Advice please for 24-70 or 24-105 zoom for new SL2-S

[Steve Miller]

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Hi,

This is another one of those "what lens do you recommend" threads. I fully understand that the answer is very much dependent on my needs (and funds) but I figured I'd throw this out there in case anyone had some thoughts they'd like to share.

The simple version is that I am looking to get a normal zoom (24-70 or 24-105) for my new SL2-S and welcome any suggestions. The use case is for general walkaround and travel photography for those times I don't want to shoot with primes.

Until recently, I was shooting with a Q2 and Fujifilm X-T3 with a wide assortment of Fujifilm XF lenses covering pretty much all focal lengths from (FF equivalent) 18mm to 600mm. About a month ago I bought a M10 and was blown away by the image quality and love the shooting experience. I have since picked up a CV 50 f/1.2 which for my purposes is fantastic. It's not a Leica, but it's a darn good lens for general shooting in any lighting scenario. I also picked up a CV 21/3.5 and CV 35/1.4 Nokton II MC but am leaning towards returning them and buying a Leica 28 Elmarit or Summacron. The Q2 was sold as I found I wasn't using it once the M10 arrived (and I knew I'd prefer to swap it for the SL2-S). Anyway, for purposes of this discussion, assume I'll have a couple of M lenses that I will shoot on the M10 and will also want to use them on the SL2-S.

What I'm looking for now is a general purpose AF zoom for the SL2-S. I have heard amazing things about the Leica 24-90 but while I could swing the cost of a used one, I know that I won't want to carry the extra weight (I tried one in the Leica SoHo store last week). It's a non-starter so let's strike that one from the list of potential lenses. There's one other lens that I'm eliminating as well...the Sigma 28-70 as I definitely want the extra 4mm on the wide end.

That leaves three contenders:

• Sigma 24-70 f/2.8: very affordable, good max aperture, good IQ
• Leica 24-70 f/2.8: expensive (though affordable in Leica land), good max aperture, I assume the best IQ
• Panasonic 24-105 f/4: affordable, slower but given the low light performance of the SL2-S it's not a deal breaker, okay-ish IQ?

My ideal focal length range for this type of travel/walkaround lens would be 24-105. I don't mind an f/4 lens but I have seen plenty of less than stellar reviews of the Panny's IQ. I'm definitely leaning towards the Sigma, figuring I can crop to 105 if needed (not ideal). Also, I figure that assuming the Leica delivers better image quality, it may be a case that the extra 5%-10% better performance wouldn't nearly make up for the extra $1800 cost to me. I could take those savings and put it towards a nicer 28 or 35 Leica M lens.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Steve

P.S. Down the line, I can see adding a longer zoom (70-200, 75-300 or 100-400) which would put allow me to sell off the Fuji kit.

 

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[Boojay]

Maybe you could try/test the Pan 24-105 and see if it satisfies your needs.  I use it happily on both the SL2 and the CL and it fulfils is purpose for me. 

I did have the Sigma 24-70 but preferred always the versatility of the Pan 24-105 over the maximum aperture of the Sigma.  I can honestly say cost has never been the factor here for me, weight is to a certain extent especially given that I use the lens on the CL also.  No doubt the 24-90 is the best option for IQ but when I want best IQ I use a prime, as it seems is your intention.

If you search reviews and experience from real life users, you will find just as many positive reviews as negative.   

 

 

[Steve Miller]

6 hours ago, Boojay said:

Maybe you could try/test the Pan 24-105 and see if it satisfies your needs.  I use it happily on both the SL2 and the CL and it fulfils is purpose for me. 

I did have the Sigma 24-70 but preferred always the versatility of the Pan 24-105 over the maximum aperture of the Sigma.  I can honestly say cost has never been the factor here for me, weight is to a certain extent especially given that I use the lens on the CL also.  No doubt the 24-90 is the best option for IQ but when I want best IQ I use a prime, as it seems is your intention.

If you search reviews and experience from real life users, you will find just as many positive reviews as negative.   

 

 

Thanks, Boojay.

I’ve pretty much reached the same conclusion. Given the high ISO capability of the SL2-S, I think I’d rather have the extra reach at 105 vs 70 than the extra stop at f/2.8 on the Sigma. Also, as you noted, when I want the best IQ and/or shallower DOF at a given focal length, I’ll use a prime. 

Steve

[Photoworks]

When I go on vacation I will take 24-104 and a faster 50mm for low light.

Most of the shots are taken during the day with good light.

the 24-90 stays home and gets used for real work.

[SonomaBear]

The Pan 24-105/4 is good but the Sigma 24-70/2.8 is phenomenal for IQ etc.  I’m selling my Pan

[tom0511]

I have the 24-90 and the 24-105 and some primes. I find the 24-105 works very well if you want a flexible lens. Overall IQ is quite good, the lens is sharp.The only thing in certain situations the background seems a bit busy. If the range 70-105 is useful for you I would recommend the 24-105.

 

[Steve Miller]

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12 hours ago, tom0511 said:

I have the 24-90 and the 24-105 and some primes. I find the 24-105 works very well if you want a flexible lens. Overall IQ is quite good, the lens is sharp.The only thing in certain situations the background seems a bit busy. If the range 70-105 is useful for you I would recommend the 24-105.

 

Thanks, Tom.

For something like travel, it would be nice to have the 70-105 range. I'm trying to find a lightly used copy as these lenses lose value very quickly do to the fact that a) it's probably priced about $300 too high versus comparable lenses in other systems and b) it's offered as part of a kit so people buy the kit to get one of the Panny bodies and dump the lens. Seems like used prices are around $600-$700. For that price, I figure I don't have much to lose by trying it out and seeing if it meets my needs.

Steve

[oldwino]

The Sigma 24-70 is reportedly excellent. So good, in fact, that Leica has rebranded it as their 24-70 (in a slightly heavier barrel, because + weight = + goodness, at least in Leica-land). Panasonic also makes a 24-70 f2.8. Lots of choices in this range!

The Panny 24-105 is reportedly also very good, with extra reach (nice) but heavier and only f4 (not so nice for some).

The new-ish Sigma 28-70 f2.8 is a lighter alternative to the 24-70. This is what I chose, as I use it on both my S5 and my CL. The smaller size and lighter weight fits the CL better. Much nicer, too, for hiking. So far, I like the lens a lot. No real complaints. 

[Boojay]

On 6/24/2021 at 4:05 PM, oldwino said:

The Sigma 24-70 is reportedly excellent. So good, in fact, that Leica has rebranded it as their 24-70 (in a slightly heavier barrel, because + weight = + goodness, at least in Leica-land). Panasonic also makes a 24-70 f2.8. Lots of choices in this range!

The Panny 24-105 is reportedly also very good, with extra reach (nice) but heavier and only f4 (not so nice for some).

 

Just to correct the above the Panasonic 24-105 is the lightest bar the 28-70.  Pan 24-105 680g.   Leica 24-70 2.8 856 g.    Sig 28-70 is I think a little under 500g.

[Portratones]

Hi all jumping in the bandwagon here  I’m on the fence of getting a Leica or Signa 24-70 to use with my Leica SL2-S.
 

To give some context, I work with artist in situation where I often have All Access, being it backstage, on stage… you get the picture. i always have with me my M10 with a Summicron 50 and my M6 with a Summilux 35. Now that I’ve got an SL2-S I’m happy to use both lenses on the body but I feel like I'm missing a bit of more wider range and reach in specific situations.

With my canon I used to have a 14, 35, 50 & 70-200 being honest the 70-200 has lived mostly on the shelf but it felt good knowing it was there if needed.

TLDR, anyone recommend a 24-70 for versatility?

 

[caissa]

What about the Lumix 20-60 for travel ?  Small and easy to travel with, and 20mm could be useful.

Edited October 6, 2021 by caissa

[rcusick]

10 hours ago, caissa said:

What about the Lumix 20-60 for travel ?  Small and easy to travel with, and 20mm could be useful.

I second the Pana 20-60... Cheap, light, f 3.5-4 at most zoom lengths, sharper than the 24-105.  Saves carrying a super wide.    No brainer unless you need the extra reach.   But I bring a telephoto for that...

[Ralf]

vor 25 Minuten schrieb rcusick:

I second the Pana 20-60... Cheap, light, f 3.5-4 at most zoom lengths, sharper than the 24-105.  Saves carrying a super wide.    No brainer unless you need the extra reach.   But I bring a telephoto for that...

Couldn't agree with you more, it is light, versatile sharp  and a fantastic value for money.

[Jeffry Abt]

I’ve been using the Leica 24-70 for several weeks now… no regrets on the purchase!

[augustwest100]

I have used the Pany 24-70, the Sigy 24-70, the Sigy 28-70 and the Leica (Leicy?) 24-70.   
I ended up keeping the Leica 24-70, but for travel, I think the Sigma 28-70 was very light and covered the basic focal range one might need. Don’t underestimate it in terms of size, weight, image quality balance. I chose the Leica for the build quality. 

I have no experience with the 24-105, but unless you like the artistic options that a wider aperture gives you, I think the added reach could be useful — Nothing like the 18-600 range you used before!

The pany 24-70 had that clutch focus, which was quite useful. 

I think all are decent options. The Sigmas are lighter in weight, then the Pany, then the Leica.

[tom0511]

Have used them all 2470 Leica/2490 and 24105.

Right now my choice is usually the 24-70/2.8, better sizeweight than 2490, and optically somewhat better than 24-105 (even though the 24-105 is not a bad lens) and f2.8 makes it a little better for lower light and subject isolation in the 24-70 range.

[Driften]

I looked at the Panasonic 24-105 yesterday and felt it was too heavy for me on a heavy body to lug around so bought a Sigma 90 f/2.9 and 24 f/2 instead. I forgot about the sigma 28-70mm. I new I wanted something longer than 70mm and 90mm wasn't much different than 105. At least from testing in the shop. I might pick up the 28-70 later since it's not bad for weight and is a nice range.

[2M6TTLs]

On 10/11/2021 at 8:07 PM, tom0511 said:

Have used them all 2470 Leica/2490 and 24105.

Right now my choice is usually the 24-70/2.8, better sizeweight than 2490, and optically somewhat better than 24-105 (even though the 24-105 is not a bad lens) and f2.8 makes it a little better for lower light and subject isolation in the 24-70 range.

While not cheap ( It's Leica) I think you get a lot for your money with the Leica 24-70. It can do everything from close up to portrait, landscape to street and do it well.It's also very well- built which bodes well for longevity. Happy with mine so far but it's early days.

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[Timotis77]

On 6/25/2021 at 1:05 AM, oldwino said:

The Sigma 24-70 is reportedly excellent. So good, in fact, that Leica has rebranded it as their 24-70 (in a slightly heavier barrel, because + weight = + goodness, at least in Leica-land). Panasonic also makes a 24-70 f2.8. Lots of choices in this range!

The Panny 24-105 is reportedly also very good, with extra reach (nice) but heavier and only f4 (not so nice for some).

The new-ish Sigma 28-70 f2.8 is a lighter alternative to the 24-70. This is what I chose, as I use it on both my S5 and my CL. The smaller size and lighter weight fits the CL better. Much nicer, too, for hiking. So far, I like the lens a lot. No real complaints. 

I also choose the sigma 28-70 f2.8, definitely happy with it, the light feel and good zoom range, I never feel like I miss the 4mm at the short end, maybe here and there I think I'd like it to be slightly longer. 

 

[redrocksjoe]

I was in a similar boat. I was a happy Q2 user who also had a M4/3 kit. I bought the SL3 and 24-70 and am just astonished by the shallow DOF and wonderful pics. I have also bought a few other lenses both Sigma and Leica primes and honestly they are all very good   But I quite like the 24-70.  In fact the F2 primes are so small I am really enjoying those. 

In short, you can't go wrong

-Joe

 

Edited September 24, 2024 by redrocksjoe