Launched alongside the new Leica SL3-P camera, the Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH claims to be the world's most compact 50mm f/1.4 autofocus lens. At just 75.5mm long and with a diameter of 74mm, it is a substantial shrinking of the original Leica 50mm f/1.4 SL lens launched back in 2016.
In 2023, Leica introduced a smaller version of its Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. Now the shrinking process has been applied to the 50mm f/1.4 – and remarkably, it is even smaller than the latest 50mm f/2.
Weighing in at 584g, the Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH can't claim to be the world's lightest full-frame 50mm f/1.4 AF lens, however – but nonetheless this is a remarkable technological achievement for the pioneer of the L-mount lens system. Using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, the lens uses 11 aperture blades and two aspherical lens elements and promises "high-quality images even in challenging lighting conditions, while also producing precise subject isolation and a soft, natural bokeh."
Lens mount | L-mount |
Full frame | Yes |
Autofocus | Yes |
Image stabilization | No |
Lens construction | 11 elements in 6 groups |
View angle (diagonal) | 46.4° |
Diaphragm blades | 11 |
Minimum aperture | f/16 |
Minimum focus distance | 0.5m |
Maximum magnification | 1:7.6 |
Filter size | 67mm |
Dimensions | 75.5x74mm |
Weight | 584g |
The new Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH will not go on sale until the end of 2026, but has an anticipated price tag of $4,950 / £3,890.
Despite the delay until its availability, we managed to have a brief session using it at the launch event in and around Leica's German headquarters, using it on the new Leica SL3-P.
Check out our guide to the best Leica SL lenses, and to the best L-mount lenses overall
