So I finally pulled the trigger on a used SL2 after shooting with the M system and the Q2 for years, and while the body is everything I wanted, I am completely tapped out on cash. I spent way more than I originally planned to get a mint condition body and now I am staring at a landscape trip to the Dolomites in three weeks with absolutely nothing wider than my 35mm Summicron. Ive been doing photography for a long time but I’m honestly feeling a bit out of my depth with the L-mount glass options that wont break the bank.
The 47MP sensor on the SL2 is so incredible but it is also brutally unforgiving when it comes to cheap glass and I am terrified of getting something that turns the corners into a smeary mess. I looked at the Leica native wide zooms and my heart just about stopped at the price tags—I just cant justify spending another 3 or 4 grand right now. I need something wide, probably in the 14mm to 20mm range, that can actually handle the resolution of this camera without looking like a toy.
Here is what I am looking for:
- Budget is strictly around $800 to $1200 max
- Needs to be sharp enough for large prints because I am planning on some 30x40s from this trip
- Native L-mount is better so I dont have to deal with adapters while hiking
- Fast aperture is nice for some astro but I mostly care about f/8 performance for landscapes
I keep seeing the Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 mentioned and some people say the Panasonic 16-35mm is a sleeper hit but then I read others saying the micro-contrast just isn't there compared to Leica glass. Is the Sigma Art line really going to cut it on a sensor this demanding or am I gonna regret not just biting the bullet and going into more debt for the Leica glass? I’m really spinning my wheels here and the trip is getting closer...
tbh that sensor is a beast but you dont need to go into debt for it. i would suggest looking seriously at the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art L-mount because its basically the only thing in your budget that wont fall apart at the edges on those 30x40 prints. be careful with the lighter options tho... some lenses are fine for social media but you might want to consider the extra glass in the Art series for that 47mp resolution. i have used that 14-24 and honestly it holds its own against the expensive stuff. you might also look at a used Panasonic Lumix S PRO 16-35mm f/4 L-mount if you can find a deal. it is sharp enough for landscapes but just make sure to test your copy thoroughly before the trip. you dont want to get to the mountains and realize you got a soft copy... happens more than people think.
