Another Leica TL 18-56mm f3.5 lens

[Dopaco]

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The Leica TL2 is now my favorite camera, I spent a while using it in MF mode with my old M lenses, until I bought the 18mm f2.8 lens (New).

I had the feeling that I was falling short with the 18mm and bought a T 18-56mm. f3.5 (used), which works well but on the outside it had and still has quite a few scratches on the paint.

For all that has been said, I would like to buy another one (used) but in better condition, of course, also more expensive, and keep the other one as a spare. It's a versatile lens that I use a lot. It has an acceptable size and weight and does everything I ask of it well.

I've looked at comparisons to the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 (new) and I think the Leica 18-56 looks good at TL2 and performs better than the Sigma. I plan to spend between €700 and €1000 approximately.

I would like to hear your wise advice and a place to buy it that offers a guarantee. I have searched on Ebay and there are several that fit my budget but first I want to hear your suggestions and advice.

I hear you.

[dpitt]

Maybe it is just me, but I would not mind a few scratches on a used lens. And if I have 2 lenses that perform the same I prefer to take the one with the scratches to use, because I can use that one without fear of adding the first scratch and losing more value. In general, I am very careful with my gear so the risk of damaging it is low, but accidents can happen.

Why not investing the money in a second prime? Maybe a 35 mm or so? I have the Summilux 1:1.4/35 TL ASPH for my TL2 and it is a wonderful lens.

Edited September 3, 2023 by dpitt

[Dopaco]

50 minutes ago, dpitt said:

Maybe it is just me, but I would not mind a few scratches on a used lens. And if I have 2 lenses that perform the same I prefer to take the one with the scratches to use, because I can use that one without fear of adding the first scratch and losing more value. In general, I am very careful with my gear so the risk of damaging it is low, but accidents can happen.

Why not investing the money in a second prime? Maybe a 35 mm or so? I have the Summilux 1:1.4/35 TL ASPH for my TL2 and it is a wonderful lens.

It is something that I have also thought about but the summilux 35 f 1.4 is one of the best TL lenses, also the most expensive and largest and you cover that range with the 18-56mm. which with good light will give equally good results.

[Dopaco]

Summilux 35 f1.4

 

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[dpitt]

You are right. The Summilux 35 TL looks (and is) enormous with the sunhood on. I bought mine used at a lower price than the 18-56 zoom new price. It is about the same size as my Panasonix 20-60, which I use for my TL2 and SL.

While the 20-60 gives me a practical solution on both TL2 and SL. The 35 is in a different league. I would never trade my 35 TL for a 18-56 if, I already have a decent zoom in that range. If I want the best quality modern look on the TL2 at 50mm eq. the 35 TL is the winner.

I never compared it directly with the SL primes and zoom lenses, but I think it comes very close within the crop boundaries. Maybe some owners that have both can shed some light on this. I never had the SL lenses for my SL, but the 35 Summilux competes heavily with my M and R lenses on the SL. YMMV

 

Edited September 3, 2023 by dpitt

[BLeventhal]

CameraWest in California has a number of them on sale with a 6 month warranty. Last time I checked, they were running a 10% off Labor Day sale too. 

 

bruce

[Dopaco]

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