Leica 24-90mm f/2.8-4 Vario-Elmarit-SL ASPH

I became aware of this lens several years ago. Back then, it was hard to find one on the used market, and even when they popped up, they remained cost prohibitive. A fellow member at an online photographer hang-out knew I was looking for one and offered up his because he was in the midst of changing systems - something I've done myself several times.

The following probably insinuates some hyperbole, but having used a myriad of zoom lenses from the likes of Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Sigma and Panasonic, everywhere between 16mm and 600mm, I have great hope that this lens is what people say it is: "Best zoom lens ever built, period." Many who have used it for a lengthy amount of time say it's like having a prime lens at every focal length between 24mm and 90mm. We'll see, but so far I'm pretty impressed. It's a very heavy lens. All metal construction and lots of glass make it so. Build quality is consistent with all Leica products - in that it is rock solid with excellent tactile feel, perfect drag in the zoom and focus rings, and is resistant to moisture and dust incursion. The 82mm filter ring is common on larger zooms, which means I already have what I need if that need arrises. It's also very well balanced on my SL2.

I'll update this post as I use the lens more...

Cheers!

Update: 7/3/2026

I was using the lens one day and the zoom ring started binding, requiring concerted effort to get closed. I sent the lens to Leica, fully expecting to pay for an out-of-warranty repair. Turned out to be a known issue where one of the two screws that holds a cam roller that rides in a track that extends and retracts the lens barrel. The lens was repaired under "good will" and sent back to me looking and functioning like new. Thank you Leica.

As far as use, I'm sold. Unlike other zooms I've used, this lens has absolutely no detectable distortion of the image at any focal length. Sharp, and I'm talking "prime sharp" at every focal length. While the depth of field falloff isn't at the APO prime level, it's close and the out-of-focus areas are clean and pleasing, as one would expect from a lens at this level. Simply put, it produces images that are dripping with realism.