Leica APO-Summicron 90mm f2 ASPH vs Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH
It's a trade-off
The Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH and Leica APO-Summicron 90mm f2 ASPH differ mainly in focal length — 16-35mm versus 90mm — so the right choice comes down to the field of view you want rather than one lens outperforming the other. The Leica APO-Summicron 90mm f2 ASPH offers a lower used price (£1,923.06 less), a wider f/2 aperture and a lighter body (290g less). Both share a compatible lens mount.
Our take: If you're unsure, the Leica APO-Summicron 90mm f2 ASPH is the safer value pick — step up to the Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH only if you want a broader field of view (16-35mm).
Which should you buy?
It really comes down to field of view — 16-35mm versus 90mm — pick the one that frames what you shoot.
Leica APO-Summicron 90mm f2 ASPH
…if you want:
- More reach (90mm)
- A lower used price (£1,923.06 less)
- A wider f/2 aperture
- A lighter body (290g less)
Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH
…if you want:
- A broader field of view (16-35mm)
Full specifications
| Leica APO-Summicron 90mm f2 ASPH | Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH |
|---|---|
| Price £2,199.70on eBay Cheaper | Price £3,172.06used on eBay |
| BrandLeica | BrandLeica |
Sensor Format
| Sensor Format
|
Mount
| Mount
|
| CategoryShort Telephoto | CategoryUltra Wide |
| Use Case EventLow LightPortraitProduct | Use Case ArchitecturalEnvironmentalLandscape |
| Focal Length90mm | Focal Length16mm - 35mm |
| Angle of View27° | Angle of View75° |
| Aperture f/2 (max)f/16 (min) Wider aperture | Aperture f/3.5 (max)f/22 (min) |
| Blades9 | Blades9 |
| Circular ApertureYes | Circular ApertureYes |
| Min Focus Distance0.8m | Min Focus Distance0.28m |
| Max Magnification0.12x | Max Magnification0.15x |
| Filter Diameter67mm | Filter Diameter82mm |
| Weight700g Lighter | Weight990g |
| StabilizationNo (relies on camera) | StabilizationNo (relies on camera) |
| Auto FocusYes | Auto FocusYes |
| Release Date2018 | Release Date2018 |
| View full detailsLeica APO-Summicron 90mm f2 ASPH | View full detailsLeica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH |
Lenny's verdict
