5 Reasons why the LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-SL 24-90 is the PERFECT L-Mount Zoom Lens

I am primarily a prime lens photographer but the LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH is such a fantastic lens that I truly enjoy shooting with it.
In the video I provide 5 reasons why this is an excellent lens choice, in particular as an always-on lens for the Leica SL2 and the Leica SL but clearly also perfectly suitable for any L-Mount camera from other brands like Panasonic, Sigma, etc.
The video also shows lots of sample images taken with that lens.
Watch in 4K to avoid video compression artefacts.
If you want to learn what the "largest reproduction ratio" of a lens is, watch this:
• LEICA M10-R Macro Phot...
Music: epidemicsound.com
Video clips in segues: storyblocks.com

[@petermendelson5839]

The 90-280mm is also a phenomenal zoom lens - impresses me every time I use it. The zooms are quite big and heavy and that’s why I am using SL and M primes with the SL2 instead unless I need the reach of the 90-280mm. I sold the 16-35mm SL due to size and weight also and am using the WATE when I need to go really wide. Can’t deny the flexibility of the 24-90mm though - in fact your video has gotten me to start thinking about it again.

[@feherberci]

I used two zooms during the whole Mosul operations (24/90 and 90/280) in Iraq. Never had a problem with the combo - these two lenses were enough for a few hundred publications.

[@dazhsh7109]

Wasn't the weight of this lens a problem?

[@Andy-qi3kd]

always interesting, well prepared and clearly explained, thank you

[@David-my3uu]

Wonderful! I think that once people try a well made zoom such as this, they’ll find (horrors!) that it becomes their go-to for most casual shooting because of the flexibility for composition. You are absolutely correct.

[@sumitkar8146]

I will never be able to afford a Leica but always watch your reviews - your reviews are educational, interesting and very thorough.

[@mathphotographer]

Thank you Sumit, appreciate the kind words on my videos. And never say never ... :)

[@dcrilley9624]

Superb! So pleased you are extolling the virtues of this astonishing zoom. Allied to the SL2 or S1R it yields razor sharp detail and lots of it when used in big mountain scenes entirely suitable for large prints. Without doubt, by pixel peeping, I found a SL 75mm summicron had a slight edge when capturing distant mountains in clear atmospheric conditions but it was nowhere near enough to make any worthwhile difference when shooting at F8/9 in the mountains and printing to A0 size. As a result, the bag got lighter, the credit card balance went back down and the 75 went its own way. What I would love to see with your capabilities and resources is a detailed review of the SL 90-280 lens. My experience is its even sharper than the 24-90 but it too is no constant aperture lens.

[@ninario5693]

Thanks 4 this video.End of this year I will go 4 it.Thanks...

[@davidkieltyka9]

For similar reasons I’m a big fan of the 28-35-50mm “Medium Angle” Tri-Elmar (MATE). It can’t do the traditional portrait combo of long-ish reach and very shallow depth of field, but 50mm at f/4 at close range works just fine in many situations. There’s also the ~40mm close focus setting between 50 and 28mm, which requires using an EVF or the rear screen. Good in a pinch for isolating subjects from backgrounds provided you’re able to get close enough.

[@ralfneumerkel8685]

Really good job! Wish you continued success with you channel!

[@vinyalonde]

Thank you for posting this. I am thinking about getting an SL2 and I am encouraged to see that that this 24-90 is an excellent choice as an always-on lens.

[@mathphotographer]

Fully agree, this lens will make you happy, no doubt.

[@vinyalonde]

@@mathphotographer I am now happy to say that I picked up the SL2 and the 24-90 just arrived (currently sitting at my local camera shop waiting for me to pick it up). Thank you again for your reviews and the very thorough and clear analysis. This helped me to make these decisions.

[@abcalvinchan]

The best review I’ve seen about this lens. When I was debating, I could not find anything informative. I had to just try it out and hope for the best. I will be very curious about your comparison against the sigma 24-70 2.8. I did a quick one for a week, but concluded that I don’t need the constant aperture as much as I had thought due to this being such high quality.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks, the 24-70 from Sigma comparison is in the making, the sigma seems to be a very good lens for a much cheaper price. Thanks for your comment.

[@snoek1971]

I totally agree with you. I'm a professional photographer and use the same combo. Although I'm a M shooter by heart and prefer the wonderful rendering of the Summilux lens, I shoot more and more with this wonderful lens.

[@RickMentore]

Your images are Fantastic! The 5 arguments are convincing, just wish I had the funds to get into the Leica system.

[@Alexandrosflower]

The SL2 with the 24-90, three SL summicrons, the new sigma 85mm 1.4 and the Panasonic S 50mm 1.4 and the Panasonic 16-35mm f4 is my dream combo and I own it. Just bought the Panasonic S5 fir the moments where I need better AF and portability. I agree with you that the 24-90mm has prime level optics. The only other zoom I’ve used with a similar performance is the Fujinon GF 32-64mm.

[@gam3955]

Hi, first time I comment one of your videos even if I’ve seen a lot. Thanks for sharing your time and your very good reviews. I often use prime lenses but since I’ve bought this one to use with my SL2, it’s became my most used lenses (for outside shooting)😂 I still continue to use my prime lenses in my studio. Again, thanks for everything

[@mathphotographer]

Many thanks for the positive feedback, much appreciated. The 24-90 is a stunning lens, sharpness is perfect, color is perfect and the focal length range up to 90mm is super conveniant.

[@paullefko]

I had this lens used it rarely because it’s so heavy, sold it, 2 weeks later bought it again. It’s that good. The weather sealing is a big win for its intended use of outdoor mixed weather conditions. I use it with the SL, and S1R. I see no difference in quality between the cameras. I also use it with a CL from time to time. Won’t sell it again, it’s a keeper, or until a newer version of it appears and it’s superior in some way. To me, this is the best zoom lens in the world today, understanding of course that will ruffle feathers and the charts will come out. It’s not about charts, it’s how it renders. It also does what few others can do, and that is nearly fully resolve the sensor and make people look fantastic. Oh and fwiw and ymmv, in the studio we shoot f8, f11 all the time. A fast lens is not the end all be all. F4 on the long end ensures more complete depth on a face. Eye focusing is great, but personally I’m not always looking for an eye examination with the rest of the face defocused. Don’t need the toneh .95 - little reference to camera Conspiracies

[@mathphotographer]

Indeed, an f/4 at 90mm for portraits or in studio is an excellent option and good compromise on DoF. Thanks for your comment.

[@__-lt4hm]

Agree with all you on the quality front, but I have sold mine because of its weight and size. With SL2, I now use the TL lens for zooms.

[@calvinchann1996]

As shown by the Sigma lens at the end, the zoom snd presumably the focus is in the opposite direction. Best to stick to one brand or get used to having to find out which way to zoom/focus each lens, each time.

[@HatefYaminiOnline]

Nice overview. Looking forward to the comparison with the APO primes.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks, comparison is in the making, all material already on my Mac but not video-cut yet.

[@xiayu6665]

This lens combined with perfect high iso performance plus insane ibis and lens stabilization in sl2 made this lens can be used in any light condition

[@einarlandre5386]

Great review and I picked up my SL2 today. sold my CL kit, have a M10 kit (24, 35, 50, 75 + 60R Macro) and speculates what should become my first native L mount lense. I am a prime shooter by heart, but can use the M for that. This looks suddenly as a good option, even as my budget might force me to go begin with the Pana 16-35 f4 .... I think the 24-70ties are too short Adding those additional 20mm is most valuable. 90mm is a extremely useful focal length.

[@mathphotographer]

Yes - this zoom lens is the perfect start into the SL system, go for it :)

[@9Biloela99]

Another superb video

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks!

[@bobbybobby8365]

Thank you for your nice video !!!

[@D.T.Gallery]

I own the SL 24-90. It is an excellent zoom lens, the only thing I dislike about it is the weight. It’s like a brick after combining with my SL2-S. But after watching your video, I’ve decided to keep it. Gonna head to gym to train my arms now lol.

[@mathphotographer]

Weight is sometimes the price to pay for good glass :) Happy training :)

[@benhu8639]

Hi Math, thanks for the great video. It’s really helpful. I have the SL2 and this 24-90 lens on permanently. But the cmos is so easy to get dusted. I wonder is it normal？

[@ronaldsand3000]

Yes, this Zoom replaces 6 prime lenses As the quality is on par with the primes, apart from the additional size and weight it’s hard to not choose this zoom

[@gautambiswas7338]

Many thanks for this video. Hope you will do a similar review for the Elmarit 90-280 SL soon.

[@mathphotographer]

Very likely yes, I have that lens and like it a lot :)

[@qiancharles]

@@mathphotographer when can you do a review on SL 90-280? I have been thinking to get it but still haven't. 1) is it too heavy carrying around for landscape esp on long trips; 2) how often do people use this focal length for landscape? thank you

[@williaminbody205]

Would love if you did a spot on R lens telephoto prime lenses on SL with adapter. R350 R180.

[@dgoullet1]

Great video. With all the Leica’s you have, which one do you enjoy shooting the most?

[@angellondian7628]

I’m getting an SL. What would you recommend for my first lens? I’ shoot portrait

[@frankluo230]

I adore the quality of this lens and love your videos. Still in shock when you said "a budget option" together with $6000 in one sentence. Maybe just how poor I am. Jokes aside, wonder how the image quality compares to Panasonic 24-105 and Sigma 24-70.

[@mathphotographer]

Hi Frank, thanks for the compliments on lens and videos. "Budget" clearly only compared to the combined price of "two prime lenses" :) lol - you are so right, whenever I leave our Zurich Leica Store with something new, my bank account is in tears and I am afraid going home and confessing to my wife :) The comparison with the Sigma 24-70 is in the making ... maybe that one I should call "Budget" although still expensive ...

[@ApertureViews]

Great video, thank you. I’m trying hard to old off for a SL3. But the 2000$ off right now it’s making it hard. Plus got a full CL kit for trade in. By the unknown of focus system is scary to me. I’m a Sony shooter(A1) and used to the speed, but I would most likely keep a Sony kit in some capacity, even if I switch to Leica. Would you buy this exact kit at this moment or would you hold off for an SL 3 and what they might do with the new auto focus system like the Q3 thank you your opinion means a lot

[@GermanAutoNut]

Great video again! What are your thoughts on the Leica 50mm SL- Summilux?

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Pat! I have not shot the 50mm Summilux-SL ... always went for the Apo-Summicron. If I get one in my hands, will have a look. Common believe is that the autofocus is quicker on the SL Apo-Summicron (since newer developed) but I never tested it so cannot confirm. The Summilux-SL is a bit faster (aperture f/1.4) so should be better at night and low light.

[@farhadfarajov8030]

Hey Math, thank you for informative video. It would be great if you can compare optical performance and AF of Leica SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 versus Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN

[@NikCan66]

Another tour de force tutorial video on the quality of your presentation is first class.

[@stolidmortified]

Can someone explain why larger apertures are unavailable on Leica glass while they are pretty standard on other lenses? A bit (quite a bit) frustrating considering the price difference.

[@thomastuorto9929]

Now that Leica has the 24-70, f2.8? How does it compare/ Picture quality, etc.

[@mikaelpuhakka1961]

Most people nowadays don't even have a good reason to dislike variable-aperture zooms but they just do because youtubers tell them to. The most major pain in the ass is when you use such a lens in [full] manual exposure program mode. You have set your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO and suddenly the zoom dimming out on you makes you reach for some sort of compensation. Usually you deal with this by closing the lens to f/4 and thus the aperture doesn't have to vary. But you paid good money for a lens that's more than perfectly usable wide open so it'd be a shame to let that opening go to waste. Leica SL/2 has a unique "Floating ISO" feature that makes wide-open shooting full manual users very happy in this regard. It is an option related to manual ISO selection so that it will keep your ISO setting but will scale it from ISO X to 2X to adjust for the variable aperture. A very niche feature but as someone who sometimes shoots variable-aperture zooms lenses and prefer to shoot in full manual mode, would surely appreciate this thing in other brands.

[@einarlandre5386]

Think of it as a 24-90 f4, that performs at f2.8 @ 24. It seams to be a great machine, and given the additional 20mm the weight is not bad at all compared with the 24-70 f2.8 zooms.

[@goldfinch2283]

God video. I have the same experience.

[@Traveljournalist]

I have this lens and I love it but it’s so heavy ! And I would prefer f2.8 at 90mm and f4.0 at 24mm....

[@grantmedical]

Argument 6: It is a beautiful lens... Together a very handsome package with the SL2...

[@mathphotographer]

:) totally right

[@deejayiwan7]

Amazing setup.... I bets it is shaaaaaaaaarp

[@andrewporfyri559]

I bought this lens but I found the left hand side of the frame to be slightly sharper than the right hand side,do you find this to be normal with zoom lenses?

[@user-rb1ij3bk4k]

这个镜头我用90焦段拍全身的时候感觉不实拍大半身的时候，焦点是实的

[@rubelukeable]

At what focal length does is stop down from F2.8 towards F4? I just got the SL2S and the sigma 45 2.8. Looking to get this 24-90 lens vs the sigma 24-70 or Panasonic 24-70. I hear that the sigma 24-70 has inconsistent autofocus. Please advise

[@mdavidp125]

Hi, I own both Sigma and Leica. The Sigma is a bit sharper at every fl. The leica gives a tiny bit nicer rendering sometimes. Af fine in both. Mike, USA

[@DB-nl9xw]

Nice video. Make more.

[@mathphotographer]

thx :)

[@shivajichavan7824]

Nice,

[@manoj60mishra]

How do the primes for M mount fare on the SL2?

[@SunshineHB]

Wonderfully, if you haven’t already tried it. I sold my M10 and use the SL2-S exclusively for digital now.

[@dell-tone6472]

@@SunshineHB I feel the same way, with the same results. Can't bring myself to sell my M10-P yet, even though I hardly use it now.

[@danut-floriantiparu8156]

Hi, I would like to have your opinion in a rather special situation. Lets say if you have the occasion to buy this lens for about a third of its price (lets say about 1600USD :-)). How do you see the lens cons and pros at this price tag ?And as cons I'm thinking at the weight of this lens, in the first place.

[@windynotes]

Hey, where did you learn to indicate $6'000 like that instead of $6,000? Just curious.

[@mathphotographer]

It is the German way to separate the thousands in blocks :)

[@NetGawker]

As soon as I find someone to buy one of my kidneys, I'm getting a SL2, 16-35, 24-90, and 50mm lens! 😂

[@symparanekromenoi]

Unless your kidneys contain gold one kidney is not going to buy you this camera

[@munkmegtube]

I have it for two years. It’s perfect except the weight

[@mathphotographer]

Yes heavy, should have mentioned that!

[@brianlarsen2355]

You forgot the built in IBIS. Most other L mount Lenses are not stabilized. This is great if you have an SL.

[@mathphotographer]

Indeed, good catch!

[@deejayiwan7]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@obscurelines]

Hmmmm. I'm trying to get my head around why this is better than a 24-105mm f4. It's a stop fast for a little bit of the range. That's not a lot. Weird stuff. I'd at least want f2.8 to 50mm.

[@sebastiang7183]

Is that a lens or a black coffee can?

[@florianbauer6455]

Hi, did you already realize, that Leica made an immense price drop for this lens some weeks ago? It does not cost 6.000 any more. Now you get it NEW for under 4.500!!! So the price argument is even stronger!!! I suppose, this is a direct consequence of the L-mount-alliance with Sigma and Panasonic. People do not buy it for 6.000 and are going e.g. for the cheaper and good Sigma Art 24-70.

[@mathphotographer]

Hi Florian, thanks for making us aware, I had not realized but quickly checked that also in Switzerland the lens did a significant price drop. Nice catch!

[@erichstocker8358]

Gorgeous lens but macro is generally defined as 1:1 or greater. 1:3 is really not macro.

[@ajakwerth]

You know, I of course get it why people would say this is the best zoom lens ever, because once you cash out this amount of money you´d expect the best lens. BUT: As I once owned it with the original SL, i can pure heartedly say, that it is by no means better (optically) than the Canon 24-70 (I tested both lenses side by side). To me, this Leica lens has only drawbacks: It is just way too expensive (for what it is), no constant apterture (which is a joke in that price range) and lastly the reason I got rid of it very quickly: The SIZE! Oh my gosh, it is so heavy and cumbersome, using it professionally it´s just a pain in the a**! You also see it in this video when you zoom from 24mm all the way to 90mm: You have to move your whole left hand because it is such a long throw and so huge whereas with the Sigma or Canon you can soom the whole range (yes 20mm less, i know) easily with just 2 fingers. Which makes it much much faster and more enjoyable. So in short, I as a professional user, would never ever recommend this lens to anyone ;)

[@mathphotographer]

Guess this is a matter of taste and workflow, clearly Sony/Canon/Nikon have excellent standard zooms available, which typically are smaller and with less weight. I think you are making a fair point here. My most favorite standard zoom is the Canon RF 28-70 f/2 on the EOS R5. You would probably not like it because this lens is very heavy and very large but so good! :) Over the Xmas holidays I will likely post a review of that Canon RF zoom with fixed f/2 aperture because its optical properties are so unique and excellent.

[@dazhsh7109]

@@mathphotographerO mein Gott! Canon RF28-70 wiegt 1430gramm, mehr als leica sl24-90!

[@philipsutton2316]

Man - those lenses are too huge. My Fuji X-H1 is heavy enough with the 16-55 (24-70 equivalent) - this kit must be very heavy. I agree - there are the odd lenses that are as sharp and equally as good as primes. My Fuji 16-55 2.8 is equally as sharp as all the Fujicrons (all the F2 primes).

[@ousi00]

4:19 - I thought no one who shoot Leica care about price... Just look at the M11 + 35 APO, easily 18K

[@mathphotographer]

Ha! :) Just because Leica gear is expensive does not mean that Leica shooters do not also care about how much money they spend for their Leica gear :)

[@luminouswaves2640]

Isn’t the Leica 24-70 SL the same as the sigma 24-70 L mount lens? 😂

[@mathphotographer]

Almost - except in some lens calibration differences.

[@GKhanKutar]

That’s a stupid money for Leica SL camera. I choose GFX100 with 45mm F2.8 and 110mm F2 lenses

[@einarlandre5386]

fair enough, its a choice.

[@Alexandrosflower]

I‘ve had the gfx50r with that combo. Size, Haptics and AF were not great, while iQ if the 110mm was the best I‘ve ever seen. The SL2 is faster, smaller, IQ almost there.

[@GKhanKutar]

Chris B I am not talking about 50R

[@infocuspixstudios8091]

Oh now I know I am stupid

[@wolfrainerschmalfuss3515]

For sure, I believe that all these Leica-R lenses are excellent! Sorrry, but I definately don't like the size and weight of these monsters, beside the prices! Other mothers have also beauty daughters!

[@mathphotographer]

:)

[@jal2550]

the "budget solution"......6 THOUSAND dollar lens

[@mathphotographer]

:)

[@vitabcdefghijklmno]

Too big

[@bennnyperezr.1609]

Price quality, they have no proportion. Whoever buys that equipment does it for PRESTIGE not for more nanda. Other equipment is much more efficient for that price. It is only luxury, nothing more. The "quality" does not justify that price.