Leica 24-90mm Vario-Elmarit Review for 2025

[midnhtsun]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

 

Hello everyone, I have recently completed a blog reviewing the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm lens. I make comparisons to other available zoom lenses and discuss the weight of this beast, while also providing plenty of sample images. If you have been considering this lens, it will be helpful!

The review can be found here: https://www.konstantinkokoris.com/reviews/leica24to90lensreview

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[LD_50]

It’s good to see more positive recognition for this lens. I think it’s an afterthought now that everything seems to be trending to the smallest possible options, even with lower IQ. I’ve had the 24-90 since launch and still use it regularly (including as my only lens for part of my recent Italy trip). 

I thought you included nice photos in the review, particularly the landscape shots, though I don’t think this lens is very compelling for portraits.

I don’t see a lot of detail here to help one choose this lens over the others listed, but I noted a few things:

1- You called out the want for 90mm over 70mm max, but left out why the Sigma 28-105 isn’t competitive.

2- You called out the Panasonic 24-105 and 28-200 because they have in-lens stabilization, but in-lens stabilization isn’t necessary with 105mm focal length, when you have IBIS. 

3- You didn’t mention my least favorite part about this lens (other than size/weight) — the zoom creep! It’s extremely annoying and carrying it the way you describe, pointed down, will cause it repeatedly. Mine has done this since new. It hasn’t gotten any worse over the last 9 or 10 years but has been equally annoying the entire time. 

Thanks for sharing the review. 

[Jeff S]

55 minutes ago, LD_50 said:

2- You called out the Panasonic 24-105 and 28-200 because they have in-lens stabilization, but in-lens stabilization isn’t necessary with 105mm focal length, when you have IBIS. 

3- You didn’t mention my least favorite part about this lens (other than size/weight) — the zoom creep! It’s extremely annoying and carrying it the way you describe, pointed down, will cause it repeatedly. Mine has done this since new. It hasn’t gotten any worse over the last 9 or 10 years but has been equally annoying the entire time. 

 

2. With IBIS in the SL2/3, Leica still relies primarily on OIS in the 24-90 and 90-280 at longer focal lengths, according to Nick Rains at Leica Australia.

3.  I’ve owned the 24-90 since new, carrying it with lens hanging down at hip, and never once experienced zoom creep. Maybe you should have yours serviced.  I would have exchanged mine early on if this had been an issue.

Edited June 16 by Jeff S

[midnhtsun]

4 hours ago, LD_50 said:

It’s good to see more positive recognition for this lens. I think it’s an afterthought now that everything seems to be trending to the smallest possible options, even with lower IQ. I’ve had the 24-90 since launch and still use it regularly (including as my only lens for part of my recent Italy trip). 

I thought you included nice photos in the review, particularly the landscape shots, though I don’t think this lens is very compelling for portraits.

I don’t see a lot of detail here to help one choose this lens over the others listed, but I noted a few things:

1- You called out the want for 90mm over 70mm max, but left out why the Sigma 28-105 isn’t competitive.

2- You called out the Panasonic 24-105 and 28-200 because they have in-lens stabilization, but in-lens stabilization isn’t necessary with 105mm focal length, when you have IBIS. 

3- You didn’t mention my least favorite part about this lens (other than size/weight) — the zoom creep! It’s extremely annoying and carrying it the way you describe, pointed down, will cause it repeatedly. Mine has done this since new. It hasn’t gotten any worse over the last 9 or 10 years but has been equally annoying the entire time. 

Thanks for sharing the review. 

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it!

For 1. I actually left that off because I haven’t used that lens, while I have used/owned all the others. I realize now I only inferred that but I should have made that more clear. I do think though I still would prefer having the 24mm over the 28mm, that’s part of why I like it over the 28-200. That 24-90 is a sweet spot for me I think.  

2. I’ve always been a little sketchy with how IBIS and lens stabilization work together. I thought on a RedDotForum video they claimed at a certain point the lens takes over on the longer end, but I could be off on my recollection.

3. With both copies of the 24-90 I haven’t experienced lens creep, yours may need to be serviced. I have experienced it when I tried out the R mount 70-210, and yes it is very annoying to happen.

[LD_50]

48 minutes ago, midnhtsun said:

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it!

For 1. I actually left that off because I haven’t used that lens, while I have used/owned all the others. I realize now I only inferred that but I should have made that more clear. I do think though I still would prefer having the 24mm over the 28mm, that’s part of why I like it over the 28-200. That 24-90 is a sweet spot for me I think.  

2. I’ve always been a little sketchy with how IBIS and lens stabilization work together. I thought on a RedDotForum video they claimed at a certain point the lens takes over on the longer end, but I could be off on my recollection.

3. With both copies of the 24-90 I haven’t experienced lens creep, yours may need to be serviced. I have experienced it when I tried out the R mount 70-210, and yes it is very annoying to happen.

Agreed on the value of the wide 24 end. I tend to use 24 and skip to 35. 

I’m wondering how many have the 24-90 with no zoom creep. The two copies I’ve used (one owned and one borrowed) both did it. I’d rather not send for service with everything else working great for so long but it sounds like it can be resolved.  

[beewee]

Maybe I got lucky. My copy is very sharp and doesn’t creep even when I’m literally running down a mountain. I got mine used and if I remember right, it was a display/demo unit from Leica USA so maybe it was hand picked?

I don’t have a 24-70 SL or the Sigma version so I can’t speak to that.

The 28-70 SL does sound tempting given the size and weight. When I’m in the mountains, I’m most often shooting at f/5.6-8 anyways so performance wide open isn’t a huge concern but good lens coatings with strong flare resistance and weather sealing is appealing.

I normally prefer shooting 24mm but I’m happy to “make due” with the 21 APO SL so I can see myself potentially carrying the 21 APO SL + 28-70 SL for a bit more flexibility, but definitely not the 21 APO SL + 24-90 SL as that’s way too much weight. I also have the 28 APO SL but if only shooting with the SL3 + 28 APO SL only, I would prefer to shoot with a Q3 for weight savings and compactness.

I find the 24-90 SL really shines when I only want to have a single lens to minimize swapping lenses in harsh conditions.

Edited June 17 by beewee

[LeicaR10]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Midnhtsun,  Thank you for the review, very well written.  I owned the SL 24-90 several times since it was available in 2015.  I found the early copies developed lens creep and became optically decentered.  Leica adjusted the brake mechanism to stop the creep and CLA'd for the decentering.  Later, I found the SL 16-35 to be a better choice for my landscape work and augmented the gap with the SL primes.  Overall, I most recently found myself needing to mix up my landscape work and will get another SL 24-90.  As Beewee wrote, the 24-90 shines when you need a single lens in harsh conditions.  r/ Mark

Edited June 17 by LeicaR10

[LocalHero1953]

The 24-90 is my most-used lens, because of its versatility, and because I use it for stage and performance photography where I change FL rapidly between shots. I've owned it almost since launch.

Mine has had zoom creep, noticeable ever since I started using it on a stand for scanning 4x5 film (which it is perfect for at 90mm). I don't notice it any other time.

Zoom creep in this lens has been discussed here before, and its prevalence appears to be random - some do, some don't.

Prompted by comments above, I must check decentring, though if I had to send it in for fixing, I would have to find a backup, which would be tough.

I'm puzzled by your comment @LD_50 about its use for portraits. If I have the choice, I prefer to use a prime with wider aperture (and unintrusive bokeh), but I am happy to use mine for portraits if it's the only lens with me.

[dkCambridgeshire]

I have no hesitation in using mine at full aperture – in fact it's an amazing lens capable of superb results at any aperture throughout its zoom range. Yes it's heavy but for event photography I'm carrying just one lens – I do not need anything longer or wider.

My only 'gripe' is that it's useless when using e.g., Marumi achromatic c/u lenses for insect imaging – results are awful. I often use vintage Leitz Elpro achromats with e.g., my Leica X Vario and with excellent results – and had hoped to emulate same when using c/u lenses with the SL 24-90mm. 

BW, dunk 

[LD_50]

2 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

The 24-90 is my most-used lens, because of its versatility, and because I use it for stage and performance photography where I change FL rapidly between shots. I've owned it almost since launch.

Mine has had zoom creep, noticeable ever since I started using it on a stand for scanning 4x5 film (which it is perfect for at 90mm). I don't notice it any other time.

Zoom creep in this lens has been discussed here before, and its prevalence appears to be random - some do, some don't.

Prompted by comments above, I must check decentring, though if I had to send it in for fixing, I would have to find a backup, which would be tough.

I'm puzzled by your comment @LD_50 about its use for portraits. If I have the choice, I prefer to use a prime with wider aperture (and unintrusive bokeh), but I am happy to use mine for portraits if it's the only lens with me.

I just said it’s not compelling, ie it doesn’t compel me to choose it for portraits. 

At 50 I’d rather use my Summilux SL or Summilux M and at 90 the 90-280 or even the Sigma 105. 

I do choose this lens for a lot of other use cases. 

[midnhtsun]

6 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

The 24-90 is my most-used lens, because of its versatility, and because I use it for stage and performance photography where I change FL rapidly between shots. I've owned it almost since launch.

Mine has had zoom creep, noticeable ever since I started using it on a stand for scanning 4x5 film (which it is perfect for at 90mm). I don't notice it any other time.

Zoom creep in this lens has been discussed here before, and its prevalence appears to be random - some do, some don't.

Prompted by comments above, I must check decentring, though if I had to send it in for fixing, I would have to find a backup, which would be tough.

I'm puzzled by your comment @LD_50 about its use for portraits. If I have the choice, I prefer to use a prime with wider aperture (and unintrusive bokeh), but I am happy to use mine for portraits if it's the only lens with me.

I'm happy to hear you are using it for stage and performance. I have a burlesque show that I am going to be shooting for a friend. I haven't been to the venue yet, so I'm not sure how the lighting will be, but I am hoping to use the 24-90 for it since I won't know what lengths I will need for that venue.

[LocalHero1953]

2 hours ago, midnhtsun said:

I'm happy to hear you are using it for stage and performance. I have a burlesque show that I am going to be shooting for a friend. I haven't been to the venue yet, so I'm not sure how the lighting will be, but I am hoping to use the 24-90 for it since I won't know what lengths I will need for that venue.

I use it 90% of the time for such performances, plus the 90-280, either because it's a live show and I can't be at the front, or (in rehearsals) to shoot from a raised elevation in the raked auditorium - and for extreme close-ups. With professional lighting (and modern noise-reduction tools), the smaller apertures of these zooms needn't be a problem. The biggest problem is stage lighting colour: it asks a lot of a sensor to properly represent the scene illuminated by narrow frequency coloured lights!

Edited June 17 by LocalHero1953

[Photoworks]

I had the 24-90 for a long time, it is a good all-around lens.

I had to into service because the zoom was not retracting anymore, and it is an internal screw that does get loose over time.
Service is only an option in Germany, so off it went for 6 months waiting time.

in the meantime I needed a zoom, the Sigma 24-70 2.8 came in to test, and the Panasonic 24-105.

I still have the 24-70 and still use it regularly where I can benefit from 2.8 shooting. I think it is an excellent lens

The Panasonic 24-105 is more like a kit lens, without wanting to offend the PANA people. Opticly is not good at wide or tele, fine in the center but not even great across the frame. Needless to say, it went back, it is unfortunate because in my canon days the 24-105 was a good lens if you spet it down, the PANA not so much.

Today I have tested a bit the 24-60, it looks like a good lens for a small light option, will need more testing.

Well after 6 months of waiting I got a call from Leica that they couldn't fix it, the part was not available, and they asked if it would be ok to exchange it with a new one.
This lens has been back and in use for about 1 year, and there is no lens creep to report.

[lencap]

I bought this lens years ago when I owned the SL 601.  At the time if you wanted a SL zoom that was the only option.  I bought it with my "head" thinking that I essentially had 6 prime lenses in one, and didn't need to change lenses to get pretty much any shot I wanted.  Being weather sealed was a bonus.

Not long afterward I realized that the weight/bulk of the camera/lens combo was challenging to enjoy over a full day shooting.  So, I sold it, thinking that was the end of the relationship, and that's how it stayed until I bought the SL2-S 50mm SL Summicron f/2.0 lens as a discounted Leica bundle.  That lens was my primary lens (I like 50mm) until I wanted a wider perspective and bought the Panasonic 20-60.  That lens does the job, but it feels cheap and I think I used it once.  Unknowingly it set the stage for "Act II".

Suffering from untreated "GAS", I toyed with getting the M11-P or Q3 43.  The Q3 43 was my target, but I hesitated and the tariff raised the price, ticking me off.   I found the new high MP sensors a bit too sharp for me, as are the SL APO lenses (for my use).  I remembered some Mandler M designs I owned years ago, and recalled fondly the "character" of the lens - not technically perfect, but conveying emotion.  And that's when the stars aligned and universe provided a far more elegant solution.

I found a used 24-90, without hood (not a major issue) that was in very good, but not mint condition.  I decided that was "the answer" - yes, big, heavy and bulky are still there, but so is the Mandler "glow".  That's what I took for granted the first time I owned the lens, and haven't found on any other Leica zoom since.  Peter Karbe's designs are amazingly good, but combined with the higher MP sensors I find that I prefer emotion over precision.

I just bought the 24-90 lens, and should have it within a week.  All is now right with the universe, as Act II reunited me with the lens I shouldn't have sold.  I have my preferred 50mm Leica FL in a relatively compact size/weight with Summicron speed as my everyday lens, and "The Beast" for everything else.  The Panasonic is still with me, but will likely not be used unless I need an ultralight solution.  

If you're on the fence about this lens I understand.  I'm a senior, have cataracts, arthritis and a medical history that makes the kids sleep with the will in their night table.  BUT, despite Father Time winning more often lately this lens still puts a smile on my face.  It reminds me of my film days shooting the Nikon F series (with autowinder - you could use it as a hammer) when weight was synonymous with quality and durability.  My early teachers showed me how to use weight to stabilize the shot long before IBIS.  The lesson remains with me.  Times have changed, and so have I, but for me the joy of photography isn't solely about image quality, it's about capturing emotion in an image.  And for that the Leica 24-90 remains unmatched.

If you have the chance to try one I warn you that your head will tell you what mine did "Too heavy, why would anyone buy this?", and you'll decide not to buy it.  And shortly after that you'll find that your heart won't let you rest until you do.

Be well everyone, and thanks to the OP for this post.  I'm still smiling....

Edited June 19 by lencap

[LD_50]

2 hours ago, lencap said:

I bought this lens years ago when I owned the SL 601.  At the time if you wanted a SL zoom that was the only option.  I bought it with my "head" thinking that I essentially had 6 prime lenses in one, and didn't need to change lenses to get pretty much any shot I wanted.  Being weather sealed was a bonus.

Not long afterward I realized that the weight/bulk of the camera/lens combo was challenging to enjoy over a full day shooting.  So, I sold it, thinking that was the end of the relationship, and that's how it stayed until I bought the SL2-S 50mm SL Summicron f/2.0 lens as a discounted Leica bundle.  That lens was my primary lens (I like 50mm) until I wanted a wider perspective and bought the Panasonic 20-60.  That lens does the job, but it feels cheap and I think I used it once.  Unknowingly it set the stage for "Act II".

Suffering from untreated "GAS", I toyed with getting the M11-P or Q3 43.  The Q3 43 was my target, but I hesitated and the tariff raised the price, ticking me off.   I found the new high MP sensors a bit too sharp for me, as are the SL APO lenses (for my use).  I remembered some Mandler M designs I owned years ago, and recalled fondly the "character" of the lens - not technically perfect, but conveying emotion.  And that's when the stars aligned and universe provided a far more elegant solution.

I found a used 24-90, without hood (not a major issue) that was in very good, but not mint condition.  I decided that was "the answer" - yes, big, heavy and bulky are still there, but so is the Mandler "glow".  That's what I took for granted the first time I owned the lens, and haven't found on any other Leica zoom since.  Peter Karbe's designs are amazingly good, but combined with the higher MP sensors I find that I prefer emotion over precision.

I just bought the 24-90 lens, and should have it within a week.  All is now right with the universe, as Act II reunited me with the lens I shouldn't have sold.  I have my preferred 50mm Leica FL in a relatively compact size/weight with Summicron speed as my everyday lens, and "The Beast" for everything else.  The Panasonic is still with me, but will likely not be used unless I need an ultralight solution.  

If you're on the fence about this lens I understand.  I'm a senior, have cataracts, arthritis and a medical history that makes the kids sleep with the will in their night table.  BUT, despite Father Time winning more often lately this lens still puts a smile on my face.  It reminds me of my film days shooting the Nikon F series (with autowinder - you could use it as a hammer) when weight was synonymous with quality and durability.  My early teachers showed me how to use weight to stabilize the shot long before IBIS.  The lesson remains with me.  Times have changed, and so have I, but for me the joy of photography isn't solely about image quality, it's about capturing emotion in an image.  And for that the Leica 24-90 remains unmatched.

If you have the chance to try one I warn you that your head will tell you what mine did "Too heavy, why would anyone buy this?", and you'll decide not to buy it.  And shortly after that you'll find that your heart won't let you rest until you do.

Be well everyone, and thanks to the OP for this post.  I'm still smiling....

I love the narrative here, great story! 

That said, I don’t see any “glow” in the 24-90 results and I do think of it as a modern IQ lens. 

Edited June 19 by LD_50

[Markey]

13 hours ago, lencap said:

I bought this lens years ago when I owned the SL 601.  At the time if you wanted a SL zoom that was the only option.  I bought it with my "head" thinking that I essentially had 6 prime lenses in one, and didn't need to change lenses to get pretty much any shot I wanted.  Being weather sealed was a bonus.

Not long afterward I realized that the weight/bulk of the camera/lens combo was challenging to enjoy over a full day shooting.  So, I sold it, thinking that was the end of the relationship, and that's how it stayed until I bought the SL2-S 50mm SL Summicron f/2.0 lens as a discounted Leica bundle.  That lens was my primary lens (I like 50mm) until I wanted a wider perspective and bought the Panasonic 20-60.  That lens does the job, but it feels cheap and I think I used it once.  Unknowingly it set the stage for "Act II".

Suffering from untreated "GAS", I toyed with getting the M11-P or Q3 43.  The Q3 43 was my target, but I hesitated and the tariff raised the price, ticking me off.   I found the new high MP sensors a bit too sharp for me, as are the SL APO lenses (for my use).  I remembered some Mandler M designs I owned years ago, and recalled fondly the "character" of the lens - not technically perfect, but conveying emotion.  And that's when the stars aligned and universe provided a far more elegant solution.

I found a used 24-90, without hood (not a major issue) that was in very good, but not mint condition.  I decided that was "the answer" - yes, big, heavy and bulky are still there, but so is the Mandler "glow".  That's what I took for granted the first time I owned the lens, and haven't found on any other Leica zoom since.  Peter Karbe's designs are amazingly good, but combined with the higher MP sensors I find that I prefer emotion over precision.

I just bought the 24-90 lens, and should have it within a week.  All is now right with the universe, as Act II reunited me with the lens I shouldn't have sold.  I have my preferred 50mm Leica FL in a relatively compact size/weight with Summicron speed as my everyday lens, and "The Beast" for everything else.  The Panasonic is still with me, but will likely not be used unless I need an ultralight solution.  

If you're on the fence about this lens I understand.  I'm a senior, have cataracts, arthritis and a medical history that makes the kids sleep with the will in their night table.  BUT, despite Father Time winning more often lately this lens still puts a smile on my face.  It reminds me of my film days shooting the Nikon F series (with autowinder - you could use it as a hammer) when weight was synonymous with quality and durability.  My early teachers showed me how to use weight to stabilize the shot long before IBIS.  The lesson remains with me.  Times have changed, and so have I, but for me the joy of photography isn't solely about image quality, it's about capturing emotion in an image.  And for that the Leica 24-90 remains unmatched.

If you have the chance to try one I warn you that your head will tell you what mine did "Too heavy, why would anyone buy this?", and you'll decide not to buy it.  And shortly after that you'll find that your heart won't let you rest until you do.

Be well everyone, and thanks to the OP for this post.  I'm still smiling....

I have the 24 -70 and the 90 -280 but you make a compelling case for the 24 -90 although I`m not quite sure of the benefits it would bring  .

I`m assuming that there isn`t a huge difference in image quality between the 24 -70 and 24-90.

[Jeff S]

1 hour ago, Markey said:

I have the 24 -70 and the 90 -280 but you make a compelling case for the 24 -90 although I`m not quite sure of the benefits it would bring  .

I`m assuming that there isn`t a huge difference in image quality between the 24 -70 and 24-90.

The 24-70 sucks between 70 and 90. 

[lencap]

I admit to being a big fan of the 24-90.  This video does a good job of comparing the lens to 35/50mm APO primes.  The video is comprehensive, but you can skip through it.  The punchline is that he likes the zoom and it compares very well to primes

 

 

This is a dedicated video about the 24-90 Zoom:  He makes a compelling case that it may be a “one and done” lens:

 

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear