Did Light Lens Lab Recreate Leica's Best Lens?
Bobby Tonelli
32,010 views
The Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 APO delivers remarkably close optical performance to the Leica 35mm APO, but its exterior design has generated just as much discussion as its images.
In this video, I test a pre-production prototype, compare it directly with the Leica, and look at sharpness, rendering, bokeh, build quality and value. I also address the bigger question: has Light Lens Lab taken its Leica inspiration too far?
Light Lens Lab says the internal optical formula is different from Leica’s. At the same time, the company acknowledges that Leica maintains an advantage in glass polishing, manufacturing and fine-tuning. The results are impressively close, but that does not necessarily make the ownership experience the same.
Full disclosure: Light Lens Lab supplied the prototype shown in this video. This video is not paid or sponsored, and the final production lens may differ from this prototype.
LINKS
Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 APO: https://lightlenslab.com/products/lig...
Macfilos article referenced in the video: https://www.macfilos.com/2026/08/18/a...
My interview with Mr Zhou from Light Lens Lab: Light Lens Lab Exclusive: Mr. Zhou on Resu...
Sigma BF Grip by Helium | Design Lab https://www.heliumlab.design/
What do you think? Does a different optical formula make this a legitimate alternative, or does the exterior resemblance still go too far? Let’s keep the discussion respectful.
If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about cameras, lenses and photography, consider subscribing.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Too close to Leica?
00:24 Full disclosure
00:36 Light Lens Lab’s history
01:08 The Mr Joe interview
01:36 Where Leica still has the edge
01:58 Specifications and image quality
02:25 Why the Leica 35 APO is special
03:12 Leica vs Light Lens Lab
04:07 The design controversy
05:29 Is it really the same?
05:44 The Rolex analogy
06:42 Making Leica performance accessible
07:15 Copying or growing the ecosystem?
08:08 The Leica price problem
08:33 Final verdict
#LightLensLab #Leica #Photography
20 Comments
Fortunately, I had the chance to compare the Voigtländer 35mm f/2 with the Leica 35mm APO. In my opinion, the difference in image quality simply isn't enough to justify the substantial price difference.
In summary, lenses like Light Lens Lab and Voigtländer are for photographers seeking specific looks and effects without spending a fortune. Leica, on the other hand, is a brand that only a small number of people can afford.
Personally, I am fortunate to own a few Leica optics. However, my priority is to use my existing gear to create the images I envision rather than spending my hard-earned money just to own a Leica.
Ultimately, master photographers would not diminish their works by questioning the equipment they used.
Thank you, for your wonderful work.
Really loved this and that long term interview you did with Mr. Zhou!
I ended up getting the Leica version but I respect how you handled this
Keep up the great work!
Thank you!
And congrats to LLL for pulling this off!
I do need to think about whether I’d buy a lens similar to a Leica lens that is currently in production (I also already have an APO-Summicron-M 35 mm f/2, which I got soon after it was released), but I prefer to buy Leica products whenever possible to support the company. The Leica APO 35 is a phenomenal lens; tack sharp, easy to focus with an EVF, and it focuses very close.
I enjoy using Leica M from film to digital now for almost twenty years. One of the biggest enjoyment is the high compatibility of M system, even starting from screw mount era. I can have freedom to choose & explore hundreds of lenses from Leica or third parties.
I appreciate what they’re doing, bringing fantastic options to the market and making interesting glass more accessible. Leica have an amazing history, but I love using my Ms for the process and how the system works, as I’ve never cared for mirrorless and DSLRs can be too bulky. I have no elegance to using their lenses also.
Bottom line - Healthy market competition is good for everyone, and LLL are becoming a big player in the competition.
Re the Rolex analogy: you are no doubt correct now but when LLL finally finishes the plans to make a Leica replica film camera I think some people will doubt that they need to enter the Leica ecosystem. At least as far as Leica's new film body segment is concerned anyway.
Did Light Lens Lab Recreate Leica's Best Lens?
Bobby Tonelli
32,010 views
The Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 APO delivers remarkably close optical performance to the Leica 35mm APO, but its exterior design has generated just as much discussion as its images.
In this video, I test a pre-production prototype, compare it directly with the Leica, and look at sharpness, rendering, bokeh, build quality and value. I also address the bigger question: has Light Lens Lab taken its Leica inspiration too far?
Light Lens Lab says the internal optical formula is different from Leica’s. At the same time, the company acknowledges that Leica maintains an advantage in glass polishing, manufacturing and fine-tuning. The results are impressively close, but that does not necessarily make the ownership experience the same.
Full disclosure: Light Lens Lab supplied the prototype shown in this video. This video is not paid or sponsored, and the final production lens may differ from this prototype.
LINKS
Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 APO: https://lightlenslab.com/products/lig...
Macfilos article referenced in the video: https://www.macfilos.com/2026/08/18/a...
My interview with Mr Zhou from Light Lens Lab: Light Lens Lab Exclusive: Mr. Zhou on Resu...
Sigma BF Grip by Helium | Design Lab https://www.heliumlab.design/
What do you think? Does a different optical formula make this a legitimate alternative, or does the exterior resemblance still go too far? Let’s keep the discussion respectful.
If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about cameras, lenses and photography, consider subscribing.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Too close to Leica?
00:24 Full disclosure
00:36 Light Lens Lab’s history
01:08 The Mr Joe interview
01:36 Where Leica still has the edge
01:58 Specifications and image quality
02:25 Why the Leica 35 APO is special
03:12 Leica vs Light Lens Lab
04:07 The design controversy
05:29 Is it really the same?
05:44 The Rolex analogy
06:42 Making Leica performance accessible
07:15 Copying or growing the ecosystem?
08:08 The Leica price problem
08:33 Final verdict
#LightLensLab #Leica #Photography