Leica SL 100-400 vs Sigma sibling

[ALScott]

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34 minutes ago, erudolph said:

I've tested the 100-400 and was impressed but was unsure if I had an extra-good copy.  Would anyone care to compare the quality of the 70-200 to the 100-400?

See my bird above with the 100-400.  I feel the same as you.  I don’t know what else I could expect from a lens and camera.

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[BLeventhal]

I had the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 L Sport briefly, but was able to buy a LN- Leica Vario-Elmar 100-400 for $200 less at MPB. I returned the Sigma and bought the Leica because I had already been using the Leica-Branded 14-24 f2.8 and 24-70 f2.8. Even though the Leica gear is my "other" system, I've been using it a lot because I simply love the UI on the cameras. 

In terms of build and AF speed, I found the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 to be more robust and more responsive. Furthermore, I'd go as far as saying that the lens is built significantly better than the Leica 100-400 Vario. I decided to return the Sigma because I knew I'd want to shoot in the 300mm to 400mm range more often than the 70-200mm range. While the Sigma could take either the Leica or Sigma 1.4x, I would be using the lens with the converter at all times and this seemed to make less sense than using a 100-400mm lens. 

Regarding the 100-400 Vario, its build is significantly better than the Sigma version. The built in and rotating tripod collar was important to me as was the consistent 82mm filter thread that matched my 24-70 f2.8. While it is built better than the Sigma, I do think that the inner barrel that extends is a huge knock agains the lens when compared to the 70-200 f2.8. Furthermore, while the Leica version is built better than the Sigma, I believe that the extending barrel is not metal but a composite material... there is a visible seam on this barrel. As for sharpness... well, I also have the Nikon 100-400S. The Leica Vario comes very very close to the Nikon. While it is 1/3 stop slower at the long end, I wouldn't hesitate to use the Leica if I was photographing slow moving mammals or relatively stationary birds. I was out today with my Leica gear to photograph foggy landscapes. During the shoot, I saw a great horned owl, red-shouldered hawk, eastern cottontail, and dark-eyed junco. With the 100-400 on my SL2-s for compression landscapes, I was able to quickly change my user settings to wildlife and photograph the serendipitous wildlife I encountered.

As I've stated in previous threads, I bought the Leicas for landscapes photography and serendipitous wildlife... my Nikons will continue to be my wildlife kit and used serendipitously for landscapes.

Will post some samples with the 100-400 later today.

bruce

[ALScott]

8 hours ago, BLeventhal said:

Furthermore, I'd go as far as saying that the lens is built significantly better than the Leica 100-400 Vario. 

Regarding the 100-400 Vario, its build is significantly better than the Sigma version.

Curious, these two comments conflict.  What did you mean exactly.  I can find no fault with my 100-400 but I do not have the Sigma version to compare it to side by side.  Again, just curious, not doubting you.  Purely interested in what it may be.

[BLeventhal]

26 minutes ago, ALScott said:

Curious, these two comments conflict.  What did you mean exactly.  I can find no fault with my 100-400 but I do not have the Sigma version to compare it to side by side.  Again, just curious, not doubting you.  Purely interested in what it may be.

I knew that this would be confusing... I found that the NEW Sigma 70-200 f2.8 DG DN Sport to be better built than the Leica 100-400 Vario-Elmar, while the Leica 100-400 VE was better built than the Sigma 100-400 DG DN. The newest 70-200 f2.8 is a whole different design ethos... kind of reminds me of the 500mm f/4.0 that they made for DSLRs. 

With all of that said, I am not disappointed at all with the Leica 100-400 VE... it is very well made and very sharp. 

bruce

[Don Morley]

On 3/10/2024 at 11:01 PM, daned said:

I just got the Leica SL3 and am in the same position of deciding between the Leica 100-400 vs sigma, if anyone has any advice on it, spend the extra and get the Leica or save and get sigma.

Why not try and find a Photographic Dealer who stocks both and ask if you can shot a few shots on each, even if only from inside the shop doorway with your own camera, it would at least give you some idea of both handling and respective results before spending your money. Don 

[dkCambridgeshire]

On 5/8/2024 at 12:50 PM, Don Morley said:

Maybe I just got lucky, but I have owned the Sigma version ever since it first came out, and have been amazed by my lenses superb definition, first class AF, and so valuable IS meaning I can hand hold it at what quite often are ridiculously low shutter speeds. All in I regard it as being far superior for instance than my Canon 100-400 top end L Series lenses. Don

Last Autumn when considering whether to buy the Sigma 100-400/5.6-6.3 L-mount zoom lens I read Don Morley's post, noted his recommendation and then discovered a secondhand example c/w 1.4x extender listed by Red Dot Cameras at a bargain price. I immediately ordered and used the lens on same day it was delivered coupled to my SL 601 – deliberately setting the lens to its full f6.3 aperture at 400mm setting. This resultant backlit teasel photo was submitted to the editor of The Leica Society Magazine and selected for the Winter 2023 edition's cover illustration:

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... on same day took lots of other pix including insect close-ups and I'm extremely happy with the results; it's an excellent lens which I've no hesitation in recommending.

BW, dunk  

[dkCambridgeshire]

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3 hours ago, dkCambridgeshire said:

Last Autumn when considering whether to buy the Sigma 100-400/5.6-6.3 L-mount zoom lens I read Don Morley's post, noted his recommendation and then discovered a secondhand example c/w 1.4x extender listed by Red Dot Cameras at a bargain price. I immediately ordered and used the lens on same day it was delivered coupled to my SL 601 – deliberately setting the lens to its full f6.3 aperture at 400mm setting. This resultant backlit teasel photo was submitted to the editor of The Leica Society Magazine and selected for the Winter 2023 edition's cover illustration:

  

... on same day took lots of other pix including insect close-ups and I'm extremely happy with the results; it's an excellent lens which I've no hesitation in recommending.

BW, dunk  

Correction. I did not read DM's 5/8/2024 post; it was one of his 2023? posts in which he was very complimentary about his experience with the Sigma 100-400/5.6-6.3 L-mount zoom lens.   BW, dunk 

[chemist]

The Sigma version is a little bit lighter which helps the overall backpack weight. I would assume that in very humid and dusty conditions that leica sealings are more safe but if the sigma is used occasionally only it is fine. What I found particularly useful is that the lens extension can be fixed at hundred millimetres, so that the zoom does not extend itself when hanging around the shoulder when 2 or more bodies are in use. On a recent Safari trip this worked quite well. Also in the field I prefer not to adjust the lens stabilisation, manual focus et cetera by going into the Camera menu, but just changing it on the lens without losing eyesight to the object. The lens quality is flawless and I would not believe that there is a substantial difference, so it’s a question of use frequency. With heavy use maybe the leica is the favourable for occasional use in the nonprofessional area of the Sigma is absolutely fine. When I tested the Leica in the store with the extender 1.4 the lens had problems to find the focus on an SL3. It oscillated on and off which I found strange, as the shop was not so dark. I have now used the sigma on an SL2 in very dim evening and m

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orning light and it worked flawlessly.

Edited March 22 by chemist