So I finally did it. I pulled the trigger on a used SL2-S and now I am sitting here staring at this beautiful chunk of metal and realizing I basically have no money left for glass. It's a bit embarrassing honestly to have a Leica body and then be hunting for the cheapest possible things to put on it but here we are. I am super worried about ruining the whole Leica experience by putting bad glass on it but I also cant drop 5k on a Summicron right now. My bank account is literally screaming at me after that body purchase.
I am mostly doing street photography and some low light stuff around Seattle since it is basically gray and dark half the year here. I need something for a trip coming up in three weeks so I gotta decide fast. I have been looking at a couple of options but I am totally torn and keep going back and forth it is driving me crazy.
- Option 1: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art. People say it is the gold standard for L-mount zooms that arent the Leica Vario-Elmarit but it is big. Like, really big. I am scared it is gonna make the setup too heavy to actually carry around all day and maybe look a bit ridiculous.
- Option 2: Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8. It is super cheap and lightweight and the reviews are actually decent but is it weird to put a Lumix lens on a Leica? Will the autofocus even be good enough or am I gonna get that pulsing effect everyone talks about during burst shots?
- Option 3: Just getting an M-to-L adapter and finding some old Voigtlander glass. I love the look of manual focus but I am anxious I will miss shots of my kids because they move way too fast.
My budget is strictly under $900 for now. I am leaning toward the Sigma just for the versatility but the size is giving me major second thoughts and the Panasonic is so cheap it feels like a steal but maybe too consumer for the SL2-S sensor? I really dont want to regret this and end up with soft images after spending all this money on the camera... what do you guys think is the best way to go? Should I just get the prime and call it a day?
Honestly, the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 L-Mount is the most logical choice for your budget and technical requirements! It is fantastic for low light.
- Excellent resolution across the frame
- Fast, silent linear AF motors
- Zero focus breathing issues The Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is also a stellar metal-build option if you find a deal under $600. Truly amazing glass for that sensor!
^ This. Also, if you are worried about the 24-70 Art being too heavy, check out the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. It is way lighter for Seattle street walks. In my experience, heavy lenses just end up sitting in the bag.
- Smaller footprint
- Constant f/2.8 for low light
- Solid build The Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is another safe, reliable choice that wont break the bank.
> I am scared it is gonna make the setup too heavy to actually carry around all day Totally get that fear. In my experience, heavy gear is the fastest way to kill the joy of shooting. I once lugged a massive setup through London for a week and by day three, I was basically praying for a point-and-shoot... it was miserable. Honestly, if you want to actually enjoy those Seattle walks, you gotta keep it light. Quick tip: Always check the weather sealing specs for Seattle; dont risk that SL2-S sensor with non-sealed glass in the mist. One thing tho, how fast are your kids really moving? Are we talking full-on sprints at the park or just typical toddler chaos? It makes a huge difference for whether you can really get away with manual glass. I've tried many manual setups over the years and while the look is great, it can be a total nightmare for fast-moving subjects. If you want something for the city, the Panasonic LUMIX S 24mm F1.8 is a solid, safe bet for those dark days. Or maybe look at the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary if you want something that actually feels like it belongs on a Leica body. It is a bit tighter but the build is incredible and it fits your budget.
Big if true
