Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm | Is this the sharpest mid range telephoto through the whole range?

My thoughts on the Leica 24-90mm lens.

[@dcrilley9624]

This lens and its follow-on, the 90-280mm , are as exquisitely sharp across the frame as they should be for their huge price tags. Like you, I used Canon L lenses for ten years for landscape and for some wildlife on 24MP bodies. The difference in detail and contrast from the Leica 24-90 genuinely shocked me on the 24MP SL. The results on the SL2 in the mountains are just astounding. I can print 1 m x 1m and 0.8m x 1 m with no diminution in detail or sharpness towards the edges courtesy of the lens. I felt that the lenses were a little underwhelmed by the resolution on offer in the SL. They were undoubtedly designed even back in 2014-15 with high res sensors in mind. Enjoy ! If sharpness is your thing I doubt there is anything to trump this mid-range zoom.

[@visualsciencelabkirktuck3834]

It actually does have Image Stabilization.

[@jonlieberman997]

Well done. Honest review

[@brianlarsen2355]

I have the Leica 24-90 myself and believe it does have Image Stabilization. So Brad needs to know this.

[@bfotosuk]

Hi mate, yeah you're not the first! If I'm honest I just bought it and used it lol didn't look too much into the specs.

[@vinylisland6386]

It's a phenomenal lens and suffers little in comparison with the M primes. Perfect for lousy weather, too.

[@paulcook3410]

Hi Brad. Glad to see you have posted another KZbin Video. It’s been a long break since the last one buddy. Totally agree on your comments on the Leica Zoom Lens. It’s big, heavy and the hood is massive. But, brilliant image quality. Maybe, we could meet up soon for a One 2 One Session to do some Night Time Photography with our Leica around Bristol? Just let me know if you would consider this and we can work out the details through future correspondence via email. I like your unbiased and objective approach. Kindest regards. Paul.

[@bfotosuk]

Thanks for the kind words Paul! Tough time at the moment, but 21 we could prob figure something out.

[@maziatr]

I have this lens and it definitively has OIS built in

[@bfotosuk]

Yeah! I only found out after another viewer commented. The IS is pretty good too

[@edjones8622]

Nice real world reviews Brad. As a wedding photographer making the same shift (had enough of shooting with other systems dreaming of one day using Leica), I’m enjoying your videos and honest reports on the gear. Just got my SL and for now using my M lenses, but will be picking up this zoom first. I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts on the 90 cron L vs your 75.

[@bfotosuk]

Hi Ed, I've just made a video about the 90, they're both great! I think I prefer the 75 though, not quite as tight and super sharp!

[@edjones8622]

@@bfotosuk yep I checked it out when it dropped and your update on the SL. I’ve shot my last few weddings on my Q and SL (with adapted M lenses and the 24-90). I agree totally with your appraisal of it. I love them both, looking at the 50 lux for SL soon, then it will be deciding between the 75 & 90

[@slavomirdzieciatkowski8811]

The Leica-r does have image stabilization...😊

[@mehmetbayraktar1045]

Great review. One comment though: i think leica zoom lens has IS.

[@bharathghanta]

Yes. It does have stabilization

[@bfotosuk]

@@bharathghanta The Leica 24-90 doesn't have built in IS.

[@bharathghanta]

@@bfotosuk The spec sheet says it does have an image stabilizer rated for 3.5 stops by CIPA us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-SL/SL-Lenses/Vario-Lenses/VARIO-ELMARIT-SL-24-90

[@bharathghanta]

Also i checked quite a number of reviews. Every one of them except yours claims it has image stabilization

[@bfotosuk]

@@bharathghanta So it does! TBH I've never read the specs it's not obvious that it's got IS when you're using it. I stand corrected :-)

[@michaelstark9632]

have you tested the 24-90 vs the new leica 24-70 2.8?!

[@MKWHD]

Beautiful images! The 24-90 looks great but the size deters me from buying it. You should rock the SL2 because that body is great. I have that and the M10-P.

[@bfotosuk]

Yeah, tough climate at the moment. I can’t justify a sl2 when I’m getting no work!

[@carstenklein4249]

👍Train your muscles or loose them 😊 Many greets from germany, near Koblenz, only 1 hour fare away from Wetzlar. Carsten, from Villa Petersberg

[@patrickgevaert36]

You can also use Leica-R lenses on the Canon 1 DX 2/3 or 5 DS with the same excellent results!

[@muriellesevegrand3719]

Merci!

[@astcell]

Do you use a UV filter or just bare glass?

[@bfotosuk]

I stopped using uv filters a long time ago

[@feherberci]

I photographed the whole Mosul operation in Iraq with using the two zoom lenses only (plus a Q) and have to tell that the best zoom lenses I vere used.

[@mr5string]

Do you have a link to the rubber lens hood for it please. I think the original is stupid and I never use mine but one day I will regret it I know. Great vid by the way.

[@bfotosuk]

I just bought a 82mm rubber hood from ebay

[@goyangi2014]

omg you spent on that lens even without knowing that it has OIS...? But does that mean the OIS is obsolete on 24-90? since you didnt notice???

[@bfotosuk]

Mad right! haha

[@ahmeddaghriri4180]

Do you think it’s sharper than Leica SL 24-70mm 2.8 ?

[@bfotosuk]

No idea as I've not shot with the 24-70 2.8, sorry.

[@carstenklein4249]

Nice video. Great photos. Only my english isnt the best. Greets, Carsten Villa Petersberg

[@dazhsh7109]

Canon RF28-70/f2 weighs 1430 grams

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

Sorry man but the Leica is stabilised also...

[@bfotosuk]

Yeah, I know that now! I've never been one for the tech specs. I started shooting before IS was a big thing, steady hands!

[@DidierMOULINPhotography]

@@bfotosuk it’s not that well known as it’s not written on it. But definitively this lens is a beast. I own it as well as the 90 SUMMICRON SL you show in your video and others all from used market and yeah, for sure after nearly 20 years of photography they are the best ever I have used in terms of image quality. AF is maybe not as fast as my former Nikon Pro lenses. But hey’ that’s the price to pay for this extra quality.

[@janfrosty3392]

Get yourself educated before waffling on about this lens B. Wakefield.

[@user-ms8qg2rz5s]

Think this is F4 zoom lens, the F2.8 are bug

[@jeffrandall4046]

Yes, the SL 24-90mm does have stabilization….stopped watching at this point. Down voted.

[@bfotosuk]

Hey Jeff, thanks for your comment and kind words. *stabilisation

[@Unknownresident621]

Gosh - I'm sure he's really hurting from your down vote. Did you get a thrill from down voting as well as telling him about it?