L mount zoom for CL

[Howling Dick]

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Just acquired a CL and interested in putting an “all purpose” L mount zoom on it - any suggestions?

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

[BernardC]

Either of the Panasonic Lumix kit zooms should be a good match, in terms of size and weight. I have the 20-60, which works-out to a 30-90mm equivalent on the CL's APS-C sensor, and it's a very good lens for the price. It focuses much closer than the Leica-branded kit zoom for the CL and TL. The new Lumix 18-40 (27-60 equivalent) might be even better because it is even smaller, and slightly wider.

Both of these lenses are often available "as new" because people get them with camera kits and sell them (especially if they already own a copy of the same lens).

[Howling Dick]

4 hours ago, BernardC said:

Either of the Panasonic Lumix kit zooms should be a good match, in terms of size and weight. I have the 20-60, which works-out to a 30-90mm equivalent on the CL's APS-C sensor, and it's a very good lens for the price. It focuses much closer than the Leica-branded kit zoom for the CL and TL. The new Lumix 18-40 (27-60 equivalent) might be even better because it is even smaller, and slightly wider.

Both of these lenses are often available "as new" because people get them with camera kits and sell them (especially if they already own a copy of the same lens).

Thanks Bernard

Ill have a look at these

 

R

[jaapv]

The  Leica 18-56 that was designed for the CL/TL is an excellent choice. 

[lykaman]

I will 2nd the 18-56mm Vario TL, excellent lens, I used my 28-70mm Vario Elmarit SL on my CL, works great, but, makes the camera slightly front heavy. Slow speed work was not easy..🍻

[jaapv]

The Sigma 28-70 moght be preferable as it is the same as the Leica but considerably lighter. 

[Markey]

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I use the 28/70 vario elmarit the most closely followed by the 55/135.

[dsalamena]

I would say the Sigma 17-40 f/1.8 (eq. 25-60 in full frame) is probably the best all purpose zoom lens for aps-c. Hard to find something similar in terms of quality and versatility on other brands.

 

[jaapv]

I would not - the CL is meant as a light compact carry-everywhere camera. The Sigma weighs 535 grams, more than twice the 18-56, not even considering the difference in size. 

 

[dsalamena]

I have tried it on the CL, the weight and size of the Sigma 17-40 is almost exactly the same as the Leica 55-135. I would say it's not the smallest lens, but it works pretty well with a thumb support on the camera. Also being able to shoot at f/1.8-2.0 is a great addition for night photography and for avoiding some limitations of the CL (no image stabilization).

[jaapv]

Yes but you are comparing a telezoom with standard/ wideangle one. 

[Rick in CO]

All of the compact zooms are relatively comparable, small size with slower maximum apertures, except the 18-50 f2.8 Sigma.  However, I found that my copy needed to be stopped down to f4-5.6 for best results anyway, so not much different in use from the Leica 18-56 f3.5-5.6.  

Haven't used the other mentioned lenses.  If I had a full frame L mount camera I probably would go for one of those lenses that cover both formats.

The Sigma 17-40 f1.8 is tempting, but its size negates why I got the TL2 in the first place - I use the TL2 with the 18mm Elmarit to complement a Q343.  Slim and almost pocketable when I need it, still have the 18-56 zoom as a back-up.

 

[Howling Dick]

Thanks - interesting what you say about stopping down

R

[Howling Dick]

On 7/21/2025 at 7:02 PM, jaapv said:

The  Leica 18-56 that was designed for the CL/TL is an excellent choice. 

Thanks

 

[Howling Dick]

On 7/21/2025 at 7:10 PM, lykaman said:

I will 2nd the 18-56mm Vario TL, excellent lens, I used my 28-70mm Vario Elmarit SL on my CL, works great, but, makes the camera slightly front heavy. Slow speed work was not easy..🍻

Thanks - Im conscious about balance as an everyday camera

[Howling Dick]

On 7/21/2025 at 7:17 PM, jaapv said:

The Sigma 28-70 moght be preferable as it is the same as the Leica but considerably lighter. 

Weight is important for me so this is a definite possibility

Thanks

R

[Howling Dick]

On 7/22/2025 at 1:35 AM, dsalamena said:

I would say the Sigma 17-40 f/1.8 (eq. 25-60 in full frame) is probably the best all purpose zoom lens for aps-c. Hard to find something similar in terms of quality and versatility on other brands.

 

Probably want a longer zoom for my purposes

[dsalamena]

If you want a longer zoom the Leica 18-56 is probably your best option.  I’have never used it much, as it looked a bit underwhelming compared to the excellent 11-23 and 55-135. I ended up selling the 18-56 for the Sigma 17-40 with no regrets. When I need to go light I use the 11-23 and 35 or 60 prime lenses. When I want an all purpose single lens (with no regrets on quality and bokeh) I use the 17-40

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[Howling Dick]

1 hour ago, dsalamena said:

If you want a longer zoom the Leica 18-56 is probably your best option.  I’have never used it much, as it looked a bit underwhelming compared to the excellent 11-23 and 55-135. I ended up selling the 18-56 for the Sigma 17-40 with no regrets. When I need to go light I use the 11-23 and 35 or 60 prime lenses. When I want an all purpose single lens (with no regrets on quality and bokeh) I use the 17-40

Thanks

R

[geoffreyg]

Another like for the 18-56 Leica zoom for the CL. Really quite good - giving landscape shots printed full at 17" x 22" without cropping,  good and tight, about the max I could get from the CL sensor.