rangefinders, but I still prefer my SL, now SL2. I also like my 35mm cron, which is significantly smaller than any other SL lens I have (24-90, 50 lux, 90-280), but sometimes I wish for something even smaller. What 35 or 50 compact lenses would be a good replacement for days that I don't feel carrying too much, but still want to have SL2 with me?

Edited February 17, 2021 by hirohhhh

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[ropo54]

The Sigma 45 2.8 is an excellent, compact lightweight, and inexpensive option. 

[Slender]

"Cheap" M mount lenses like a Zeiss 35 Distagon? It's manual but you get a internal focussing, very good performances and f1.4... I saw some images of the pairing with SL2 it seems good!

[hirohhhh]

I’m not sure about manual focusing. I’m just not used to. I always used autofocus and I think going back to manual would be a significant learning curve for me.

[Slender]

3 hours ago, hirohhhh said:

I’m not sure about manual focusing. I’m just not used to. I always used autofocus and I think going back to manual would be a significant learning curve for me.

That actually sound like a good reason to, really
 

 

 

[hirohhhh]

7 hours ago, Slender said:

That actually sound like a good reason to, really

Far from that I'm against learning new things. I do that each day, just thinking how that would affect my photography. Autofocus always worked exceptionally for me, so one less thing to think about and focus on photography. Also, I shoot my kids A LOT, and they are not still for a second.

But hey, these lenses are quite cheap, so that I may give it a try.

Edited February 17, 2021 by hirohhhh

[Abram]

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I'm a recent L mount adopter after several years focused on the M mount. I'm still shooting an M but I've whittled my setup down to just my M-A and preferred 35mm lens. The SL (the original) is a totally different experience for me but despite the age I'm really impressed with the image quality. As you noted in your original post, the native L mount lenses that Leica currently offers are... enormous (when coming from the M world). 

I have not yet been able to try the Leica options but they're obviously fantastic performers. 

What I have been using however is the Sigma I series options. At the moment I have the 35/45/65mm lenses and they are wonderfully balanced for the SL body. I'm also impressed with the build and image quality for their respective price points. I may not keep them all but I like pairing the 35 and 65mm together as I find that they handle well and render in similar manners. The 45mm is delightfully compact and I've been pairing that with my Q. 

Truth be told, if I had the funds I would probably buy the L mount 50mm Summicron as my only lens and just be done with it, but aside from that, I really am impressed with the sigma lenses in many ways. 

[SiggiGun]

I sold my 24-90mm SL for the same reason: excellent lens but big and havy.... There  are currectly some rumors about an upcoming 28-70mm SL f2.8 lens, smaller and less havy,... I have no idea, if this is true, if Yes, if it is an Leica design or an rebrandet Sigma or Panasonic lens. In the meantime I replaced the "Big one" Vairo-Elmarit-SL by a smaller Tri-Elmar-M 28-35-50mm f4.0 with good results on the SL or SL2. 

[MediaFotografie]

maybe this upcoming lens will be a useful solution for a compact SL lens: