Swap Leica 24-70 for 24-90?

[wdshuck]

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I purchased by SL2S with a Leica 24-70 and had been happy with the size and low light capabilities of the lens. However I recently picked up a Sigma 50 1.4 which better solves both problems indoors. I am now thinking of swapping the 24-70 for the 24-90 to get potentially better IQ and longer range for landscapes. Has anyone made the switch? Did you regret it?

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[Simone_DF]

You can have a look at the Sigma 90mm f2.8, it’s small and compact, and it’s a good performer. That way you could mix & match your three lenses depending on your needs: take only one, or two, or all three. 

[Luke_Miller]

When I bought my used SL I ordered it with the then new 24-70.  Before it shipped, I changed the order to a used 24-90 which cost more.  Since I never took possession of the 24-70 I can't offer any comparisons.  My rationale for the swap was that the Nikon 24-70 was my second most used lens with the 70-200 being the most used. It was clear that I would get a lot of use from the additional 20mm.  I am very impressed with the 24-90 and because of that experience added the 90-280.

[Camaro5]

I've been thinking of doing this swap as well.  It does scare me a little as I like the 24-70 and have taken some great images with it.  Rather than just going ahead and doing it, I'm going to rent a 24-90 and see for myself if it would be worth it.  

One thing that I like about the 24-70 is that it's a constant f/2.8 where the 24-90 is f/2.8 to f/4.  That was the reason I chose it initially.  I shoot a lot in lower light, and that hasn't changed so it still might be the better option.  

[TeleElmar135mm]

I had the Sigma 24-70 (the Leica one ws not released) and I changed. The 24.-90 is heavier but the image quality is much ahead. OK only f/4 at 90mm, for most images it's ok. The Sigma 90mm as (in #2) is very close to the 24-90 at 90mm - so if you are looking for a lens for indoor take the sigma 85 DG DN. It s great and costs only a little of the Leica 90mm APO.

[Olaf_ZG]

I was doubting which standard zoom to buy recently, and I went with a second hand 24-90. Really happy with the results and really happy I went with this lens.

[Pierre68]

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I have bought the SL2-S with the 24-70 as a kit. Used the 24-70 quite a lot and it is a fine lens. But I did need the extra range of the 24-90 especially for portraits. So I swapped the lenses and now I am a happy shooter of th 24-90. It is an exceptional lens in image quality and in the focal range it covers. So I can only encourage you to do the same, if money is not a major issue.

[dem331]

I have the 24-90, and it is a great lens, I use it quite frequently, but it is big and heavy. 
 

If I were in your situation I would keep what you have and get an used APO Summicron prime , probably the 90mm given your set up. 

[goodbokeh]

I agree with dem331, get a nice used 90mm SL APO as a supplement to your 24-70. I have both the 24-70 and 24-90. Candidly, I like and use the 24-70 quite a bit more because of it's constant 2.8 speed and less weight/girth. Also, the 24-90 at the longer (50mm +) focal lengths has a bit of contrast fall off...would you like that? Let's face it, it's getting to be an old lens design, especially for a zoom.

Edited December 1, 2023 by goodbokeh
more info added.

[Camaro5]

I was browsing around the Net tonight and a camera shop I've dealt with in the past had a pre-owned 24-90 for sale that I got for $2300.  I thought that was a pretty good price and the lens is in mint condition.  It's also returnable if I don't like it.  If I sell my 24-70 the cost won't be an issue.  I don't shoot much in 90 mm range so the f/4 aperture should not present much of an issue.  

Hopefully this all works out.  It's always a gamble with pre-owned stuff but this shop has always been fair with their prices and their descriptions.  

 

[RBB]

I have both of them, prefer the 24-90 on all levels except size and weight. For landscape the 24-90 it's the one I always take, the extra stop doesn't matter, I shoot most of my photo's f/8 or f/11 doing landscape. The 24-70 is a good lens and ad the f/2.8 but is noting special I think.

[TealWayFilms]

I have both the Sigma 24-70 and the Leica 24-90 for my SL2-S. My 24-90 is my go to for outside still photography, especially as I live in a location with messy weather. I know that the camera and lens are sealed. In addition, my 24-90 is constant aperture.... always 5.6 or 8.0 so it doesn't matter what focal length I choose. Although heavy, there are multiple ways available to carry cameras and lenses this size.

The Sigma 24-70 has an ND filter for video on my fp.

Inside, I use the 35 and 75 apos.

[Photoworks]

I have used the 24-90 for years. On many occasions, the extra reach makes a difference. If a 24-105 would come out at 2.8 with good performance I would buy that.

In the Studio, Many of my celebration shoots have a time restriction, I am already connected to the computer with a tether cable, so changing lenses is not an option, especially if they change exposure. In a small period of time portraits and full body-group shots need to be captured.
In the 90mm range, the 24-90mm is on the weaker side, other part of the zoom range a better. Since I am doing portraits at f11 in most cases this is not a big deal.

I have all the Summicron APO lenses, and I think for the portrait they are brutal, I prefer using a 50 Noctilux instead at F2 or 2.8.

Last year I got the sigma 24-70 lens, it is a good performer and I don't think any of my clients notice differences in images. I use it mostly on set of film and tv where the low light benefits from a faster lens. I usually have a few cameras on my shoulder anyway with different lenses so switching is easy.

I would say, if you use mostly 2.8 in low light, I would suggest the 24-70. If you always feel you are zooming in and out and moving closer, maybe 90 mm benefit you.

Keep in mind zoom mussel memory, sigma lenses zoom turn the opposite way.

[Ivar B]

Don`t forget the Panasonic S Pro 2.8/24-70mm. I have seen some arguing that this is the best 2.8/24-70mm lens (and so called certified by Leica) and you should be able to find one used at a much lower price than the Sigma/Leica 24-70. If my memory serves me well, I believe that the downside is that it is heavier. 

[Stuart Richardson]

1 hour ago, Ivar B said:

Don`t forget the Panasonic S Pro 2.8/24-70mm. I have seen some arguing that this is the best 2.8/24-70mm lens (and so called certified by Leica) and you should be able to find one used at a much lower price than the Sigma/Leica 24-70. If my memory serves me well, I believe that the downside is that it is heavier. 

It should also be noted that Panasonic has a number of patents related to the 24-90mm Leica zoom. So it stands to reason they have a good one of their own. Leica has seemingly mostly used subcontractors to make their zooms. 

[Stuart Richardson]

On 12/4/2023 at 1:45 PM, Photoworks said:

Keep in mind zoom mussel memory, sigma lenses zoom turn the opposite way.

I guess you prefer zooms with a scalloped lens ring?

[huwm]

Both too heavy

Try the Panasonic 24-105 f4 kit lens

[Simone_DF]

14 hours ago, Stuart Richardson said:

I guess you prefer zooms with a scalloped lens ring?

sure, but don’t forget to cockle the shutter. 

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[Stuart Richardson]

Clam it! Some people are here to talk about photography, lol. I know it is my fault.

Meanwhile, I would say that if you have the budget, the 90mm APO would be a great addition, but if it is an either/or choice, then I would not hesitate to recommend the 24-90mm. It is an excellent zoom and I do think that the extra range from 70-90mm comes more in handy than the extra stop, particularly with landscape work. The other natural choice would be to stick with the 24-70mm and add a 70-200 or 90-280mm, though obviously both those choices require an extra purchase and quite a bit more bulk. Ultimately it comes down to priorities. If you can afford to keep the 24-70mm you could add an additional longer prime which will give you speed and better image quality (natural choices at the high end would be the 90mm APO Summicron, but you could also get the Sigma 105mm Macro which is far cheaper and honestly extremely close in image quality). But if you want to keep it as an all in one zoom, then the 24-90mm is a natural choice. It is bigger and heavier than the one you have though...

I know the 90-280mm is probably a stretch, but I do find the extra reach super useful. I have only had it for about a year and a half, but it has found constant use for me here at least. Here are a few favorites I have taken since then.

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[PeterBoyadjian]

The 90-280 is one of the greatest lenses ever made. Quality and sharpness is better than the 2490. But the 2490 is still better than anything else out there for standard zooms.