In terms of specifications, it packs a 64 MPx Pro Format CMOS sensor, Maestro II image process, ISO range from 100 to 50,000, and the 4K at 24 fps. It also has a Pentaprism, 0.87x magnification viewfinder, and a 3-inch fixed touchscreen.

Is there anything that can improve the already monstrous camera? Of course, there is!

High-quality optics for those that don’t ask for a price! I have put together a list of the the best lenses for Leica S3, representing the top-tier offer.

Best Prime Lens For Portrait Photography

Panasonic 45mm f/2.8 is a lens that packs a circular aperture and a minimum focus distance of 15 cm. It captures subjects in actual 1:1 size. It has a micro 4/3 mount and a constant f/2.8 aperture.

The lens, in the matter, has the right focal length and is thus telephoto. Focusing is high-speed and accurate.

The lens’s bokeh effect is mesmerizing, with beautiful defocusing that melts from the subject into the background. The lens is relatively fast and works well as a macro lens too.

The control of the shallow depth of field is excellent. Some users could object to the limited aperture, but it does a splendid job. Shooting under challenging lighting is perfect, and the OIS gains a few stops of stabilization.

Although I tried using a tripod and a shutter release, the lens works well for handheld shooting. Portraits are rendered beautifully, with vivid colors and fantastic contrast.

The actual 1:1 comes in handy for macro photography, and in the case of this lens, you will have both a prime and a macro lens combined. I object that it doesn’t come with a pouch to keep it in while it comes with a square Leica-style lens hood.

Best Wide-Angle Lens For Landscape Photography

Leica 30-90mm f/3.5-5.6 is a versatile, compact standard zoom lens sealed against dust and water splashing. It provides maximum contrast and high resolution over the entire distance range at all apertures.

It is relatively compact and lightweight for a medium format lens and offers a high image quality across the zooming range. It is essential to notice that this lens is the only zoom lens in the Leica “S” range.

It is designed of 14 elements in 11 groups. Nine of those elements are made from glass with partial dispersion.

Furthermore:

It packs three low-dispersion fluoride elements that eradicate visible chromatic aberrations.

The vignetting is barely noticeable at all focal lengths, while the distortions are well-controlled at shorter distances. The lens provides a spectacular performance at all focal lengths. I used it for both landscapes and interior images, and it does a great job in all cases.

The image quality is nothing short of perfect. Sharpness is present across the frame, with an extraordinary amount of details being preserved. Though the aperture seems limited, in practice, it works reasonably well.

I faced no issues capturing images under challenging conditions. It is safe to say it is beautifully designed with nice finishing lines and top-notch materials in the design department.

Best All-Around Lens For Everyday Photography

Leica 120mm f/2.5 has a sophisticated design that combines exceptional grades of glass and aspherical surfaces. The lens makes a perfect all-around companion since it is made with a narrow level of tolerance.

If you use the lens for handheld shooting, you are guaranteed superior quality and optical performance.

The lens uses a newly developed S-bayonet mount. It ensures a fast and accurate digital exchange of data and commands between the camera body and the lens.

It has superior quality when used close-up since it has a reproduction scale of 1:2. What I specifically like about the lens is its versatility. I have used it for many applications, from telephoto for landscapes and wildlife to street and art photography.

The lens provides maximum performance even at the full aperture settings. I have noticed traces of distortion, but they are easily fixed in post-production without affecting image quality.

Furthermore:

The lens has its own Leica microprocessor for precise and accurate focusing and iris diaphragm. They provide silent and smooth operations, and the focusing ring allows one to override the autofocus at any given moment.

The image quality is superior, with vividly saturated colors and high, punchy contrast. Since the lens is relatively light, it is an excellent choice for travel photographers.

Best Telephoto Lens For Wildlife Photography

Leica’s 180mm f/3.5 lens comes with an integrated central shutter. A camera’s main switch can activate it, turning on the flash units used at a shutter speed of 1/500 of a second.

The shutter has a fast exposure time and doesn’t spend too much energy. Furthermore, it boasts an electronically-controlled drive.

The lens offers maximum performance across the frame, with an effective range of focus that makes the 1:7 scale image production possible. I didn’t notice vignetting or chromatic aberrations during the testing, so I didn’t have to remove them in the post-production.

From a designer’s perspective, the focusing ring is relatively smooth, allowing one to override the autofocus at any time.

Another positive thing is the near-silence of the autofocus, which is also suitable for video making. Image quality is beautiful, with sharpness all-around, crisp details, and high contrast.

Color rendering is stunning, and combined with the Leica S3 camera, the lens truly gives out the famous Leica vibe. It is not that heavy for a telephoto lens, and it is a pleasure to use without a tripod.

Best Macro Lens For Macro Photography

Leica 100mm f/2 is a lens constructed of seven elements in five groups with a luminous intensity of 1:2. The view angle (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) is 29, 24.7, and 16.4 degrees.

The lens packs a fast f/2 aperture that allows selective focus, especially under challenging lighting.

It also has a longer-than-average focal length that contributes to the realistic perspective suitable for macro applications, especially when you wish to retain natural tones and colors.

From an optical design perspective, it has a range of low dispersion elements coupled with a double aspherical element that significantly reduces chromatic aberrations and gains greater image clarity and contrast, no matter the aperture you choose.

It has a metal barrel in terms of design, and the lens is dust and weather-resistant, so it is a pleasure to use in challenging conditions.

It also has an inner focusing mechanism along with a floating element design. As a consequence, it enhances close-range performance when shooting.

Furthermore:

The fast aperture ensures smooth operations in lowlight situations and reasonable control over a depth of field. The general image quality is outstanding, with sharpness across the frame and almost nonexistent aberrations.

What is the best lens for Leica S3?

Leica S3 is a professional, top-notch camera for pro photographers who can afford it. It has every feature one could want.

Besides technical capabilities, it offers a unique “Leica” charm in still photography, providing a unique look.

If you pair the Leica S3 with any of the lenses I have recommended, you are on your way to becoming a true professional.

Read other guides such as Sony A6400 lenses or lenses for D750 if you want to improve your photography skills.

Happy shooting!

More Leica Lenses Guides:

• Leica S3 Lenses
• Leica SL Lenses
• Leica TL-2 Lenses
• Leica T Lenses