Why I Ditched Leica Lenses for Zeiss Glass: A Love Letter to My Trusty 50mm

Ah, the Leica camera—an instrument so revered that it inspires a dedicated following comprised of enthusiasts, zealots, and fanboys. You know the type: the Leica loyalists who believe that unless you’ve committed to that little red dot, you're simply not a “real” photographer. They’re the ones with an arsenal of gear that could fund a small country, and let’s be honest, we all love to roll our eyes at them. Yet, despite this, I can’t help but count myself among the Leica admirers. 

There’s something undeniably magical about the rangefinder format. Maybe it’s the promise that one of these beautifully crafted machines could, in some miraculous way, turn me into a photography god (hey, we all have our delusions, right?). Plus, the thought that a Leica can last a lifetime is tantalizing—imagine passing it down to future generations, who might use it to capture their own awkward family moments. What a legacy!

But here’s the kicker: while I adore my Leica M series cameras, I find myself rather underwhelmed by their lenses. Don’t get me wrong; they’re exceptional pieces of glass. It’s just that the price tag is so intimidating it might as well come with a side of therapy bills! 

Years ago, I splurged on a used M6 for a cool $2,000 (it was either that or redesign my living room to fit my hoarding tendencies). Naturally, I needed a lens, but the thought of surrendering my entire paycheck—maybe even my dog's college fund—for that pristine Leica glass made me break into a cold sweat. So, in what I can only describe as a poor life choice wrapped in the delusion of practicality, I opted for a used Zeiss 50mm f/2 lens. The moment I attached it to my M6, I was hooked.

Now, let me sing the praises of this “backup” lens for a moment: it’s sharp, full of character, and boasts fewer shortcomings than my last romantic relationship. It’s perfectly built and offers a buttery-smooth focus within a two-inch range that makes me feel like a photographic ninja. I can nail my focus quickly without worrying about glare or other pesky artifacts, and the bokeh? Let's just say it’ll make angels weep tears of joy. It matches the silver aesthetic of my M6 perfectly, and honestly, this lens has become somewhat of a permanent resident—it's rarely detached from my Leica.

Here’s the real conundrum, though: despite my occasional dalliance with a Leica lens (I did buy the Leica 28mm f/2.8 while on vacation—what can I say, I was feeling spontaneous), nothing compares to my beloved Zeiss 50. I mean, I might as well serenade it; it’s been with me on epic journeys, shoved into hotel room safes like a rare treasure, and put on display atop some world-class restaurant tables. 

This camera-and-lens duo has traveled to crazy places: Germany, England, Indonesia, Australia, Argentina, Cambodia, Malaysia—the list goes on like an overzealous travel vlog. There was that one time in the UK when my camera meter failed me, but honestly, it was just some moisture—like the unreliable friend who promises they won’t bail on plans and then ghost you at the last minute. But my trusty Zeiss lens? Flawless.

So here’s my take: great cameras are wonderful tools, no doubt about it. They won’t magically transform you into the next Ansel Adams or Henri Cartier-Bresson—trust me, I’ve tried. But a good lens, one you truly understand and bond with, is like a sturdy partner who sticks with you through thick and thin. Those lenses that resonate with us, that help us realize our creative visions and fit so seamlessly into our style? They deserve a celebration.

While I’m not exactly waving a flag for Leica as a brand (I do own a M9 after all), I’ll gladly defend my love affair with this specific Zeiss lens. It's a faithful companion, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: in the quest for photographic excellence, what matters more than the name on your camera is the glass you choose to put in front of it. So here’s to Zeiss—the lens that makes me feel like a superhero, even if my photography skills still put me in the sidekick category!