Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f1.4 ASPH with the new SL3-P camera
If you shoot with the Leica L mount, you know the original Summilux-SL 50mm F1.4 ASPH is a massive piece of glass. Leica just announced a new version (along with the SL3-P camera) , and the size reduction is shocking. It weighs exactly half as much as the original. Here is how they look side by side.
(click on the image for a larger version)
New vs Old Leica SL 50mm f1.4 ASPH
How did Leica shrink this lens so much? It comes down to a complete change in design philosophy.
The original 2015 lens was built for clinical optical perfection. It used a complex design with heavy glass elements to guarantee maximum sharpness and zero distortion right from f1.4.
The new version takes a different path. Leica designed it to feel closer to their classic M mount lenses. Wide open, it delivers a softer and more organic look rather than edge to edge clinical sharpness. By allowing the lens to have this natural character, they could drastically reduce its physical size. It still sharpens up beautifully when you stop down, but now it comes in a package you will actually want to carry all day.
Price and Availability
The new Leica Summilux-SL 50mm F1.4 ASPH 2026 costs $4,950. It was announced in June 2026 and should start shipping later this year.
