Vario S Lens or L Lens on SL Body?

[Dhuff]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I currently use my Vario S 30-90 with the S to L adapter on my SL body.  Any one have a strong view that the L 24-90 lens would be worth it to purchase given this interchangeability I already have or would it be largely duplicative?  Thanks in advance.

[Jeff S]

Best way to determine is to try for yourself and compare via demo or rental.  The obvious distinctions, which may or may not matter for your shooting style, are the wider focal length range and OIS for the SL vario (IBIS on the SL2 would mitigate the lack of OIS).  IQ differences, in print, depend on many factors, including subject matter,  print size, viewing distance, personal tastes and priorities, etc. There have also been many reports of sample variation regarding the S 30-90, with particular concern about edge sharpness. Some find this problematic, while others find it acceptable, have it serviced and/or find workarounds.  The SL lenses have no such reported issues, whether due to the lens or in-camera corrections. I personally like native lens solutions rather than adapted, but that could certainly change if I already owned a great adapted lens that satisfied my needs.

Jeff

Edited January 24, 2020 by Jeff S

[ropo54]

I'd be curious as to the speed of the autofocus, and whether that might be an issue for you. I'd assume that the L lens will focus a tad faster.

As for Jeff's comment above, if you have any concerns about edge sharpness on your S 30-90, I''d think that that would be mitigated by the smaller  size of the SL sensor .

The rendering of each lens might also be a tad different, but that would not be a concern for me as a hobbyist; I'm quite pleased with the S lenses on the SL.

Rob

Edited January 24, 2020 by ropo54

[caissa]

Maybe the SL 16-35 would be a better companion to the S zoom.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I have 2 copies of the S30-90. Neither is as sharp at the edges as my 24-90. Focus on the SL/SL2 is also slower and it takes 95mm filters.

I think the 24-90 is a noticably better choice from a usability standpoint and marginally better optically. (The lousy corners of the S lens are somewhat cropped off on the smaller sensor.)

However if the S zoom suits your needs why spend the money?

Gordon