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Leica lighter load? Here’s the answer...
CLASSY GLASS Lens-spiration!
If you’re looking to refresh your kit bag, these new lenses are well worth a closer look
market for new glass. Camera brands and third-party makers alike have been busy rolling out a fresh wave of optics designed to take full advantage of today’s high-resolution sensors and lightning-fast autofocus systems. From lightweight walkaround primes to pro-level telephoto zooms, there’s something for every style and budget. We round up some of the most exciting lens launches in your guide to the latest glass set to be hitting the shelves in 2025.
Leica’s latest full-frame mirrorless lens is a compact standard zoom that still boasts a fast f/2.8 aperture throughout its whole focal length range. The new Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens enters the L-Mount range as the most compact and lightweight standard zoom lens from the brand yet, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go photography and video. The sophisticated optical construction, comprising 16 lenses arranged in 12 groups, is built to delivers exceptional performance – as you’d imagine from the brand famed for its optics. Three of these lenses feature aspherical surfaces on both sides, in order to enhance image quality and precision. The lens will cost £1650 and its advanced technology is securely shielded from external elements, such as dust and water, thanks to its durable metal housing. Despite this, the lens remains lightweight, at just 572g. It’s compact too – 102 mm long with a max diameter of 72mm. The lens hood is an extra £145, though. leica-camera.com LIGHTEN THE LOAD The new Leica 28- 70mm might not have the focal length reach of some, but lacks the heft too
Whether you shoot landscapes, wildlife, portraits or street, a lens
can transform not just your images, but your entire photographic experience. Right now, it’s a great time to be in the
Sigma’s superfast standard
With a fast f/1.8 aperture, the Sigma 17-40mm DC Art zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras builds upon the groundbreaking innovations of the legendary 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art: the world’s first f/1.8 zoom lens. Now, 13 years after the 18-35mm debut, this next-generation lens is built for mirrorless and achieves not only improved optical performance, but also a wider focal length range, while reducing its weight by over 30%.
In addition to the fast, quiet AF driven by the HLA (High-response Linear Actuator), the lens incorporates an inner zoom mechanism and minimal focus breathing, ensuring great performance for both stills and video. Taking advantage of a large aperture – comparable to a prime – this lens is suitable for low-light environments like indoor and night scenes, and for creating smooth bokeh. sigmauk.com
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