So I recently ended up with a Leica SL2—long story short it was a very generous graduation gift from my uncle who is big into photography—but it didn't come with a lens and honestly I am completely lost. I have never owned a proper camera before and all these numbers are throwing me off. I want to buy one single "prime" lens to start with because people online said zooms are too heavy and prime lenses make you learn faster.
My budget is around 1500 dollars max which I know is low for Leica stuff but I saw some brands like Sigma make lenses that fit it? I am going to Japan in October so I want to get something before then to practice.
I want to take photos of street scenes in Tokyo and also some nice pictures of my girlfriend. I was looking at a 35mm and a 50mm. My logic was that 50mm is what the eye sees so that makes sense, but then I read somewhere that 35mm is better for tight streets. I really dont want to buy the wrong thing and regret it. Sorry if this is a super basic question but which focal length or specific lens should I actually start with?
> My logic was that 50mm is what the eye sees so that makes sense, but then I read somewhere that 35mm is better for tight streets. In my experience shooting street photography in Tokyo, 35mm is definitely the sweet spot. A 50mm is classic, but you will constantly find yourself backing into traffic or walls trying to fit those narrow Japanese alleys into the frame. Plus, the 63-degree diagonal angle of view on a 35mm gives your shots a more environmental, storytelling feel which works wonders for travel photos. Since you have a Leica SL2, you need a lens that can actually resolve that 47-megapixel sensor without breaking your back or your budget. I highly recommend the Sigma 35mm f2 DG DN Contemporary L-mount. Over the years, I have tested a lot of L-mount glass, and this specific lens punches way above its weight class. It has an all-metal construction that feels right at home on a premium Leica body, and optically, it is incredibly sharp even wide open at f2. The quick tip here is to leverage the L-mount alliance. You don't need to buy Leica-branded glass to get elite image quality. The Sigma f2 Contemporary series is compact, light, and leaves you plenty of leftover cash for your trip. Feel free to shoot over any questions about setting up the SL2 autofocus for street shooting, it can be a bit tricky at first but I can help you dial in the settings.
