Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 ASPH Review

May 2, 2018 | Amy Davies | Rating star Rating star Rating star Rating star Half rating star

Conclusion

There’s no denying that anything produced by Leica automatically becomes a bit of a niche object by its very nature - and the new Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 ASPH lens is no different. 

If you are an SL user and you’re looking for a portrait, or standard prime lens, then the 75mm makes a lot of sense. It’s a touch more versatile than the 90mm, all while still producing very attractive portrait shots. You could also feasibly use it as a long walk around lens, or for other subjects such as food, flower and documentary reporting. 

Of course, you shouldn’t be expecting a bargain when it comes to anything which is Leica branded, but this is available for a little cheaper than the 90mm, so if you are deciding between the two, it could be a deciding factor. If money is no object, having both in your kit bag is also highly recommended. 

If you’re primarily a portrait photographer, the 90mm may be the more obvious choice, but if you’re looking for something a little more versatile, it’s this one that is likely to find its way into your bag. It’s also good news that Leica is starting to introduce more optics for its SL system, too. 

Yes, the lens is expensive, but the images it’s capable of producing are excellent, displaying a fantastic level of sharpness and excellent bokeh. The lens focuses quickly and quietly, while the rugged construction gives you confidence to use it in a range of different conditions. 

While there’s no denying that the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 ASPH is not an ordinary lens for the average photographer, if you do happen to be in the market for one, you’re likely to be very pleased with what it can produce - and for that reason it comes highly recommended for users of the SL system. 

4.5 stars

Ratings (out of 5)
Design 4.5
Features 4.5
Ease-of-use 5
Image quality 5
Value for money 3