Lens guide · updated 5 November 2026

Best lenses for the Leica SL2-S

The SL2-S uses the L-Mount mount with a full-frame sensor. We picked the best lens in each category from 55 native lenses, plus a cheaper alternative where one is worth having.

SL2-S specs
Where to start

Pair the SL2-S with the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH and add the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 for low light and portraits. When you need reach, the Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS.

CategoryBestBudget pick
Standard zoom
Your everyday lens, from wide to short telephoto.
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH (24-70mm eq · £1,080 used)Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 (20-60mm eq · £170 used)
Telephoto zoom
For sport, events, wildlife at a distance and compressed portraits.
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports (70-200mm eq · £1,380 used)Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS (70-300mm eq · £630 used)
Wide-angle
For landscapes, architecture, interiors and the night sky.
Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (14mm eq · £1,499 new)Panasonic Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3 (18-40mm eq · £130 used)
Portrait prime
Flattering perspective and blurred backgrounds.
Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG Art (135mm eq · £1,620 used)Panasonic Lumix S 85mm f/1.8 (85mm eq · £390 used)
Fast standard prime
Small, bright and cheap: the best first upgrade from a kit zoom.
Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (35mm eq · £520 used)Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 (50mm eq · £210 used)
Macro
Close-up detail: insects, flowers, products and food.
Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 Macro (100mm eq · £770 used)Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art (105mm eq · £540 used)
Super-telephoto
For birds, wildlife and motorsport.
Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (500mm eq · £3,299 new)Panasonic Lumix S 100-500mm f/5-7.1 OIS (100-500mm eq · £1,400 used)

Prices: MPB used where listed for L-Mount, otherwise typical new UK price (5 November 2026). Equivalent focal lengths account for the sensor size.

More for the SL2-S

Frequently asked questions

What is the best lens for the Leica SL2-S?

For most people, a standard zoom such as the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH, plus a fast prime like the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm f/1.8.

What lenses fit the Leica SL2-S?

The SL2-S uses the L-Mount mount. Our database lists 55 lenses that fit natively and 8 more with an adapter.

Is the kit lens good enough for the SL2-S?

Kit zooms are fine to start with. The biggest improvement usually comes from a brighter prime for low light and portraits, or a better standard zoom.

What telephoto lens should I get for the SL2-S?

The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports is our top telephoto pick; the Panasonic Lumix S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro OIS is the budget choice.