Before I begin, I want to express my gratitude to both Ethan and Leica UK for providing me with the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200 f/2.8 ASPH lens. (Photo from https://www.fotograf-erfurt.de)
A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog about using zoom lenses when shooting street photography. In my personal opinion, zooms have no place in a street photographer’s bag. So, after seven days shooting with this lens, has my opinion changed? The short answer is no, I still believe zooms have no place in street photography.
There are many positives and negatives to using a zoom on the streets, and I’ll try to highlight both in this blog.
The biggest problem with most zoom lenses is their weight. This Leica 70-200 is incredibly heavy, and I was exhausted after a day of using it. Despite this, it’s a fantastic piece of kit. Let’s start with the build quality. It’s built like a tank, almost indestructible. I held it for seven days without a single mark, which could have something to do with the fact that I cradled it like a baby. The lens is incredibly comfortable in the hands, everything about it is perfect.
I know I’m old and have arthritis in my hands and wrist, which is why the weight of the lens was a problem for me. However, for another photographer, the weight won’t be an issue.
I was worried about the autofocus, but it worked well despite my fast street shooting. However, I noticed that some photos were slightly out of focus. This was due to me shaking while trying to hold the lens still, which caused a few images to be slightly out of focus. When Ethan gave me the lens, we removed the tripod mount, which I regret. I think it could have helped keep the lens still.
Using a zoom on the streets has one significant drawback: people notice you immediately and react, often not wanting their photo taken. I found myself constantly being watched, as everyone seemed to notice the camera. It was challenging to be discreet, which is crucial for street photography. With my 85mm lens, I could get up close and personal with people without being noticed. However, with the zoom, I could stand on the other side of the street and still be noticed by everyone.
The photos I captured while using the 200mm lens were unexpected. This was particularly noticeable during my trip on the Mersey ferry. I was able to capture moments that my 85mm lens couldn’t.
Overall, the Leica 70-200 is an incredible lens that offers everything a photographer needs. I can’t fault it and highly recommend it. However, I don’t think it’s the best lens for street photography.
