Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Review: Leica Quality for $600 (L-Mount)

Leica M11 Digital Rangefinder Camera

Final Thoughts

So in conclusion, if you want great glass at a fraction of the cost of Leica, this lens is just the ticket. Sigma has done a complete 180 from the last time I used one over a decade ago and that makes me happy.

Here's my bottom line: The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN is the lens Leica SL2 shooters should buy if they can't justify $5,400 for the Leica version. And honestly? Most people can't and shouldn't justify that price difference. The Sigma produces excellent images, feels solid, and costs less than many Leica lens hoods!

The only real downsides are the two-step focus mode selection (which is a user interface annoyance, not a deal-breaker) and the lack of weather sealing. If those don't bother you, this lens is a no-brainer for L-mount shooters.

Sigma has seriously stepped up their game in recent years. I remember using Sigma lenses a decade ago and being underwhelmed. These new DG DN lenses for mirrorless mounts? They're competitive with first-party glass at a fraction of the price. This is exactly what the L-mount system needs—excellent third-party options that don't compromise on quality.

Would I rather have the Leica 90mm f/2? Sure, if someone else is paying for it! But would I rather have the Sigma 90mm plus four other Sigma primes for the same money? Absolutely. That's the math that makes sense for most photographers.

Now get your camera out and go take a picture with it!

David Saylors 9/10/23 David Saylors 9/10/23

Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 Review: 60-Year-Old Vintage Magic

When Aaron offered to loan me his 58mm, I had no idea it was a Zeiss and over 60 years old. But once I held it in my hands, the history became obvious. This isn't just any vintage lens. It's a Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar from East Germany!

Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f2 vintage lens M42 mount adapted to Leica SL2 East German optics — The Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 from East Germany. This lens is over 60 years old and still producing beautiful images! Notice the all-metal construction and vintage styling. This is German engineering that lasts!

Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2: A 60-Year-Old Lens

The Carl Zeiss Jena Story: After World War II, the original Carl Zeiss optical company in Germany was split between East and West. The Jena facility ended up in East Germany (DDR), while the West German operation continued in Oberkochen. For decades during the Cold War, there were TWO Carl Zeiss companies making lenses! The East German Carl Zeiss Jena produced exceptional optics throughout the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and into the 1990s.

The Biotar design dates back to the 1920s-1930s and is a double Gauss optical formula. This particular 58mm f/2 version was produced primarily in the 1960s and early 1970s. That means this lens I'm holding is literally 60+ years old and still producing sharp images! That's German engineering right there.

What makes Carl Zeiss Jena lenses special today is that they were made to the same high standards as West German Zeiss, but now they're available on the used market for a fraction of what modern Zeiss lenses cost. You can find these Biotar lenses for $100 to $300 depending on condition, versus thousands for a modern Zeiss prime!

Well, it didn’t take long to figure that out and to round up a simple M42 to Leica L mount adapter so I could get this lens on my Leica SL2.

The next thing I did was look the lens over really closely. The usual controls are there of aperture and focus but it has a third ring as well. This ring is spring loaded and is some sort of adjustable stop for the minimum aperture. This is how it works, you pull the ring towards the camera, compressing the spring. While the spring is compressed, you rotate the ring and align a mark on it with the aperture you want it to stop at. Once here, release the spring and it will seat in this position stopping the aperture ring from stopping down past this point. This was for cameras back in the day as you had to meter the scene manually then set the aperture for the meter value. To compose though, you needed all the light you could get so you set the ring for the aperture you plan to shoot the photo at then you would open the aperture all the way to see good and get good focus. Once this was done, you could simply spin the aperture ring to the stop and it was set to the metered value and you didnt even have to come off the camera to do it. Pretty slick if you ask me.

Another item of note is that the aperture ring is ”clickless” or in other words, it simply turns smoothly through the range without any detents to locate it at specific settings.

The next thing I noticed is that the machine work is impeccable…which I have grown to expect no less from the German people. The focus ring is smooth as silk even with its advanced years. Quite the opposite of some of my other lenses to be quite honest.

330 Degrees of Focus Throw: Close Focus Priority

Something else I noticed is that the lens has incredible close focus with about 330 degrees of focus throw. Of that 330 degrees it devotes probably 250 degrees to close focus. Crazy precise focus for a lens this old. The first 1/4 turn though is the normal use range so it will go from infinity to 2.5 meters in that 1/4 turn and then the rest of the throw is for close range work. Pretty neat how the normal range stuff is in such a short throw so you can get focus fast with it. Just a little practice and you a can get street photos of moving subjects and fairly large apertures in focus. You just learn how to use it with some time.

Sample Photos: What This Vintage Lens Can Do

Let me show you what this 60-year-old lens can actually produce on a modern 47-megapixel Leica SL2:

Portrait sample photo taken with Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f2 showing sharpness bokeh rendering vintage lens — Portrait of Teresa shot with the Biotar at a local state park. Look at that sharpness and the smooth bokeh! This is what makes vintage lenses so cool—they still got it after 60+ years. Razor sharp where it matters with beautiful rendering.

Teresa's Portrait: Look at that sharpness! The Biotar is razor sharp at f/2 where it matters (Teresa's face and eyes), with smooth falloff to the background. The 15-blade aperture creates beautifully smooth bokeh without harsh edges. This is exactly what you want in a portrait lens. The rendering has that vintage "look" that's hard to describe but you know it when you see it. Colors are slightly warm, micro-contrast is excellent, and the overall feel is organic rather than clinical.

Walk Around Shots: The other samples show the Biotar's versatility as a general-purpose lens. At 58mm, it's slightly longer than the standard 50mm, which gives you a bit more reach for street photography while still being wide enough for environmental shots. I took these during photowalks around Chattanooga, just grabbing scenes that caught my eye. The lens renders these scenes with great detail and pleasant tonality.

What Makes Vintage Rendering Special: Modern lenses are designed to be clinically perfect. Flat field correction, perfect color neutrality, zero distortion. That's great for product photography or technical work! But vintage lenses like the Biotar have character. Slight warm color cast, gentle vignetting, bokeh that's smooth rather than razor-sharp. It's the difference between digital perfection and analog soul. Not better or worse, just different. And for portraits or artistic work? I'll take the vintage rendering every time!

Technical Specifications and Pricing

Here are the specs for this vintage glass:

Optical Specs:

Focal length: 58mm (slightly longer than standard 50mm)
Maximum aperture: f/2
Minimum aperture: f/16
Aperture blades: 15 (yes, fifteen! Creates smooth bokeh)
Optical design: Double Gauss (Biotar formula)

Physical Specs:

Mount: M42 screw mount (universal vintage mount!)
Filter size: 49mm
Weight: Approximately 290g (10.2 oz)
Length: About 45mm
Focus throw: 330 degrees (!) with close focus priority
Minimum focus distance: Approximately 0.5 meters (very close!)

Age and Origin:

Manufactured: 1960s-1970s (60+ years old!)
Origin: Carl Zeiss Jena, East Germany (DDR)
Production numbers: Relatively common, still available used

Used Market Pricing:

Typical price: $100-300 depending on condition
Excellent condition: $200-300
Good condition with some wear: $100-180
Compared to modern Zeiss Batis 55mm f/1.8: $900+

The value proposition here is incredible! You're getting genuine Carl Zeiss optics with 60+ years of proven performance for less than the cost of a cheap modern lens. That's what makes vintage glass so appealing!

It is not a bad lens in any way either, just look at the photo of Teresa I got at the local state park one day with it. Razor sharp and great rendition too. This is what makes vintage lenses so cool, they still got it…

Street photography sample Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm general purpose walk around lens vintage glass rendering — The Biotar works great as a general purpose walk around lens too. I grabbed this during a photowalk in Cloudland Canyon State Park. The lens renders scenes with excellent detail and pleasant tonality. This is real-world performance, not controlled test shots!

Adapting M42 Lenses to Modern Mirrorless

One of the best things about the Biotar 58mm is that it uses the M42 screw mount. If you're not familiar with M42, let me explain why this is actually a huge advantage!

What is M42 Mount? M42 (also called "Universal Screw Mount") was THE standard lens mount for decades, used by dozens of camera manufacturers from the 1940s through 1980s. Companies like Pentax, Praktica, Zenit, Fujica, Mamiya, and many others all used M42. This means there are millions of M42 lenses out there on the used market!

Why M42 is Great for Modern Mirrorless: The M42 flange distance (the distance from the lens mount to the sensor) is 45.46mm, which is longer than any modern mirrorless mount. This means you can adapt M42 lenses to pretty much ANY mirrorless camera with a simple, inexpensive adapter. No optics needed, just a metal ring!

Adapters are Cheap and Easy:

M42 to Leica L-mount adapter: $15-40
M42 to Sony E-mount: $10-30
M42 to Canon RF: $20-40
M42 to Nikon Z: $15-35

I'm using a simple M42 to L-mount adapter that cost me about $25 on Amazon. No electronics, no optics, just a precisely machined metal ring. Screw the Biotar into the adapter, mount it on my Leica SL2, and boom! I've got a working 58mm f/2 lens.

Manual Focus on Modern Mirrorless: The beauty of using vintage manual lenses on modern mirrorless cameras is focus peaking! My Leica SL2 shows colored highlights on in-focus areas in the electronic viewfinder, making manual focus actually easier than it was back in the 1960s with optical viewfinders. Combined with the Biotar's smooth 330-degree focus throw, you get precise control that's honestly pretty enjoyable!

What You Give Up:

No autofocus (obviously!)
No electronic aperture control
No EXIF data recorded
No lens corrections applied

What You Gain:

Incredible value ($100-300 vs $900+ for modern Zeiss)
Built-in character and vintage rendering
All-metal construction that'll last another 60 years
The satisfaction of using historic glass!

Biotar 58mm f2 sample image showing vintage lens character color rendering East German Carl Zeiss optics — Another example of the Biotar's versatility. At 58mm, it's slightly longer than the standard 50mm, giving you a bit more reach while still being wide enough for environmental shots. The vintage rendering has character that modern lenses don't replicate!

Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar sample photo demonstrating sharpness detail vintage lens on modern mirrorless camera — The Biotar's close focus capability is impressive! That 330-degree focus throw with close focus priority means you can get really close to subjects. This 60-year-old lens works beautifully on my modern 47-megapixel Leica SL2.

Vintage Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm sample photograph adapted M42 lens real world photography results — Final sample showing what this vintage lens can do in real-world use. If you're into the vintage glass look, the Biotar is definitely worth grabbing if you can find one. Genuine Carl Zeiss optics for $100-300? That's incredible value!

Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy the Biotar 58mm

Let me break down the good and the not-so-good about this vintage lens:

What I Love (Pros):

Build quality is exceptional: German engineering from 60+ years ago that still works perfectly
f/2 is fast enough: Good low light capability, nice bokeh
Incredible close focus: That 330-degree throw with close focus priority is amazing
Unique mechanical features: Adjustable aperture stop, clickless aperture ring
M42 mount universality: Adapts to any modern mirrorless camera easily
Price: $100-300 for genuine Carl Zeiss optics!
Vintage rendering: Character and soul that modern lenses don't have
15-blade aperture: Smooth, round bokeh

What I Don't Love (Cons):

No autofocus: Manual focus only (but focus peaking helps!)
No EXIF data: Camera doesn't know what lens you're using
Some copies are soft: Vintage lenses vary in condition, test before buying
Not weather sealed: It's 60 years old, be gentle!
Clickless aperture: Great for video, but some photographers prefer detents
Requires adapter: Extra $15-40 expense and adds a bit of length

Who Should Buy This Lens:

Vintage lens enthusiasts who appreciate the history
Portrait photographers wanting unique rendering
Budget shooters who can't justify $900+ for modern Zeiss
Film aesthetic lovers who want that organic look
People who enjoy the slower, more deliberate manual focus process
Collectors interested in Carl Zeiss Jena heritage

Who Should Skip This Lens:

Anyone who needs autofocus for their work
Sports or action photographers
People who want perfectly clinical modern rendering
Photographers who hate manual focus
Anyone expecting modern lens perfection

Frequently Asked Questions About the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2

What is Carl Zeiss Jena and how is it different from regular Zeiss?

Carl Zeiss Jena was the East German optical manufacturer that operated from 1946 to 1991 after the original Carl Zeiss company was split following World War II. The Jena facility ended up in East Germany (DDR), while West German Zeiss continued in Oberkochen. For decades during the Cold War, there were TWO Carl Zeiss companies both making excellent lenses! Carl Zeiss Jena lenses were made to the same high standards as West German Zeiss but are now available on the used market for much less money. The quality is genuinely excellent, it's just Cold War history that created the split!

How much does a Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 cost?

On the used market today, you can find the Biotar 58mm f/2 for $100 to $300 depending on condition. Excellent condition copies with clean glass go for $200-300, while good working copies with some cosmetic wear run $100-180. Compare that to a modern Zeiss Batis 55mm f/1.8 which costs $900+, or a Leica Summilux 50mm which is $4,000+. You're getting genuine Carl Zeiss optics with 60+ years of proven performance for less than the price of a cheap modern lens. That's incredible value!

What is M42 mount and can I use it on modern cameras?

M42 (Universal Screw Mount) was the standard lens mount used by dozens of camera manufacturers from the 1940s through 1980s. The beauty of M42 is that it adapts to pretty much ANY modern mirrorless camera with a simple $15-40 adapter. No optics needed, just a metal ring! M42 to Sony E-mount, M42 to Leica L-mount, M42 to Canon RF, M42 to Nikon Z—adapters exist for everything. I'm using a $25 M42 to L-mount adapter on my Leica SL2 and it works perfectly. This makes M42 vintage lenses incredibly versatile!

Does the Biotar 58mm work on Leica cameras?

Yes! The Biotar 58mm f/2 uses M42 screw mount, which adapts to Leica L-mount cameras (SL, SL2, SL2-S, CL) with a simple M42 to L-mount adapter. I'm using this lens on my Leica SL2 with a $25 adapter and it works great. You get manual focus only (obviously), and the camera's focus peaking feature makes manual focusing actually easier than it was in the 1960s with optical viewfinders. No autofocus or electronic aperture, but you get genuine Carl Zeiss optics on your Leica for $100-300 instead of thousands!

Is the Biotar 58mm sharp enough for modern high-resolution sensors?

Absolutely! I'm using it on a 47-megapixel Leica SL2 and it's sharp where it matters. At f/2 it's razor sharp in the center with smooth falloff toward the edges (exactly what you want for portraits). Stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6, it's sharp across the entire frame. Sure, a modern $900 Zeiss Batis might be slightly sharper in the absolute corners at 500% zoom, but for real-world photography? The Biotar is more than sharp enough. Look at the sample photos in this review—that's what you get on a modern high-resolution sensor!

What is the adjustable aperture stop on the Biotar?

The Biotar has a unique spring-loaded ring that lets you set a minimum aperture stop. Here's how it works: pull the ring toward the camera (compressing the spring), rotate it to align with your desired aperture, then release. The ring locks in place and prevents the aperture from closing past that point. This was brilliant for manual metering cameras in the 1960s! You'd meter the scene, set the stop to that aperture, then open up to f/2 for composing and focusing with maximum light. When ready to shoot, just spin the aperture ring until it hits the stop—instant correct exposure without looking. Pretty clever mechanical solution!

Is 58mm better than 50mm?

58mm is slightly longer than the standard 50mm focal length. That extra 8mm gives you a bit more compression and working distance, which is nice for portraits. It's still wide enough for general purpose photography and street work, but with slightly more reach than 50mm. Some people find 58mm to be the "perfect" focal length—not quite as wide as 50mm but not as tight as 85mm. It's a Goldilocks focal length! The Biotar was designed as 58mm rather than 50mm for optical reasons related to the double Gauss formula.

Can you use vintage lenses professionally?

Absolutely, if your work allows for manual focus! Many portrait photographers, wedding photographers, and commercial shooters use vintage lenses specifically for the unique rendering they provide. The vintage "look" with its smooth bokeh, slight warm cast, and organic rendering is something clients actually request. Obviously you wouldn't use a manual focus vintage lens for sports or fast-moving subjects, but for portraits, product photography, or artistic work? Vintage lenses are totally viable. Just make sure you test your specific copy thoroughly—condition varies with vintage glass!

How do I know if a vintage Biotar is in good condition?

When buying a used Biotar (or any vintage lens), check for: (1) Clean glass with no fungus, haze, or separation, (2) Smooth focus ring with no grinding or sticking, (3) Aperture blades that open and close properly, (4) No oil on the aperture blades, (5) Clean exterior with no major dents. Hold it up to a light and look through the glass for any issues. Some dust is normal for 60-year-old lenses and won't affect image quality. Fungus, haze, and separated elements are deal-breakers. Always ask for sample photos if buying online!

Should I buy vintage lenses or save for modern lenses?

Both! I use modern lenses for work that requires autofocus and vintage lenses for creative projects where I want character. The Biotar 58mm f/2 costs $100-300, which is pocket change compared to modern Zeiss or Leica lenses. You can build a whole collection of vintage glass (35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 135mm) for less than the cost of one modern premium lens. Start with vintage lenses to learn what focal lengths you love, then invest in modern versions if needed. Or just use vintage glass forever—it genuinely produces beautiful images!

Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy the Biotar 58mm

So if you are into the vintage glass "look" then I might suggest grabbing one of these old girls if you can find one and adapting it to your mirrorless camera to see what you can get with it. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Here's my bottom line: The Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 is a phenomenal example of why vintage lenses are still worth using in 2024. This lens was made 60+ years ago in East Germany, and it still produces sharp, beautiful images with character that modern lenses can't replicate. The fact that you can buy one for $100 to $300 makes it even better!

The mechanical features are genuinely clever. That adjustable aperture stop? Brilliant design from an era before electronic everything. The 330-degree focus throw with close focus priority? Purposeful engineering that still makes sense today. The clickless aperture ring and 15-blade aperture? Features that modern lenses charge hundreds extra for!

Yes, you give up autofocus. Yes, you have to use an adapter. Yes, you won't get EXIF data. But what you gain is access to genuine Carl Zeiss optics with history, character, and exceptional build quality for the price of a cheap modern lens. That's a trade I'll make every time for creative work.

I need to give this lens back to Aaron eventually, but honestly? I might just need to find my own copy. The Biotar has earned a permanent spot in my bag for portrait work and photowalks where I want that vintage rendering. If you see one at a camera show or online for $200 in good condition, grab it! You won't regret it.

Now get your camera out and go take a picture with it!

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Sigma 65mm f2.0 DG DN Lens L mount

David Saylors 9/9/23 David Saylors 9/9/23

Sigma 65mm f/2.0 Review: 98% of Leica Quality for $700 (L-Mount)

The Goldilocks Focal Length: 65mm sits right between the standard 50mm and the classic portrait 75mm. It's not quite as wide as 50mm (which can be too wide for portraits), and it's not quite as tight as 75mm or 85mm (which can feel too compressed for some situations). It's just right!

So a good friend loaned me his lens. One of my subscribers that I have grown to know over the years offered to send me a couple of his Sigma lenses and let me use them for a while as review samples for you guys.

Sigma 65mm f2.0 DG DN lens mounted on Leica SL2 L-mount showing aperture ring compact size — The Sigma 65mm f/2.0 mounted on my Leica SL2. You can see the physical aperture ring with 1/3 stop detents (one of my favorite features!). The lens is compact, well-made, and delivers 98% of Leica glass quality for $699 instead of $5,000!

Technical Specifications and Pricing

Before we dive deeper, here are the specs for the Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN:

Optical Design:

Focal length: 65mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.0
Minimum aperture: f/22
Aperture blades: 9 (rounded for smooth bokeh)
Optical design: 14 elements in 11 groups

Physical Specs:

Mount: L-mount (Leica SL/CL, Panasonic S-series)
Filter size: 62mm
Length: 2.8 inches (72mm)
Weight: 14.3 oz (405g)
Minimum focus distance: 21.7 inches (55cm)

Construction:

All-metal barrel
Weather-resistant construction
Aperture ring with 1/3 stop detents
AF/MF switch on lens barrel
Smooth focus ring (encoder design)

Price:

Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN: ~$699
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 ASPH: ~$4,995

Yeah, you read that right. The Leica costs seven times more than the Sigma. And yet, as I'll explain, the Sigma delivers 98% of the image quality! Let's dig into that comparison.

Why 65mm? The Perfect In-Between Focal Length

If you're not familiar with 65mm as a focal length, let me explain why this is such a sweet spot:

Perfect for Portraits: At 65mm, you get flattering compression for portraits without being so tight that you're standing way back from your subject. The working distance is comfortable, and the perspective is naturally flattering for faces. This is actually very close to what the classic 75mm Summilux or 85mm portrait lenses give you, but slightly more versatile.

Great for Street Photography: For street work, 65mm gives you enough reach to pick out details and compress scenes without being so long that you can't work in tighter spaces. I love using this focal length for environmental portraits on the street where I want the subject to stand out but still have context.

Comparison to Other Focal Lengths:

50mm: Wider, more environmental, great for general use but can be too wide for portraits
65mm: Perfect balance, flattering for portraits, good for street, versatile!
75mm/85mm: Tighter compression, classic portrait lenses but less versatile for general use
90mm: Even tighter, requires more working distance, more specialized

The 65mm focal length is honestly underrated. It's not as common as 50mm or 85mm, but once you use it, you understand why it's special!

I really appreciate your offer Hassan and look forward to the day when we finally get to link up and go out on a photowalk together!

Hassan packed up two of his beautiful Sigma primes and sent them up for a look. He sent his 65mm f2 DG DN and his 90mm f2.8 DG DN. Both of these are in Leica’s L mount as Hassan has a Panasonic Lumix camera that is also in L mount due to the L mount alliance between Leica, Sigma and Panasonic.

The first impression of this lens is the darn thing is tiny. This lens is really small, this is awesome as it means it makes the system really compact. The next thing I noticed right away is how nice the build is, all metal construction for the major parts, including the lens hood from what I can tell. Really nice fitment of the lens components so there really is no play in the mating parts. Parts designed to move, like the aperture ring, move only in the direction they are designed to move in. The machine work and fitment is nicely executed from what I can tell.

The next thing I noticed is how fast the focus works, just understand this…it is fast. How fast? Well, it is fast enough to get the shot for me. it is not as fast as my native Leica glass, but it is plenty fast enough for my personal use. I don’t have a way to measure the focus speed, but it works great and I have no complaints about it.

Sample Photos: What This Lens Can Do

Let me show you what this lens actually produces in real-world use. This is shot with the Sigma 65mm f/2.0 on my Leica SL2 during a photowalk around Chattanooga:

Panning motion blur bicycle riders Coolidge Park Chattanooga shot with Sigma 65mm f2.0 autofocus speed — Panning blur shot of bicycle riders at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga. This demonstrates how fast and accurate the Sigma 65mm autofocus is! Catching moving subjects with motion blur requires precise focus while panning, and the lens handled it perfectly.

This photowalk sample shows what I meant by "98% of Leica glass." Look at the sharpness, the rendering, the color! This is what you're getting for $699. Not "budget lens performance." This is legitimate high-quality glass that happens to cost seven times less than the Leica equivalent.

The compact size of this lens means I actually carry it more often than I would a bigger, heavier lens. And the 65mm focal length is just perfect for the kind of environmental portraits and street photography I love to do around Chattanooga.

Sigma vs Leica: 98% of the Quality at 14% of the Price

Let me be really clear about something: I said this lens is 98% of my Leica glass in every conceivable way. That's not marketing speak. That's my honest assessment after using both extensively.

The Price Difference is Staggering:

Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN: $699
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 ASPH: $4,995

That's a $4,296 difference. The Sigma costs 14% of what the Leica costs. Let me repeat that: you're paying seven times less for the Sigma!

What Does the Leica Give You?

APO designation (apochromatic correction for minimal chromatic aberration)
10mm longer focal length (75mm vs 65mm)
Probably slightly better micro-contrast and "Leica rendering"
Full weather sealing
Leica red dot (if that matters to you)
Possibly marginally sharper in the absolute corners (maybe?)

What Does the Sigma Give You?

98% of the image quality for $699 instead of $5,000
Still laser sharp with wonderful rendering
Physical aperture ring with detents (Leica's is clickless)
Compact and lightweight
Weather-resistant construction
You save $4,296 that you can spend on other lenses or, you know, rent!

The "You Couldn't Tell" Challenge: I said you wouldn't be able to tell if I showed you two photos and asked which came from which lens. I stand by that! The Sigma produces images that are sharp, well-rendered, with beautiful colors and smooth bokeh. Unless you're pixel-peeping at 500% zoom in the corners, you're not going to see a meaningful difference in real-world photography.

My Take: If you're a professional portrait photographer who needs the absolute best optical performance and has paying clients who justify the expense? Maybe the Leica makes sense. But for 99% of photographers, including serious enthusiasts and working pros, the Sigma 65mm f/2 is the smarter choice. I'd rather have the Sigma 65mm, 35mm, and 90mm for the price of one Leica 75mm!

The Sigma isn't "almost as good as Leica." It's "actually just as good for any practical purpose, and you save $4,300."

The Sigma 65mm f/2.0 mounted on my Leica SL2. You can see the physical aperture ring with 1/3 stop detents (one of my favorite features!). The lens is compact, well-made, and delivers 98% of Leica glass quality for $699 instead of $5,000! — The Sigma 65mm f/2.0 mounted on my Leica SL2 with the aperture ring showing the 1/3 stop detents (one of my favorite features!). The lens is compact, well-made, and delivers 98% of Leica glass quality for $699 instead of $5,000!

Another thing I want to mention here is that the interaction with the lens is different than my Leica glass. Sigma approaches the aperture and the manual focus modes differently that Leica. I will be honest here, I kinda like the Sigma approach to aperture better too. The Leica lens is all software controlled, there are no external controls on Leica L mount glass except for the focus ring, so you use the camera’s controls to adjust everything. On the Sigma, the aperture control is on the lens, which is nice in my opinion. It has aperture choices in 1/3 stop clicks from f2 to f22 and then you can roll the aperture ring around to “A” for auto mode and the camera now has full control of the aperture just like the SL primes.

The other thing that Sigma does is something I am on the fence about. The manual focus is a switch selection on the lens itself. I dont know why they chose this way to control this function and to be honest, it is not my favorite way of doing this function. It might be that Leica’s firmware prevents Sigma from exploiting manual focus without it. I really don’t know why, but the focus ring is an encoder design which means it is not mechanically connected to the focus helicoid in the lens. One would think this would be how it would be designed if there was a mechanical switch separating the two modes. All that to say my thoughts of this lens are that it is a great lens, especially for the money and you can get them about anywhere. Well done Sigma, well done.

Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy the Sigma 65mm

Let me break down the good and the not-so-good about this lens:

What I Love (Pros):

Image quality is 98% of Leica: Laser sharp, wonderful rendering, you couldn't tell the difference
Compact size: "Darn thing is tiny" makes the system really portable
Aperture ring with detents: I prefer this over Leica's all-software control
All-metal construction: Feels solid and well-made
Price: $699 vs $4,995 for the Leica equivalent (seven times less!)
Fast autofocus: Fast enough for real use, no complaints
Build quality: Nice fitment, no play in parts, professional feel
65mm focal length: Perfect sweet spot between 50mm and 75mm

What I Don't Love (Cons):

AF/MF switch on lens: I'm on the fence about this vs Leica's software-only approach
Slightly slower AF than native Leica: Not as fast as Leica glass (but still plenty fast!)
Focus ring is encoder design: Not mechanically connected to focus helicoid
No dedicated "Art" line features: This is the DG DN "Contemporary" line, not Art

Who Should Buy This Lens:

Leica SL2 or Panasonic S-series shooters on a budget
Portrait photographers who want 65mm/75mm without spending $5,000
Street photographers who love the 65mm focal length
Anyone building an L-mount kit and prioritizing value over badge
Photographers who appreciate physical aperture rings
People who want Leica-quality images without Leica prices

Who Should Skip This Lens:

People who absolutely need the fastest autofocus for sports
Photographers who already own the Leica 75mm f/2 (obviously!)
Anyone who values brand prestige over practical performance
People who need weather sealing for extreme conditions (Sigma is weather-resistant, not fully sealed like Leica)

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN

Is the Sigma 65mm f/2.0 really 98% as good as Leica glass?

Yes! I said it in the review and I stand by it: this lens is 98% of my Leica glass in every conceivable way. The images are laser sharp, the rendering is wonderful, and if I showed you two photos (one from Sigma, one from Leica) you would not be able to tell which is which. The Sigma 65mm f/2 costs $699 versus $4,995 for the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2. You're getting 98% of the performance at 14% of the price. Unless you're pixel-peeping at 500% zoom, the practical difference is negligible!

Does the Sigma 65mm work with Leica SL2?

Absolutely! The Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN is made specifically for L-mount, which includes Leica SL, SL2, SL2-S, CL, and Panasonic S-series cameras. It's a native L-mount lens with full electronic communication, autofocus, and image stabilization support. No adapter needed. I've been using it on my Leica SL2 and it works perfectly. This is one of the best third-party options for Leica shooters who want to save money without compromising image quality!

Why 65mm instead of 50mm or 75mm?

65mm is the perfect in-between focal length! It sits right between the standard 50mm and the classic portrait 75mm. At 65mm, you get flattering compression for portraits without being so tight that you need tons of working distance. For street photography, it gives you enough reach to compress scenes without being too long for tighter spaces. Think of it as a Goldilocks focal length: not too wide like 50mm, not too tight like 85mm, just right! Once you use 65mm, you'll understand why it's special.

How is the Sigma 65mm autofocus speed?

The autofocus is fast! I said in the review "it is fast enough to get the shot for me." It's not quite as fast as my native Leica glass, but it's plenty fast for portraits, street photography, and general use. I was able to shoot panning blur photos of passing bicycle riders at Coolidge Park with no issues. For sports or action where you need the absolute fastest AF, native Leica might be marginally better, but for 95% of photography? The Sigma is more than fast enough!

What's the difference between Sigma Contemporary and Art lenses?

The Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN is part of Sigma's "Contemporary" line, which focuses on compact size and portability while maintaining excellent optical quality. The "Art" line prioritizes ultimate optical performance over size and weight. For the 65mm, Sigma chose the Contemporary designation, which makes sense because this lens is genuinely tiny and lightweight. You're not giving up meaningful image quality by getting Contemporary instead of Art. This lens punches way above its weight!

Does the Sigma 65mm have an aperture ring?

Yes, and it's one of my favorite features! The aperture ring has 1/3 stop detents from f/2 to f/22, giving you tactile feedback and precise manual control. If you prefer camera-controlled aperture, just turn the ring to "A" for auto mode. I actually prefer Sigma's physical aperture ring approach over Leica's all-software control. It's faster to adjust and you get physical feedback. The Leica SL lenses don't have aperture rings at all, it's all done through camera menus!

Is the Sigma 65mm sharp?

Laser sharp! I said it in the review and the sample photos prove it. The Sigma 65mm f/2.0 is sharp wide open at f/2, and stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6 it's incredibly sharp across the entire frame. The rendering is wonderful, colors are accurate, and the 9-blade aperture creates smooth bokeh. If you compare it to the $5,000 Leica 75mm f/2 at pixel-level, you might find minor differences in the absolute corners. But for real-world photography? You won't see a difference. This lens is sharp enough for any professional application!

Should I buy the Sigma 65mm or save up for the Leica 75mm?

Buy the Sigma unless you have $4,300 burning a hole in your pocket! The Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 costs $4,995. The Sigma costs $699. That's a $4,296 difference! With that money saved, you could buy the Sigma 65mm, 35mm, and 90mm, giving you a complete prime lens kit for less than the cost of one Leica lens. The Leica is objectively excellent, but the Sigma is subjectively smarter for most photographers. Only buy the Leica if you're a working pro who needs that last 2% of performance for paid work, or if you just really want that red dot!

How compact is the Sigma 65mm?

It's tiny! I said "the darn thing is tiny" in the review because it genuinely surprised me. At 2.8 inches long and 14.3 ounces, it's significantly more compact than comparable lenses. This makes the system really portable, which is important for Leica SL2 shooters who value compact systems. The all-metal construction means it still feels substantial and well-made despite the small size. It's the perfect travel lens because it doesn't weigh down your bag!

What's the AF/MF switch issue you mentioned?

The Sigma has a physical AF/MF switch on the lens barrel, which means you have to switch the lens to AF mode, then use the camera menu to select which AF mode you want. Leica lenses do everything in software with one step. The Sigma approach works fine, it's just a two-step process that feels slightly clumsy compared to Leica's one-step software control. I said I'm "on the fence" about it because it works, but Leica's approach is more elegant. It's a minor user interface quirk, not a deal-breaker!

Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy the Sigma 65mm

Thank you for reading my thoughts on the Sigma 65mm f2 DG DN lens that Hassan loaned me for my Leica SL2. It has been an adventure for me.

Here's my bottom line: The Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN is 98% of Leica glass quality at 14% of the price. That's not hyperbole. That's my honest assessment after extensive use.

Hassan, thank you for trusting me with your beautiful lenses! This 65mm has honestly made me reconsider my lens buying strategy. Why am I spending $5,000 per Leica lens when Sigma is producing glass this good for $700? The practical performance difference is negligible for the kind of photography I do.

The only real downside is the AF/MF switch on the lens, which feels slightly clumsy compared to Leica's software-only approach. But that's a minor user interface quibble, not a deal breaker. The image quality, build, size, and price make this lens a no brainer for L mount shooters.

If you're shooting Leica SL2 or Panasonic S series and want excellent 65mm performance without spending $5,000, this is your lens. Period. Sigma has seriously stepped up their game with these DG DN mirrorless lenses. They're not just "good for the price." They're genuinely excellent, full stop.

I look forward to the day when Hassan and I can finally link up and go out on a photowalk together! Maybe by then I'll have bought my own copy of this lens because honestly? It's earned a permanent spot in my bag…or should I say “on my shelf” lol.

Now get your camera out and go take a picture with it!

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David Saylors Photowalk VLOG

David Saylors 9/2/23 David Saylors 9/2/23

Sometimes, when I go for a photowalk, I don’t want to be a loner…

When I go out to shoot photos I normally go alone as it fits my time table perfectly and I dont have to do any coordination with anyone else. I just grab my kit and go. Well, today is different.

So on this day I linked up with Tim Childers at Mean Mug coffee on Main street in Chattanooga TN and started out with a cup of coffee and some chatting about our youtube channels. Then it was off to find interesting photos and explore some of the old industrial part of the city.

We begin by making our way down to the old foundry turned farmers market. On the way I noticed some interesting stuff at a local processing plant before getting to the farmers market. After grabbing a couple of shots there we headed over to the market space and make some photos of the skate park.

The skate park was basically abandoned so once we worked the scene over as best we could we decided to head over towards the river. From the skate park we make our way to the riverfront industrial area where we grab some photos occasionally while walking down to the aquarium. This is a unique are as it is being converted to modern condominiums and there is a huge development project slated later to construct a park and such as well.

Once we got downtown, we decided to get out of the heat for a little while and grab some lunch at Taco Mac before making our way back to our cars on Main Street. The longer we walked, the hotter it got on this day and by the time we got to Taco Mac I was soaked. We stayed there till I dried out and then went back out in it for more. Haha. Market street has a fair bit of shade fortunately so we was able to avoid most of the sun while heading back to the car.

Some notable stops along the way for me were the intersection of Main and MLK, the HWY 27 bridge, the skate park and the processing plant for me. I hope you enjoyed this little AAR about our photowalk and if you haven’t done it yet, go check out both of our videos from this day at the links below.

Links to both videos are here:

Tim Childers Photowalk VLOG

Also, wanted to thank you for following my blog as well as my videos, It means the world to me.

David Saylors 8/26/23 David Saylors 8/26/23

Canterbury Pilgrimage AAR: 2-Week Hike from Winchester to Canterbury (England)

When my friend Kelly first mentioned hiking the Canterbury Pilgrimage, I'll admit I was skeptical. I'd never done a long-distance hike before, and two weeks walking across England seemed ambitious at best. But Teresa and I said yes anyway, and that decision led to one of the most memorable adventures of my life.

The Canterbury Pilgrimage follows the historic Pilgrims Way from Winchester to Canterbury, the same route immortalized in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Over two weeks in June of 2023, we hiked through some of the most beautiful countryside England has to offer, stayed in quaint villages, explored ancient churches, and learned valuable lessons about packing light, staying hydrated, and stopping to smell the flowers.

This is our complete guide to the Canterbury Pilgrimage, including planning, packing, daily experiences, gear that worked (and didn't), and practical lessons for anyone considering this trek.

Teresa on the Pilgrims Way or AKA The Canterbury Pilgrimage in southern England

Planning Our Canterbury Pilgrimage: How It Started

When I first heard about this I was intrigued to say the least. I had never really considered doing a pilgrimage before or even doing extended length hiking trips of any kind. Enter Kelly, a lifelong friend and adventurer(she married one of my best friends in high school and was in our Dungeons and Dragons group). She tells of this adventure in England where she was planning to hike from town to town and follow the original Pilgrims Way laid out in the Canterbury Tales as well as a few notable stops while in London as well. (We also saw The Phantom of the Opera while in London!)

Well, us being the adventurous types that we are, we asked if there was room in the group for us too! As it turned out, the three of us would be the WHOLE group which actually worked out really well. So we started planning the adventure of a lifetime.

Our friend Kelly working her way through a "kissing gate" amid a veritable sea of Stinging Nettle while on the Canterbury Pilgrimage — Our friend Kelly working her way through a "kissing gate" amid a veritable sea of Stinging Nettle!

Packing Light: The Backpack-Only Strategy

We decided early on to only bring what we could carry in our backpacks. Gone would be the "checked bag" at the airport as well as bringing computers and the associated baggage required for their operations. This actually made the airport part of the journey very easy as we didn't have to stand in lines for the check bag counter nor did we have to deal with baggage claim at all. It was very liberating to be honest.

The first thing we decided to do was limit our equipment to what we could carry in our respective backpacks. This eliminated a literal mountain of gear that we had deemed needed but optional. It also made the journey much nicer. We finally decided on a couple of changes of clothes, I took a small amount of camera gear in a dry bag (since it rains in the UK a lot), and a water bottle. We would pick up snacks along the way and add that to our loadout as we needed it.

lightweight travel concept of only taking what fits in a backpack and nothing more is very liberating. — Lightweight travel concept of only taking what fits in a backpack and nothing more is very liberating.

This also generated another benefit with our travel: the airport processing got A LOT simpler this way. We literally didn't check anything, so we just went through the TSA checkpoint and carried our packs right to the gate. Our hands were free to do things like buy coffee or get out credit cards! It made traveling so much less stressful to be quite honest that I might be adjusting my future travel to operate in this mode. You never lose your luggage as you walk onto the plane with it and it fits into the overhead space without issue... every time. This was glorious for me as I worry about the luggage making it to the same place as me or even worse, not arriving at all.

Just consider this a travel hack that actually works if you can live without all the stuff in your check bag…

Camera Gear for 2 Weeks of Travel Photography

Since we had decided to travel so light, I took a hard look at the camera kit I would use on the trip as well. I whittled it down to just the Leica CL, the TTartisan 17mm f1.4 L mount lens and the 35mm f0.95 L mount lens. That's it, no other gear whatsoever. Well... there were batteries and a charger, but you get the point here. So I quickly learned that I liked the 17mm in London and then once we got to Winchester I switched to the 35mm and left it in place almost the rest of the trip. To be honest, I could have left he 17mm at home and it would have been fine…lesson learned.

The author with the Leica CL mirrorless camera and the TTArtisan 35mm f0.95 lens on the Pilgrim's Way

For this trip I decided to travel light so I took my Leica CL and two prime lenses: the 17mm f1.4 and the 35mm f0.95 prime lens. Turned out I wished I had taken the 35mm f1.4 as it is smaller and lighter than the 0.95 aperture lens and would have saved me some weight. I don't know if I even once opened up to f0.95 on this trip, even at night. I just didn't need it, so it was wasteful to bring it.

I took a dry bag to protect the camera gear since it rains in the UK a lot. Smart decision, as we did hit some wet weather!

Mystery Ranch Backpack Review: 25-30 Pounds, No Back Pain

As for hiking gear, my loadout for this trip was as follows: I had a full change of clothes plus extra socks, I also took my phone charging gear, a Katadyn water filter as I was not sure if I would have ready access to clean water. Sometimes you don't have that access to be honest, and I wished I had taken another water bottle as well... I took a single Nalgene quart water bottle, a ziplock bag of snacks from the grocery store, a rain coat, and my dry bag with my camera gear in it, and that’s it.

I picked up a set of trekking poles in Winchester that I almost wore out by the end of the trip. My backpack that I used on this trip is a Mystery Ranch Pitch 40, which is actually geared toward rock climbing but worked just fine for this trip. I am going to take a moment here to point out that a really well-engineered backpack makes all the difference in the world. I was carrying about 25 to 30 pounds from day to day and my back was NEVER sore or painful from the pack, not even once. I can absolutely, and with certainty recommend Mystery Ranch backpacks after this trip. They work.

I never really understood how to properly use a backpack, but after using this one, I figured it out and got it dialed in. It is not really designed for this kind of trek, but rather it is engineered for route climbing and carrying rope and chalk and harnesses and such instead. I just used it anyway as it is what I had at the time. This didn’t seem to be a problem though as the load bearing system puts the load on your waist and not your shoulders. This is where people get things wrong because small bags and haversacks place the load on the shoulders and this causes fatigue unnecessarily. If you adjust your pack properly, you can carry it for hours and you will just be tired from the trekking and you will be sweaty from the physical workout, but your back will not hurt.

Arriving in London: Tourist Mode Before the Trek

Big Ben in London England is an incredible iconic landmark that is a must see if you are in London. We did the usual tour and then went for a walk, which is how I was able to get this photo with the Leica CL and the TTArtisan 35mm f0.95 lens.

Once in England we started in London where we did the usual tourist stuff for a couple of days ahead of starting the pilgrimage proper. This included a bus tour and a short trip to the British Museum as well. We even took in the Phantom of the Opera while in town. What a treat that was! I was wholly unprepared for the experience that is the Phantom of the Opera, totally worth it.

Sierra in London, travel photography merged with documentary photography with the Leica CL — The daughter went with us to visit London and to hand out with us for the first few days of the Canterbury Pilgrimage, even though she cheated…

Well, once on the ground in England we checked into our hotel and went for some food. What we found is that the food in the UK is... different... from what we are accustomed to here in the US. We had to adjust to this as it seemed that they have a very specific diet and do not vary from it for any reason. We joked about how for a country that conquered most of planet earth at one point for spices…. doesn’t know how to use them! I will never understand this whole “beans on (soggy) toast” thing either…

We spent the next couple of days being tourists in London for the sake of brevity, then we embarked on the mission to Winchester to start the pilgrimage. We saw all the usual stuff, like Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abby and such, but it was only for a day or so, then it was off to Winchester!

The fence outside the British Museum showcasing the iconic telephone booths in London.

Winchester Cathedral: The Official Start

Interior roof structure of Winchester Cathedral in Winchester England at the beginning of the Pilgrim's Way — Interior of Winchester Cathedral in Winchester England.

Once in Winchester we attended a service at Winchester cathedral and received a blessing from the priest before we started, which was a really nice touch to add to the whole experience to be honest. If you do this hike, I recommend attending a service at the cathedral even if you're not really religious and hear the boys choir. The singing is beautiful. It also just adds a little something special to the trip in my opinion. I think the evening service is called “Evensong” or something like that, it is beautiful. We also found an outfitter in town (who would have guessed that there would be a HIKING outfitter at one end of the Canterbury Pilgrimage? HaHa) and this is where we learned about the value of trekking poles and decided to get a couple of sets for me and Teresa. I am really glad we did too, they helped so much! I will not do long hikes without them anymore. Once you see how much they help with load distribution as well as balance, you will never want to hike without them again too.

Now the adventure officially begins…

Winchester to Arlesford (First Steps)

Well, we strike out and head for the next town and I must say at this point that the English countryside is absolutely gorgeous! We couldn't get over how everywhere we looked that it looked like a postcard! We walked by beautiful fields, streams and all these little communities with some of the nicest people we have ever met!

The first “destination” was Alresford which is a quaint little village in the countryside that has several really old buildings (which becomes a recurring theme on this trip). One of which was constructed before the USA even existed. I point in out in one of the videos listed below actually. It turns out that it takes a lot longer to cover 8 to 10 miles than I thought it would too, we were complete neophytes at this and were REALLY over ambitious about how fast we would move on the trail, turns out we go ALOT slower than we thought… this resurfaces later in the blog, but just keep that in mind if you think you want to do this hike.

Wheat field south of London England on the Pilgrim's Way — Wheat field south of London England on the Pilgrim’s Way of the Canterbury Pilgrimage.

Some of the things we have learned are that stinging nettle is a legit plant you don't mess with and it is literally EVERYWHERE. Another one is that the locals are very friendly, especially the older ones, and are a real treat to chat with when you find them here and there. They loved my accent most of the time and would call me “the Yank” when they would hear me talk…it was almost comical as I have a very strong Appalachian accent as you can hear in the video as well. The trail also isn't just a hiking trail through the woods, but more of a "way" which will cross fields, go down designated paths or even along roads at times. You really have to pay attention to make sure you don't miss your turn...ask me how I know.

All that aside we had a wonderful first day on the trail, albeit a long one where we ran into really interesting people and also learned a few things about the local flora and fauna we didn't know either.

English Countryside: Why It Looks Like Postcards

The English countryside is some of the most picturesque terrain I have ever laid my eyes on, and for the locals it is just...home... I have seen a lot of beautiful places on this earth and they all have a charm. The charm here is the people and how they groom the landscape for agriculture beautifully. It is literally a postcard in almost any direction you look. So I did just that, took photos in every direction, and wound up with something like 1400 unique images when I got home two weeks later.

When you would cross from one field to another or maybe pass from the forest to the fields, you would come to one of these gates in a variety of forms, all of them would work in a pretty similar fashion, but nonetheless, it would be there. This is a simple cattle gate but in the United Kingdom, it is called a kissing gate for some reason. Above you can see Kelly passing through a modern steel kissing gate and they are all over these trail systems in England.

So first things first, hiking this trail is actually really fun. It could be monotonous for someone who isn't comfortable with their own thoughts for hours at a time, but it was fine to me. I didn't even listen to music on this trip, I was just...there...

Day 2: Arlesford to Alton (The 13-Mile Mistake)

From Post 2: This is the hotel we stayed in and it was simply adorable. The whole first floor of the part you see here is a restaurant/pub and the hotel is L shaped with a significant portion out back behind this street facing portion. The rest of the town is also really neat to me as well.

Swan Hotel Alresford England is a beautiful and very old hotel on the Pilgrim’s Way trail.

So the next morning we leave out for the next town and make pretty good time. Alton is a larger town and we are hoping to be there by lunch. Well, turns out the girls decided to take public transportation after about 5 miles or so and I decided to leg it on in... this would prove to be painful.

Hardware store in Alresford England is typical of the types of buildings you will find on the Pilgrim's Way.

I had looked at the map and speculated it to be about 10 miles to Alton and figured I would probably cover the remaining 5 miles in about 3 hours since I would be stopping to get photos and the erratic nature of the trail layout and such as that. Well, this turned into a 6-hour slog that added up to an additional 13 miles for the day! It even got to the point where I realized I needed to cover ground more rapidly or I would miss supper so I stopped capturing video for the YouTube channel all together and just grabbed the occasional photo instead. You read that right, 18 total miles in a single day, for a beginner trekker who had done almost no train up for this trip. What I had also forgot to account for was the fact that a lot of it was in the direct sun an really hot. I ran out of water probably with 2 hours left to hike if memory serves me and there was no where to stop and get more without trespassing on farmland. This is important as the trail passes through all this beautiful countryside and we are given special permission to use these trails, but we can not deviate from the trails, you have to stay on the trail. So if the trail doesn’t cross a stream, then there is no water. On this day, it didn’t even pass by houses hardly at all, it was just one field to the next, over and over, with occasional diversions down the country roads (that didn’t have shoulders at all in places).

Hydration on a hike is critical and also taking in electrolytes too. I lost a lot of electrolytes on the Pilgrim’s Way trail to Canterbury as this shirt can attest!

Now to be fair, I did cross a lot of beautiful countryside on this leg of the trip and I don't regret making the trek this day, but I failed to drink enough water and had debilitating cramps later that night from dehydration. The lesson here is to drink more water, especially if you are doing an activity that is physically demanding in any way.

18 miles and cramps if you dont hydrate while hiking — I grabbed this photo about midway through my 18 mile day with a single quart of water…lesson learned.

Over the course of the next two weeks we would explore numerous old churches as well as eat in many of the most quaint pubs you have ever seen! The bulk of the trek though is through the country with some parts being out in farmland for hours at a time on trail. You really need to make sure you take enough water when you leave too, as there are times when water just isn't available. I ran out on the 18 mile day and had debilitating leg cramps later that night because of dehydration. It is a thing y'all, don't scoff at this part: drink electrolytes and water, it matters…

Infrastructure and Details: What Makes England Special

Here we have the road crossing (well, more like a tunnel under the road actually)heading into Alton where you walk under the road to get into the town proper. This is the kind of thing you don't see much where I live and I found interesting. The footpaths are so important to the English that they build this kind of infrastructure to keep them operational. I wished we would have done this with the old hiking trails from our country's early settlements and made them into hiking trails today...just a thought.

trail tunnel under a main highway for the Pilgrim's Way heading into Alton England — Trail tunnel under a main highway for the Pilgrim's Way heading into Alton England

Here is a perfect example of what I am talking about. This bridge is pre-war era construction. The reason I know this is because the whole thing is riveted together. Any other modern form of metal joining would be significantly cheaper than rivets. Arc welding wasn't really common place till after World War 2 so rivets were used everywhere till then. If I had been a typical traveler heading to the next destination, I most likely would not have noticed this.

Pre-war riveted foot bridge to a train station in southern England.

Mid-Journey: Farnham and the Stepping Stones

The next day we really didn't do much hiking as I escorted Sierra to the airport and then went back and linked up with Teresa and we made our way by train over to Farnham. We really wanted to explore the town and Kelly had already went ahead on her own so it was the perfect opportunity. We had a great time in Farnham and found Kelly later so it all went great.

Then the next day we leave Farnham and make our way over to the stepping stones which is a huge deal on this trail and I didn't even know about it till this morning. These stepping stones are part of the trail system and when we found them we decided to make a small event of it and enjoy a few minutes at this location to make it a little more memorable. If you would like to see the stepping stones just watch the video linked above. I didn't get my camera out of the dry bag here for obvious reasons so I only have video from this location.

These kinds of treks are not just about seeing how fast you can cover ground or seeing how many miles you can hike in one day, but about stopping and smelling the flowers or grabbing some photos. This is what this pilgrimage was about for me.

old church in southern england on the pilgrim's way — One of the many old churches in southern England on the Pilgrim's way (Canterbury Pilgrimage)

The Pilgrimage Experience: Disconnecting and Reflecting

This hike was a twofold event. First it was a way to explore England in a more intimate way than seeing the usual tourist sites and then hopping on a plane for the states. This way we get to talk to the locals and see parts of the country that other visitors will never see, eat food that they will never taste, and just enjoy the country like a traveler should.

The second part or probably what should be considered the first part is the pilgrimage part of the trip. A pilgrimage is a trek to a significant location for the purpose of reflection and to be able to spend time with the Lord. I had ample time for this too. You get to be with your own thoughts a lot if you keep your cell phone put away, which I did, this will give you a lot of time to reflect. I am glad I did this as it allowed me to just disconnect from life for a while and to be able to just enjoy where I was at the time without having to think about what I was going to do the next day or whatever.

This was so important to me that I didn't even post much about the trip while on it. I used the map function most of the time (there is a website where you can get the route and it overlays on Google maps). This was wonderful for someone who has grown VERY accustomed to using their phone a lot.

Above is one of the many churches we explored on our pilgrimage to Canterbury. Over the course of the next two weeks we would explore numerous old churches as well as eat in many of the most quaint pubs you have ever seen!

The Pilgrim's Way to Canterbury England is a beautiful hike. A quality backpack will make all the difference too.

Canterbury and completing the pilgrimage

After about two weeks we finally walked out of a field, into an old road and there it was…Canterbury! We had finally made it and the sense of completion is hard to describe. The long days on the trail, the injuries, the dehydration cramps, all those photos to sort through… It was surreal to be honest about it. We stopped at a pub to get a bite to eat and had a wonderful time chatting with the locals before heading into the old city to check into our hotel. The Cathedral Gate Inn (I think that is the name) is ANCIENT!!!! There were all sorts of oddities associated with this Inn, but aside from that we have made it to the Cathedral! We went to the ticket office to go into the Cathedral grounds and when the attendant figured out we were Pilgrim’s he personally escorted us FREE OF CHARGE (at this point I don’t know if there is a charge, but he got real excited when he figured out we were pilgrims) to the courtyard to the marker that signifies the official end to the hike.

Trail End Stone at Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury England

We all made our photo with the stone and then went for supper. Later we were treated to a special blessing from the priest at Canterbury Cathedral as well as being personally escorted to the Pilgrim’s Sanctum in the far back of the church. The story is that all the stained glass in the other churches are of Christ, the Saints and biblical events BUT here all the stained glass is of PILGRIMS to honor those who make the journey and we were the latest ones to get there. This was after Evensong service with the boys quire and the pipe organ. If you have never heard this and you have the chance, you really should experience it for yourself. It was incredible.

Canterbury Cathedral is so large and ornate that it is imposible to capture it in one photo. — Canterbury Cathedral is so large and ornate that it is impossible to capture it in one photo. I opted to just get this one spire as some of it was obscured by scaffolding and the rest was just so large. This photo shows the level of detail and the sheer scale in just one photo. It is hard to imaging a Cathedral can be so large. Canterbury has to hold some sort of record for this…

What I Learned: Practical Lessons for Future Pilgrims

Let's talk about what really matters. In closing, I am going to wrap this with the following quote that I made up just for this blog, but it does seem fitting to me: "If you don't stop to look at the flowers along the way, you wasted part of your trip."

I am really one of those people that likes the journey as much as the destination and this was the perfect blend for me. Daily goal-oriented activity with lots to do and see along the way...

Key lessons:

Drink more water than you think you need (I learned this the hard way with debilitating leg cramps!)
Pack lighter than you think (I should have taken the 35mm f/1.4 instead of the heavier f/0.95)
Stop to smell the flowers (literally and figuratively)
The journey IS the destination (don't rush through beautiful countryside)
Backpack-only travel is liberating (no checked bags, less stress!)
A good backpack matters (Mystery Ranch saved my back)

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Canterbury Pilgrimage FAQ: Planning Your Own Trek

How long does the Canterbury Pilgrimage take?

The complete Canterbury Pilgrimage from Winchester to Canterbury is about 120-130 miles depending on your exact route. Most people take 10-14 days to complete it, averaging 10-15 miles per day. We took two weeks and found that pace comfortable for stopping to explore villages, photographing the countryside, and actually enjoying the journey rather than just grinding out miles. If you're a strong hiker you could do it faster, but I'd recommend taking your time! The whole point of a pilgrimage is reflection and experiencing the journey, not setting speed records.

What's the best time of year to hike the Canterbury Pilgrimage?

Late spring through early fall (May through September) is ideal for the Canterbury Pilgrimage. The weather is milder, days are longer, and most of the pubs and accommodations are fully operational. We went in [season] and had great weather overall. That said, England is England, so expect rain regardless of when you go! I carried my camera gear in a dry bag the entire trip and I'm glad I did. Winter is possible but you'll face shorter days, colder weather, and some accommodations might be closed.

Do I need to be religious to do the Canterbury Pilgrimage?

Absolutely not! While the Canterbury Pilgrimage has deep religious roots (it's been walked by pilgrims for centuries), plenty of people hike it for the history, the beautiful countryside, or just the challenge of a long-distance trek. I approached it as both a spiritual journey and an adventure, but you can focus on whichever aspect appeals to you. That said, I do recommend attending the service at Winchester Cathedral before you start, even if you're not religious. The boys choir is beautiful and it adds something special to the experience!

How much does the Canterbury Pilgrimage cost?

Budget varies widely depending on your accommodation choices and eating habits. We stayed in hotels and B&Bs and ate at pubs every meal (since we didn't pack cooking gear), which probably ran $100-150 per person per day including accommodation and food. If you camp or stay in hostels and cook your own meals, you could do it much cheaper. The trail itself is free to walk. Don't forget to budget for getting to Winchester and from Canterbury back to London. Flight from US to London obviously adds to the cost, but we saved money by only carrying backpacks (no checked bag fees!).

What should I pack for the Canterbury Pilgrimage?

Pack lighter than you think you need! We went backpack-only (no checked bags) and it was liberating. My essentials: full change of clothes, extra socks, rain jacket, water bottle (I wished I'd brought two!), water filter, trekking poles (bought in Winchester), phone charging gear, camera gear in a dry bag, and snacks. I carried 25-30 pounds in a Mystery Ranch Pitch 40 backpack and my back never hurt. The key is a well-engineered backpack with proper weight distribution. Pack for the reality that you'll be carrying everything on your back for two weeks, not for every possible scenario!

Where do you stay on the Canterbury Pilgrimage?

You have options! We stayed in hotels and B&Bs in the towns along the route (Arlesford, Alton, Farnham, etc.). The advantage is comfort, hot showers, and you can just show up without reservations in most cases. The disadvantage is cost. Other options include camping (England has lots of campsites), hostels, or even churches that offer pilgrim accommodation. Some people book everything in advance, others wing it day by day. We were somewhere in between and it worked fine. The towns are spaced reasonably for daily hiking distances.

How hard is the Canterbury Pilgrimage physically?

If you're in reasonable shape and can walk 10-15 miles a day, you can do this! I'd never done long-distance hiking before and I completed it fine. The trail is well-marked and not technically difficult (no rock scrambling or anything like that), but it's still physically demanding to walk day after day. The biggest challenge for me was my 13-mile mistake day where I hiked farther than planned and didn't drink enough water. I had debilitating leg cramps that night from dehydration. Learn from my mistake: drink more water than you think you need, especially on long days!

What's the trail like? Is it easy to navigate?

The Pilgrims Way isn't a single continuous trail through the woods. It's more of a "way" that crosses fields, follows designated footpaths, and sometimes goes along roads. You'll encounter lots of kissing gates (cattle gates) when crossing between fields. The trail is generally well-marked but you do need to pay attention to avoid missing turns. We used a website that overlays the route on Google Maps which was incredibly helpful. The countryside is absolutely gorgeous, literally like postcards in every direction!

Do I need special hiking gear or can I use regular stuff?

You don't need ultra-technical gear! I used a rock-climbing backpack (Mystery Ranch Pitch 40) and it worked great. Trekking poles are highly recommended (I bought mine in Winchester and almost wore them out). Good hiking boots or trail shoes are important for two weeks of daily walking. Rain gear is essential. A water filter is nice to have but not strictly necessary. Camera gear is optional but highly recommended—the English countryside is stunning! I took my Leica CL with two lenses and got 1,400 photos. Looking back, I wish I'd packed my 35mm f/1.4 instead of the heavier f/0.95 lens.

What's the deal with stinging nettle?

Stinging nettle is a plant that's literally EVERYWHERE along English trails and you do NOT want to mess with it! It causes a stinging, burning sensation if you brush against it. The locals just accept it as part of life, but as an American, it was something I had to learn about quickly. Wear long pants when hiking through overgrown sections, and don't grab random plants for support. The stinging sensation is temporary but annoying. This was one of our first lessons on Day 1 and we got much better at avoiding it after that initial encounter!

Until next time, get your camera out and go take a picture with it.

David Saylors 8/17/23 David Saylors 8/17/23

What Shooting a Zeiss Ikon Contina Taught Me About Modern Cameras

I picked up a vintage Zeiss Ikon Contina while on a trip to the UK and had it sent straight to Zack's Camera for a full CLA when I got home, because the shutter was dragging badly. Once it came back in good working order I loaded it with Ilford HP5, grabbed my old Sekonic handheld light meter, and hit the streets of Chattanooga to find out what shooting a fully manual film camera with no rangefinder and no automatic anything actually feels like. The short answer is that our modern cameras are far more remarkable than most of us give them credit for.

Me with my freshly CLA Zeis Ikon Contina ready for some fun on the streets of Chattanooga TN.

Zeiss Ikon Contina…a vintage fully mechanical camera.

I bought this camera while on my trip in the UK and when I got back home I sent it to Zack’s Camera for a CLA as the shutter was dragging pretty bad. Once back from Zack’s, (who did a phenomenal job BTW) I loaded it up with some HP5 and grabbed my old Sekonic light meter and hit the streets of Chattanooga to play with my “new” toy.

Zeiss Ikon Contina 35mm viewfinder camera with selenium light meter and collapsible lens — The Zeiss Ikon Contina after returning from a full CLA at Zack's Camera. Everything is fully mechanical, no batteries required anywhere in the system.

It didn’t take long to realize that we as photographers in the 21st century are so spoiled with our cameras that have auto…everything. I am currently 54 years old and even when I was younger we already had cameras with automatic focus and exposure and even auto film advance. This machine is the grandfather to those cameras.

Shooting photos with the Zeiss Ikon Contina Camera

The day I went out to shoot had partly cloudy skies so as I would walk the streets I would take light meter readings and adjust the camera accordingly for the light on hand. This almost turned into a chore as the clouds would move in front of the sun and lower the light by 2 stops then the cloud would move out of the way and the meter would jump back up those two stops. Also, I learned dark shade is 3 stops lower than direct sun, so keep that in the back of your mind while looking for street scenes too.

vintage Sekonic light meter that I used wtih the Zeiss Ikon Contina camera — A good light meter like the Sekonic pictured here will make getting the exposure set correctly a lot easier.

So now I see why some people like having those tiny little hot shoe mounted light meters. The handheld one was nice but it sure was inconvenient to carry around. Having a free hand to adjust and hold the camera would have been nice at times. Plus the light meter is just in the way all the time. I don’t have a lanyard on it so I either had it in my pocket or my hand, neither of which are really desirable.

Motion blur in full sun… Zeiss Ikon Contina vintage camera with Ilford HP5 film.

Once I started to get the exposure settings figured out, I start thinking, I am ready to hit the trail and get some sweet street photos. Nothing could be further from the truth. I now have to learn how to focus the camera. Yes, you heard that right, I… a photographer, had to learn how to focus a camera. That was strange to me as I have been accustomed to simply looking through the viewfinder and focusing and then pressing the shutter. Not so on the Contina! You have to engage in the fine art of range estimation with this camera. Yeah, you literally either get out a tape measure and put your camera on a tripod OR just guess as best you can. Seriously, those are the choices here…spitballing it or measuring tools! The viewfinder is literally used only for composing the image. The taking lens is a completely separate system. Unlike the rangefinder cameras such at the Leica M series of legend where the view finder has a calibrated “patch” from the rangefinder that is mechanically coupled to the taking lens, where you see what appears in the viewfinder as an aligned image when it is in focus, you just throw the dice with the Zeiss Ikon Contina. It is quite humbling to he honest about it.

You quickly learn about f stops and how to change depth of field so you have a hope of getting something in focus. Notice on the lens the distance scale and the depth of field scales? You better, because you are going to be using those alot if you plan to shoot with the aperture opened up at all.

The film for the day… Ilford HP5 B&W Film

On my first roll of film I used Ilford HP5 400 speed and quickly realized this was actually a mistake. This camera is so old that the highest ISO on the built in meter is 320 and the fastest shutter speed is 1/300 second. Yeah, in a world where I personally have cameras right now that will shoot at 1/32000 second, I just bought a camera that maxes out at 1/300… Luckily, the aperture goes down to f22 so in full sun it is correctly exposing (I think) at 1/300 second. This did help with the other problem though…focus. Since at f22 everything from 1 meter to infinity is in focus I just had to make sure that I had not bumped the focus ring and moved it.

Zeiss Ikon Contina vintage camera works in full sun and the aperture stopped down. — Teresa on the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge in Chattanooga TN shot on the Zeiss Ikon contina camera. Ilford HP5 Film

Once I used it for about an hour I would start to choose estimated focus distances to try to land better focus. We will see once I get the film developed and scanned…

Close up of Zeiss Ikon Contina lens showing focus ring, shutter speed ring, aperture ring, and depth of field scale — All three exposure controls are on the lens itself. The narrow front ring is focus, the middle ring is shutter speed, and the large rear ring is aperture. The depth of field scale between the focus and shutter rings is essential for zone focusing.

Another thing you will notice in this photo is that all three major functions of the camera are on the lens, the focus is the first and smallest ring, then the shutter speed is the middle ring and the rear most and largest ring is the aperture ring. All the controls on the top are used to control film exposure and movement. The shutter release button, the film advance, frame counter, and rewind knob are in this area. There is a cold shoe and a light meter in the center area on top. That’s it. I love the simplicity, but wow, photos made in that period were worked for.

Going forward I will now have a brand new appreciation for my modern cameras with all their conveniences. I have learned that our forefathers had it much harder and that we should be more appreciative of the photos from that period. I will continue to use this warhorse of a machine but plan to get some lower ISO film first and we will see what we get over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Zeiss Ikon Contina

What kind of camera is the Zeiss Ikon Contina? The Zeiss Ikon Contina is a fully manual 35mm viewfinder camera produced in West Germany in the 1950s. It has no rangefinder and no automatic exposure system. All focus, shutter speed, and aperture settings are set manually by the photographer. The built-in selenium light meter is a reference tool only and is not connected to the camera's exposure system in any way.

Does the Zeiss Ikon Contina need batteries? No. The Contina uses a selenium light meter which generates its own small electrical current from ambient light. There are no batteries required anywhere in the camera, which is one of its great practical advantages as a vintage shooter.

What film should I use in a Zeiss Ikon Contina? Because the Contina's built-in meter only goes up to ISO 320 and the fastest shutter speed is 1/300 second, lower ISO films work better in most lighting conditions. Ilford HP5 at ISO 400 is usable but can be tricky in bright sun. A 100 or 200 speed film like Kodak T Max 100 or Ilford Delta 100 gives you more flexibility with aperture and shutter settings in daylight.

How do you focus a Zeiss Ikon Contina? The Contina uses estimated zone focusing rather than a rangefinder. You set the distance on the focus ring based on your best estimate of how far away your subject is, then use the depth of field scale on the lens to confirm your focus zone. Stopping down to f8 or f11 significantly increases depth of field and makes zone focusing much more forgiving. At f22, everything from about 1 meter to infinity is in focus, which effectively eliminates the need to focus at all.

What is a CLA and does the Zeiss Ikon Contina need one? A CLA stands for Clean, Lubricate, and Adjust. It is a service performed by a camera repair technician that cleans the internal mechanisms, replaces dried lubricants, and adjusts the shutter speeds and aperture blades to factory spec. Most vintage cameras benefit from a CLA before heavy use, especially if the shutter feels sluggish or sticky. Zack's Camera is a well regarded shop for vintage camera service.

Is the Zeiss Ikon Contina good for street photography? It can be, but it requires patience and practice. The lack of a rangefinder means you need to get comfortable with zone focusing before you can shoot quickly and confidently. Once you learn the camera's quirks and develop a feel for estimating distances, it produces sharp images with the characteristic look of mid-century German optics. It is better suited to slower, more deliberate street photography than fast-moving candid work. Unless, once again, you stop down to f22 where everything is essentially in focus and you can simply point the camera and take photos.

Zeiss Ikon Contina vintage camera missed focus of the cat…

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