Also suitable for beginners! The 5 recommended Leica lenses in the ranking
The appeal of Leica lenses and "how to make the right choice without making mistakes" Leica lenses are not just optical devices. They are both a "tool for photography" and a "brush for expression". The imaging performance that a company steeped in tradition has perfected over more than 100 years, the cool feel of the metal and the precise workmanship down to the last detail - all this ensures that people are always drawn to the presence that you can feel the moment you touch it, almost like a piece of art.
Why Leica is considered something special
The appeal of Leica lenses lies in their "three-dimensional appearance" and a "unique atmosphere". Not only the contours of the subject are captured, but also the "space in between" with a transparency that makes this intermediate space visible. Depending on the incidence of light, a photo literally begins to tell a story, an experience made possible by the combination of Leica's optical technology and masterful craftsmanship.
Four points that beginners should pay attention to
Nevertheless, many people ask themselves: "Which lens should I choose ...?" We have therefore compiled the most important points to consider when choosing your first lens.
Focal length (50 mm or 35 mm are particularly easy to handle)
For the first Leica, 50 mm or 35 mm is the classic choice. 50 mm offers a natural field of view, close to the human eye, and is suitable for both portraits and snapshots. 35 mm is slightly wider and ideal for city walks or landscape shots when traveling.
Price range (used and vintage lenses are also options)
Leica has a reputation for being very expensive, but in fact the second-hand market is very well developed. Lenses in good condition from the Summarit series or Elmar lenses are sometimes available for around 500€. In addition, more and more people are consciously opting for used lenses because they are attracted by the "soft look" of classic vintage lenses.
Weight and mobility Fixed focal lengths for the Leica M mount are compact and lightweight. They also tire less quickly on long photo tours or street photography and are ideal as a travel camera. If you want to transport several lenses safely on the road, the handmade lens cases Donau are an elegant solution for keeping sensitive Leica lenses protected and ready to hand.
Shooting genre (street photography / portrait, etc.) Depending on the type of photos you want to take, the choice of suitable lens changes.
・Street snapshots → 35 mm Summicron
・Portraits → 50 mm Summilux
・Travel and landscape → 28 mm Elmarit
If you are aware of the distance between you and your subject when making your choice, the pleasure of taking photos will increase significantly. Memo: When choosing your "first lens", you should not primarily base your decision on the specifications, but on the situations in which you want to use it.
Comparison between original and third-party manufacturers - differences that you should know before choosing a Leica lens Recently, many lenses from other manufacturers have also appeared that are compatible with the Leica mount, such as Voigtländer or TTArtisan. You might ask yourself: "Does it have to be an original?" In fact, both options have clear advantages.
The strengths of original Leica lenses
The greatest feature of original Leica lenses is the consistency of image quality and the perfection of their appearance. The sharpness of the focal plane, the natural progression of the bokeh and the feel of the metal body, everything is designed to be as perfect a tool as possible. In addition, the brand value itself also increases the pleasure of ownership.
The strengths of lenses from other manufacturers (Voigtländer / TTArtisan / 7Artisans etc.)
On the other hand, the greatest appeal of lenses from other manufacturers lies in the price-performance ratio and their individuality. Even new models are available from a few tens of thousands of yen, and the characteristic bokeh or flares at open aperture are often appreciated as their own "character". Voigtländer offers high resolution and a more "modern Leica-like" presentation. TTArtisan and 7Artisans are characterized by a softer, vintage-like tone and are also gaining popularity on social networks.
Which should you choose?
If you are looking for "a lens for life" and particularly sophisticated image quality → Original. If you want to "experience the world of Leica first" and value a good price-performance ratio → third-party manufacturer
Whichever option you choose, you will definitely experience the joy of photography. The only important thing is what you want to photograph yourself and what kind of pictures touch you. Once you know this, the "best Leica lens" will become naturally apparent to you. To ensure that your lenses are optimally protected when traveling or during everyday photography, it is worth taking a look at the high-quality lens cases and camera bags from Oberwerth, which have been specially developed for Leica equipment
Based on current reviews and popularity rankings of the 2025 version, we have selected five lenses that even beginners can use safely. If you own several of these classics or are planning to expand your collection, you will benefit from the well-designed camera bag Edward (M Bag), which transports the camera and lenses stylishly and safely. Each lens is selected to suit different photographic motifs and situations. Perhaps your "first lens" is already here.
1st place: Leica Summicron-M 50 mm f/2
Keywords: Classic · versatile · Symbol from Leica
An indispensable classic when talking about Leica.
The standard focal length of 50 mm reproduces a natural perspective that comes close to human vision and is therefore easy to handle even for beginners. The "Summicron" is sharp even at open aperture, while the bokeh in the background appears soft and creamy. To a certain extent, this image effect embodies exactly what has been associated with "typical Leica" since the film era. From portraits to street snapshots, it is suitable for almost any subject. At around 1,900 €, it is relatively expensive, but remains extremely popular as a "lens for life". If you want to experience the feeling of "This is Leica", go for this lens without hesitation. Every photo makes you feel how profound photography can be.
2nd place: Leica Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 ASPH
Keywords: lightweight · Wide angle · Travel snapshots
A lightweight wide-angle lens that is particularly suitable for city walks and travel photography. It makes it easier to capture the distance to the subject and creates images that appear to capture the "air in the room". 28 mm is often considered a little more difficult to compose, but once you get used to it, you discover the joy of "completely capturing the atmosphere of a place." The Elmarit is also compact and extremely portable, making it a perfect match for a Leica M camera. It is also ideal as a travel camera lens.
3rd place: Leica Summarit-M 35 mm f/2.4 light · smooth image · good price-performance ratio
The "Summarit" series is one of the comparatively affordable models in the Leica lens range. The focal length of 35 mm is versatile for both street photography and people photography and is ideal for beginners to try out the "world of Leica". The image is calm and is characterized by a slightly soft tone. The bokeh gently envelops the subject, which is why this lens is particularly popular as the "first Leica". It is available on the second-hand market from around 1000 €. If you are looking for a "soft drawing Leica", this is an excellent choice. The unobtrusive light reproduction gives images a certain "breathing".
4th place: Voigtländer Nokton 50 mm f/1.5 Aspherical VM
Third-party manufacturer · large aperture · excellent price-performance ratio
Recommended for all those who say: "Original Leica is expensive, but I want to experience the Leica image effect." Voigtländer is a traditional brand from Austria, and yet the price is around 500 €. With the open aperture of f/1.5, it produces a strong three-dimensional bokeh and a high-contrast look, which is why it is finding more and more fans as "image quality close to the original". The weight is also low and it harmonizes perfectly with Leica M cameras. Many people start with a lens from a third-party manufacturer and later switch to an original Leica lens.
5th place: Leica Elmar 90 mm f/4 (Vintage)
classic · portrait · soft rendering
Finally, we present a masterpiece from the world of vintage Leica lenses.
The Elmar 90 mm f/4 seems to preserve the atmosphere of classic Leica photography. At open aperture, the image is somewhat softer and gently envelops the light. It is particularly suitable for portraits or still lifes when you want to capture the "mood" of a subject rather than its "presence". It is available on the second-hand market from around 300 € and is therefore well suited as an introduction to the Leica world.
Conclusion: The first lens is less about "perfection" and more about the "joy of photography"
It is completely normal to hesitate when choosing a Leica lens. However, behind this uncertainty ultimately lies the joy of photography itself. High-resolution modern lenses as well as vintage lenses full of character are both partners that breathe life into a photo. To ensure that these special tools are optimally protected on the go, it's worth taking a look at the camera bag Little William (The SL Bag® Medium), which combines functionality, craftsmanship and timeless aesthetics. Choose your first lens not just for its technical specifications, but for the image effect that moves your heart. This is the first step towards a long relationship with Leica.
The fascination of the individual lenses based on their characteristics and sample shots. The fascination of Leica lenses cannot be explained on the basis of technical data alone. The real difference can only be seen when you look through the viewfinder at the light.
Here we present the five lenses mentioned above using sample shots, divided into image character, typical areas of use and recommendations for beginners.
Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 "The magician of three-dimensionality "clear and three-dimensional. The background literally melts away. A lens that is often referred to as the "classic among classics". Even at open aperture, it has an impressive sharpness and makes the contours of the subject stand out clearly, while the background is softly blurred. In a backlit portrait in the evening, for example, even individual strands of hair are finely rendered, while the light gently envelops the background.
Even if the composition is not perfect, the result is often an atmospheric picture.
Simply by consciously working with light, you can achieve "photos like the pros". Elmarit-M 28 mm f/2.8 ASPH "A clear eye for the city" sharp and with little distortion. The gradations of light are particularly beautiful. A classic for street photography and travel photography. Even the fine structures of cobblestones or the shadows on buildings are reproduced in great detail. Even in harsh sunlight during the day, there are hardly any washed-out highlights and the natural tonal values are retained.
Ideal for practicing the creation of image compositions. You learn the special "organizing power of space" that wide-angle lenses offer. When traveling or walking through the city, it is fun to transfer the wide field of view directly into an image.
Summarit-M 35 mm f/2.4 - "The lens that draws a soft atmosphere" Natural colors with a cinematic impression. This lens is often presented as a "model student for beginners". At open aperture, it has a slightly shimmering light effect that makes skin tones appear natural and beautiful.
Easy to handle, and even with a manual rangefinder without autofocus, focusing is a pleasure. It conveys a conscious feeling for the actual act of photography.
Voigtländer Nokton 50 mm f/1.5 Aspherical VM - "The companion for creative freedom"
Image character: high contrast and dramatic effect. Large, three-dimensional bokeh. Thanks to the large aperture of f/1.5, the depth of field is very shallow, which immediately blurs the background. Even in low light, for example in neon streets at night or in cafés, shots can be taken with minimal blurring.
Ideal for practicing manual operation. Recommended for anyone who wants to develop a feeling for "reading light". It offers a playful freedom that you won't find with original Leica lenses.
Leica Elmar 90 mm f/4 (Vintage) - "The lens that captures time" soft tonal gradations and classic bokeh. A frequently recommended entry into the world of vintage Leica lenses. Many examples date back to the 1950s and 1960s, and the feel of the metal body and the click feel of the controls are particularly pleasant. In portraits, skin tones are reproduced softly and give the images a nostalgic atmosphere. It slows down the rhythm of photography. You learn the "set up the camera → collect your breath → release" sequence naturally.
Conclusion: "Every lens has its own voice"
Even with the same camera, the result with a different lens sounds like a completely different instrument. The precision of the Summicron, the transparency of the Elmarit, the softness of the Summarit, the energy of Voigtländer and the nostalgia of the Elmar, each tells its own story and brings out the photographer's sensibility.
A Leica lens is not an "expensive piece of equipment", but a "mirror of one's own perception". If you choose the image effect that moves your emotions the most, then that is your "first right decision".
