The Leica Vario-Elmar-T 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 ($1,750) is one of a pair of lenses that launched with the T (Typ 701) ($1,286.94 at Amazon) mirrorless camera. It's not Leica's first attempt at an autofocusing zoom with this range—the X Vario uses a similar zoom lens—but it's the first for an interchangeable camera system. The Vario-Elmar is quite compact and plenty sharp through its range, though edges are on the soft side at 18mm. But it doesn't include any sort of image stabilization system, and its f/3.5-5.6 variable aperture is unambitious as far as zoom lenses go. The 18-56mm ($1,895.00 at Amazon) lens is designed to match the APS-C sensor used by the Leica T, so its field of view is more like a 27-84mm zoom on a full-frame camera system. At 2.8 by 2.6 inches (HD) and 11.6 ounces, it's fairly compact for a zoom lens, and its front element is on the small side, so you can use 52mm threaded filters. A reversible petal-style lens hood is included, as are the standard front and bac...
The Leica Vario-Elmar-T 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 captures excellent images and is quite compact, but it's too expensive for what it is.
Compact; Sharp through zoom range; Minimal distortion; Great build quality
Expensive; Lacks optical stabilization; Edges a little soft at widest angle; Some color fringing when shooting JPG