If you love Leica glass, then consider shooting with a micro four thirds camera. Why?

By doing so, you can enjoy the brand and quality without tanking your credit card. Here are a few examples:

The just-announced Panasonic/Leica 15mm f/1.7 sells for $599. That is not cheap by any means. But the Leica 35mm f/2.5 Summarit-M sells for $1,950.

I own a Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH prime that currently costs $529. I love this lens and use it often on my OM-D cameras. The Leica Normal 50mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical prime will currently set you back $4,250.

A lens that I'm lusting after, the Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH (with image stabilization) is listed for $1,598. That's why I don't have it (yet). But for perspective, the Leica Telephoto 90mm f/2.0 APO Summicron M Aspherical will hit your credit card at $3,995.

By comparing the different mounts, you can clearly see there are differences between the micro four thirds models and the optics built for Leica cameras. That being said, the image quality I get with my 25mm Leica on an OM-D E-M1 is wonderful.

For years I wanted to own and shoot with a Leica lens. But the investment was cost-prohibitive for my photojournalist salary. But thanks to micro four thirds photography, I have a great camera and beautiful optics that I can afford, including a Leica or two.

These Leica lenses have a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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