I just got my hands on a Leica SL2 for my trip to Iceland next month and honestly I have no idea what I am doing. I spent a lot of money on the camera body because I wanted the best quality but now looking at lenses I am totally overwhelmed. There are so many options and numbers like 21mm and 24mm and I dont know what they mean really.
I want to take photos of the big mountains and maybe the northern lights but I need something that is really sharp and clear. I keep seeing things about Sigma lenses being way cheaper but then there are Leica ones that cost a fortune. Sorry if this is a dumb question but what is the sharpest wide-angle lens I should buy for this?
^ This. Also, unfortunately, the MTF charts on some native Leica zooms are actually disappointing given the massive price tag. Are you planning to use a tripod or mostly shooting handheld? If you want absolute technical sharpness, Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is incredible for landscape and astro. Quick tip: northern lights need f/2.8 or faster to avoid star trailing. Just be ready for the weight of that glass.
> unfortunately, the MTF charts on some native Leica zooms are actually disappointing I totally disagree tho! Those charts dont show the amazing micro-contrast you actually get. The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is a beast for northern lights and way sharper than the charts suggest. If you want something lighter for hiking, the Panasonic Lumix S Pro 16-35mm f/4 is incredible! Both are fantastic options for Iceland, honestly you cant go wrong with either.
Iceland is no joke, the weather there will eat your gear if you arent careful. Since you spent the cash on the SL2, you probably want something that wont fail when it starts raining sideways. The numbers like 21mm just mean how much of the scene fits in the frame... lower numbers see more of the landscape. If you want the absolute sharpest wide-angle options, these are the ones I usually trust:
- Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH: This is basically the gold standard for sharpness on your camera. Its wide enough for huge mountains and stays clear even in the corners.
- Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG DN Art for L-Mount: If youre chasing the northern lights, you really need that f/1.4 aperture to let in light. Its sharp as a tack and way cheaper than the Leica glass.
- Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH: This is a zoom, so its handy if you dont want to keep swapping lenses in the dust and wind. Honestly, the Sigma is the smart pick for the aurora because of the speed, but the Leica primes are more reliable for long-term use in rough weather. Just make sure you get a sturdy tripod too or all that sharpness wont even matter.
