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A few years ago L mount lenses were just a pipe dream for some photographers. The L in the L-mount screamed Leica and high-end lens. Only a selected number of photographers could afford one of them.
After third-party brands like Sigma and Panasonic joined the L mount game, many more photographers now have the option of purchasing an L lens at different costs.
The L-Mount Alliance is a partnership between Leica Camera AG, Panasonic, and Sigma that was announced on September 25, 2018. Panasonic and Sigma started using the L-Mount standard, which was developed by Leica. Alliance products that use this mounting system now will have improved firmware and compatibility.
Whether the collaboration between those manufacturers affected the quality of those lenses, will be revealed in today’s article.
I have rounded up a list of what I think are the best l mount lenses in 2022.
Although L mount lenses are expensive, numerous manufacturers, like Sigma and Panasonic, have made high-quality, reasonably priced L mount lenses available to photographers.
The most extraordinary L-mount lens any photographer can acquire is the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm F1.4; it offers incredible characteristics that will make your photos appear beautiful.
5. Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 – Best Ultra Wide-Angle Lens
What I Like
Well built
Fluorine protection
Strong optical performance
Ultra-wide angle of view
What I Don’t Like
Visible distortion
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens was designed for full-frame Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras and offers a versatile range of wide-angle focal lengths with high image quality while minimizing size and weight.
This lens is also noted for its advanced optical design, which includes a number of low dispersion and spherical elements that help to reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations across the whole zoom range.
But what truly distinguishes this lens is its maximum aperture, which allows it to work in all lighting conditions.
The stepping motor also allows for a smooth, quick, and silent autofocus.
A rounded 11-blade diaphragm helps to create smooth bokeh, which increases image quality. In addition, a built-in lens hood protects the front element while also preventing flare.
Key Specifications
Lens Type: Ultra wide-angle zoom
Focal length: 14 to 24mm
Elements: 18
Groups: 13
Angle of view: 114.2° to 84.1°
Diaphragm Blades: 11
Closest focusing distance: 11″ / 27.94 cm
Maximum magnification ratio: 0.14x
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Minimum aperture: f/22
Filter size: Gel Filter
Dimensions: 3.35 x 5.16″ / 85 x 131 mm
Weight: 28.04 oz / 795 g
Who should buy it: Architectural Photographers, Music Photographers, Landscape Photographers
Below you will find some pictures taken with this lens.
Why should you buy it?
If you’re interested in or already do landscape photography, you should get this ultra-wide lens. It’s also useful for real estate or architectural photography, and it’s a must-have if you shoot music.
I believe it is appropriately priced for the performances it provides.
4. Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH – Most Versatile
What I Like
Sharp optics
Minimal distortion
Dust and splash protection
Close focus capability
Optical stabilization
What I Don’t Like
Heavy
Pricey
The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH is a fast standard zoom built for full-frame L mount mirrorless cameras with a versatile wide-angle to portrait-length range.
The versatility of this lens, which is designed for consistent performance at all focal lengths and focusing distances, makes it well-suited to practically any photographic application, mostly it succeeds in portrait photography.
The outstanding performance is rounded off by a 3.5-effective built-in optical image stabilization system that reduces camera shake drastically. Once you try this lens, shaky hands won’t be an issue.
The maximum aperture of f/2.8–4 is great for working in low-light situations, and it also gives you more flexibility.
Chromatic and spherical aberrations are reduced with four aspherical elements and 11 anomalous partial dispersion glass elements.
This lens also has Leica’s AquaDura hydrophobic coating on the front and rear elements to protect against moisture, as well as a fully dust and water-sealed design to keep the lens safe when used in harsh weather.
Key Specifications
Lens Type: Zoom Lens
Focal length: 24 to 90mm
Elements: 18
Groups: 15
Angle of view: 82.4° to 27.8°
Diaphragm Blades:
Closest focusing distance: 11.81″ / 30 cm
Maximum magnification ratio: 0.26x
Maximum aperture: f/2.8 to 4
Minimum aperture: f/22
Filter size: 82mm
Dimensions: 3.46 x 5.43″ / 88 x 138 mm
Weight: 2.51 lb / 1140 g
Who should buy it: Portrait Photographers, Street Photographers
Below you will find some pictures taken with this lens.
Why should you buy it?
If you are seeking a versatile lens, that is ideal for portrait photography, but won’t take away your freedom of taking great landscape photos as well, then this one is for you.
However, you should also be aware of the painful price that follows with it.
3. Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm F1.4 – Best for Most People
What I Like
Minimal distortion
Sharp
Focus clutch and aperture ring
What I Don’t Like
Pricey
The Panasonic Lumix S PRO 50mm f/1.4 is a sophisticated standard prime for L-mount mirrorless cameras that combines exceptional speed and optics. With its quick f/1.4 maximum aperture, this lens excels in low-light situations while also providing better control.
Two aspherical elements aid to keep edge-to-edge sharpness and lighting across all the zoom range by reducing distortions and spherical aberrations.
While the aperture performs admirably in low-light situations, the Rounded 11-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasant bokeh quality.
Working in bad weather down to -14°F is made easier by the splash, dust, and freezeproof construction.
Key Specifications
Lens Type: Standard
Focal length: 50mm
Elements: 13
Groups: 11
Angle of view: 47°
Diaphragm Blades: 11
Closest focusing distance: 1.44′ / 44 cm
Maximum magnification ratio: 0.15x
Maximum aperture: f/1.4
Minimum aperture: f/16
Filter size: 77mm
Dimensions: 3.54 x 5.12 inches / 90 x 130 mm
Weight: Weight 2.1 lb / 955 g
Who should buy it: Entry-Level Photographers, Street Photographers, Traveling Photographers
Below you will find some pictures taken with this lens.
Why should you buy it?
This is the lens for you if you’re a beginner photographer looking for a fairly standard lens. It has a focal length that is similar to that of the human eye.
This implies that the shot appears the same in the viewfinder as it would if you were gazing at it without the camera.
2. Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art L – Best Macro
What I Like
Quick autofocus
1:1 macro reproduction
Great resolution optics
Dust and splash protection
What I Don’t Like
Focus breathing limits video use
The Sigma Leica L-mount 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art Lens is a short-telephoto prime geared for macro application, boasting optical excellence and close-focusing capabilities.
What I appreciate best about this lens is the value it provides; I understand that a price of just under $800 may be a bit high for some, but I believe it is well worth it for serious macro photographers.
For the precise portrayal of close-up subjects, this lens has a life-size, 1:1 reproduction ratio.
It has a single SLD element in its optical design, which helps to achieve great clarity and color accuracy by reducing various aberrations and ghosting.
This lens features a Hyper-Sonic Motor for fast and silent autofocus and full-time manual focus. Yes, it sure also features a weather-resistant build for those sudden rains.
Key Specifications
Lens Type: Macro Lens
Focal length: 14 to 24mm
Elements: 18
Groups: 13
Angle of view: 114.2° to 84.1°
Diaphragm Blades: 11
Closest focusing distance: 11″ / 27.94 cm
Maximum magnification ratio: 0.14x
Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:7.3
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Minimum aperture: f/22
Filter size: Gel Filter
Dimensions: 3.35 x 5.16″ / 85 x 131 mm
Weight: 28.04 oz / 795 g
Who should buy it: Macro Photographers
Below you will find some pictures taken with this lens.
Why should you buy it?
If you are into Macro photography and you own an L mount camera, look no further, this lens is your companion.
The value it brings for macro shooters is quite hard to beat.
1. Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 70-200mm F4 – Best Telephoto
What I Like
Compact internal zoom design
Minimal distortion
Quick focus
Teleconverter compatibility
What I Don’t Like
Not that sharp
The Panasonic Lumix S PRO 70-200mm f/4 O.I.S. is an L-mount telephoto zoom with an f/4 constant maximum aperture that covers a wide variety of focal lengths.
A complex optical design is used to minimize a variety of aberrations. Sharp, clear, good quality pictures are promised.
What I like about this lens is the autofocus capabilities that proved to be splendid when shooting animals, it is swift, precise, and silent.
Furthermore, there’s an Optical Image Stabilizer that contributes to the camera motion for crisp and sharp handheld shooting, this will sure say no to shaky hands.
The rounded nine-blade diaphragm, on the other hand, adds to a nice bokeh quality.
Working in harsh weather conditions won’t be a problem due to the splash, dust, and freezeproof build. Definitely one of the best l mount lenses of this year.
Key Specifications
Lens Type: Telephoto
Focal length: 70 to 200mm
Elements: 23
Groups: 17
Angle of view: 34° to 12°
Diaphragm Blades: 9
Closest focusing distance: 3.02′ / 92 cm
Maximum magnification ratio: 0.25x
Maximum aperture: f/4
Minimum aperture: f/22
Filter size: 77 mm
Dimensions: 3.32 x 7.05″ / 84.4 x 179 mm
Weight: 2.17 lb / 985 g
Who should buy it: Wildlife Photographers, Sport Photographers, Wedding Photographers
Below you will find some pictures taken with this lens.
Why should you buy it?
This is a highly adaptable telephoto lens that will greatly assist you in wildlife, wedding, sports, landscape, and even portrait photography.
The ability to have short, medium, and long telephoto focal lengths in one lens with a fast constant aperture opens up a world of possibilities for photographers.
Leica Camera created the L-Mount with the goal of offering consumers a future-proof, adaptable, sturdy, and precise bayonet mount that could meet even the most demanding photographic requirements. Since its debut in the Leica T in 2014, Leica and its strategic partners have continued to develop the L-Mount. Now with the Alliance in the game, it sure gives the rivals a tough competition.
If the L mount lenses caught your curiosity, I’ll say a few words about each of the brands involved in this alliance.
Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH
Let’s start with their newest member since I’m sure most of you haven’t heard of them.
Since the original three founding members, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH is the first company to join the L lens mount alliance.
Ernst Leitz GmbH was a German lens manufacturer known for its high-quality cinematography lenses.
It is now divided into four companies and is a valuable addition to the alliance, particularly in the field of cinematography.
Leica Camera AG
Leica Camera AG is a German company that produces cameras, optical lenses, photographic lenses, binoculars, rifle scopes, and microscopes. Ernst Leitz founded the company in Wetzlar, Germany, in 1869.
Most of you, especially photographers, are aware of what separates Leica cameras; it must be their painful price, right?
Jokes aside, Leica cameras are costly by any standard, but they make up for it and also are recognized for their elegant design, remarkable build quality, superb image quality, and one-of-a-kind shooting experience.
SIGMA
If you are an entry-level photographer or a hobbyist who likes to play around with his lenses, I bet SIGMA is a favorite brand for you.
Sigma Corporation is a Japanese brand that provides cameras, lenses, flash, and other photography accessories. Sigma products are manufactured entirely in the company’s own Aizu facility in Bandai, Fukushima, Japan.
Despite the fact that Sigma offers a variety of camera models, the firm is best recognized for its high-quality lenses and other accessories that are compatible with other brands of cameras.
The main attraction is the fairly low price tag, which is why I mentioned entry-level photographers at the beginning.
SIGMA produces alternative, cost-effective lenses that are compatible with the majority of cameras from the big dogs, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, and others.
Panasonic
You must be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of Panasonic, it can be found everywhere around us.
Panasonic is the primary brand name of Panasonic Corporation, a Japanese electronics manufacturer.
Under the name, the firm distributes a wide range of products globally, including televisions, DVD and Blu-ray Disc recorders, players, camcorders, and, of course, cameras.
Lumix, on the other hand, is what Panasonic is known for in the camera market. Panasonic’s Lumix series of digital cameras includes everything from pocket point-and-shoots to digital SLRs.
Following the formation of the alliance, in 2019 Panasonic announced the launching of its new S-series mirrorless camera lineup.
Panasonic continues to release and support micro four-thirds (MFT) cameras despite a shift in focus to full-frame cameras.
Full-Frames and APS-C Cameras That Operate on The L mount
Leica
Leica SL
Leica SL2
Leica SL2-S
Panasonic
Panasonic S1R
Panasonic S1
Panasonic S1H
Panasonic S5
Sigma
Sigma fp:
Sigma fp L:
APS-C camera:
Leica TL2
Leica CL
What’s On The Horizon?
If the new L mount mirrorless cameras establish a reputation for themselves and gain some photographers over, there’s a good chance that other brands will join the alliance.
In the near future, I believe that the likes of Olympus, Pentax, Tamron, and Tokina will most likely join.
It feels as if all of the third-party brands are banding together to defeat the three Emperors, Sony, Nikon, and Canon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did these three manufacturers join together to form the L-Mount alliance?
A: On the one hand, Leica and Panasonic have had a strong partnership for a few years now, and on the other hand, Sigma and Panasonic have also had good terms. With Panasonic acting as a middleman, they’ve created a great alliance that provides fantastic lenses.
Q: What is it about L-mount lenses that makes them so good?
A: Their effective diameter is large enough to let in enough light for both APS-C and full-frame cameras. At the same time, they have an impressive and feature-rich design.
Q: Are L-Mounts only full-frame?
A: As I mentioned, the L-Mount is suited for cameras with full-frame sensors as well as cameras with APS-C sensors, thanks to its diameter of 51.6 millimeters.
Final Words
The camera market is changing at a breakneck pace, and I believe the L Mount Alliance was a great addition. I’m looking forward to seeing how things unfold in the future, and hopefully, some other brands will join in.
In terms of lens quality, I believe they are really well-made, as one would expect from three well-known manufacturers.
If you’re looking for an L mount lens, the ones I’ve mentioned will not disappoint.
Further Reading
It’s not that I despise Sony, Nikon, or Canon; it’s simply that I was excited about the alliance.
I have several wonderful lenses for you Sony users, especially if you use the A6000.
I’m not ignoring Nikon users, either, especially those who use the Nikon D7500, there are some decent lenses offered for you as well.
Last but not least, fellow Canon users, I have some amazing lenses for your Canon EOS 90D.
Key Takeaways
