Leica SL 100-400 vs Sigma sibling

[FlashGordonPhotography]

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4 hours ago, jaapv said:

That must have been a lemon. I cannot fault mine. 

Probably. The Leica 1.4x I have is excellent. I suspect it's just my Sigma one, not a brand thing. The differences though, are significant. 

1 hour ago, PCPix said:

Can you just imagine what Mr.Mandler could have designed if he could use software to improve image quality?
 

Back in his day ‘software’ was the pouch and cleaning cloth that came with the lens 😎

I suspect the IBIS was doing something iffy, although I have no proof. It's the reasonable explanation though. The optics didn't get "better", as such. But I am happy for any improvements the nice people in the firmware department can give me.  I'm going to do some more side by side testing today with the Sigma and also my Sony 100-400GM (with and without the 1.4x).

What I'm really interested though is how it does on the upcoming SL3 compared to the Sony A7R5. Even on the SL2 is very very close optically. And in AFS the autofocus seems about the same (not AFC though. the Sony wiped the floor with the Leica.).

The A7R5 is a spectacular camera but I like the controls and colour of the SL2 better. I think the EVF is as good and the Leica joystick is the best there is. I'd trade the extra weight (about 200 grams for the body) to get the SL APO Summicrons on the 60MP sensor. I also prefer the 24-90 and 90-280 over the Sony equivalents (well, Sony doesn't make an equivalent of the 90-280). Now I have a properly functioning 100-400, which is a really important lens in my travel bag, the Leica kit is looking good. Still not sure what to do about the Sony A1 though....

Gordon

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[Boojay]

On 2/27/2024 at 12:23 PM, jaapv said:

That must have been a lemon. I cannot fault mine. 

No me neither, my Sigma 1.4 TC is just fine.

However, as we all know, there can be sample variation, and QC issues, from ALL manufacturers, example from Sigma below had me puzzled for a while 😀.

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[pf4eva]

On 2/2/2024 at 8:26 PM, jaapv said:

Different housing (metal vs composite and Leica esthetics) 

Is metal only outer shell or internally as well? Are there any teardown photos? 

Edited March 8, 2024 by pf4eva

[daned]

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.

[Chris Nebard]

9 hours ago, 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.

Hi,

The 100-400 is not an everyday lens for me, occasional use only, if I’m honest. However, I needed one for a trip to New England a couple of years ago and so I bought the Sigma and found it to be excellent. I’ll be taking it with me on a scientific trip to the Azores in April to photograph whales. Others on the thread will tell you that its performance is more or less identical to the Leica and I have not once regretted buying the Sigma - I’d do the same again. Enjoy whichever you decide upon! 

[Chris Nebard]

Apologies if you’ve seen this before, but this one is with the Sigma; quite heavily cropped as the family we were photographing had begun to move away from us. The lens is more than sharp enough for me and the colours are lovely. 

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Edited March 11, 2024 by Chris Nebard

[Chris Nebard]

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And, finally…..

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[jimleicam3]

With the Sigma is the combo still water resistant?

I have heard that the Sigma is slower than the Leica with auto focus, is that true?

I am very interested in the Sigma because of the cost.

thanks

[FlashGordonPhotography]

 

On 3/11/2024 at 6:01 AM, 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.

 

On 3/13/2024 at 2:23 AM, jimleicam3 said:

With the Sigma is the combo still water resistant?

I have heard that the Sigma is slower than the Leica with auto focus, is that true?

I am very interested in the Sigma because of the cost.

thanks

If you want weather sealing to match the SL3 get the Leica. That's the main difference. Contemporary lenses skimp on the weather sealing.

Focus is the same on both.

Most modern lenses are OK in less than stellar weather but you'll need to take more care with the Sigma. The weather sealing is the only reason to choose the Leica over the Sigma.

Personally, I always choose the Leica when I travel. I say I'm going to take the Sigma but I never pack it.

Gordon

[Chris Nebard]

On 3/12/2024 at 7:23 PM, jimleicam3 said:

With the Sigma is the combo still water resistant?

I have heard that the Sigma is slower than the Leica with auto focus, is that true?

I am very interested in the Sigma because of the cost.

thanks

My understanding is that it is sealed at the mount, so it will offer some protection between the lens and the camera. I wouldn’t use it in persistent rain, but then again I wouldn’t use any camera or lens for a prolonged time in those conditions. Autofocus is good but - and I don’t know this as I’ve not compared them - the Leica may be quicker? As I say, it’s an occasional use lens for me but I like the results from it and I don’t baby it when I do use it. You’re wise to research the points that concern you 👍

[jimleicam3]

thanks

[SoCalLeicanator]

I hemmed and hawed with the brand vs generic as it were and chose the Sigma for my SL2-S.  The rest of the money went to a new Ricoh GRIII and there was still a little left over.

This is my first > 200 mm lens and have some questions for the veterans.

1.It generally hit focus, but I found a little manual focus twirl was required to get the pics sharp where I wanted them.  This normal?  I know these lenses can be calibrated but it looks daunting.  Anyone actually done this with the Sigma dock?

2. Would the 150-600 focus faster? Not sure if I am down for the extra weight, but I have a likely pipe dream of making a surf calendar.  I live in SoCal and surfed all the time until I procreated.  Now I am at the zoo a lot.

Thanks

Sample shot

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[FlashGordonPhotography]

On 3/16/2024 at 9:44 AM, SoCalLeicanator said:

I hemmed and hawed with the brand vs generic as it were and chose the Sigma for my SL2-S.  The rest of the money went to a new Ricoh GRIII and there was still a little left over.

This is my first > 200 mm lens and have some questions for the veterans.

1.It generally hit focus, but I found a little manual focus twirl was required to get the pics sharp where I wanted them.  This normal?  I know these lenses can be calibrated but it looks daunting.  Anyone actually done this with the Sigma dock?

2. Would the 150-600 focus faster? Not sure if I am down for the extra weight, but I have a likely pipe dream of making a surf calendar.  I live in SoCal and surfed all the time until I procreated.  Now I am at the zoo a lot.

Thanks

Sample shot

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Both my Leica and Sigma 100-400 focus where they are told, mostly.

My 150-600 focuses slightly slower than my 100-400's. But not by much.

Gordon

[SoCalLeicanator]

I opted for the Sigma and so far it's really exceeded expectations. It's compact enough and easy to carry around.  Image quality is great.  It's a little soft at 400 (or at least my copy is), but you really have to get to 100% crop to tell.  Colors are great.  Bokeh is great.  Here's a 50% crop of an Osprey nest.

 

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That said. I wonder if the weather sealing on the Leica is worth it.  I'm in spray a lot and salt air.  I'd like the peace of mind to take it out in light rain.  

I guess time will tell.  I will be looking for dust getting into the sensor and under the front element. . . 

Edited April 29, 2024 by SoCalLeicanator

[Manicouagan1]

Do both the Leica and Sigma branded 100-400 lenses have an image stabilization systems that works in conjuon with the in-body image stabilization systems of the SL2 and SL3?

 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I don't think Leica implements dual IS with any lens.

Gordon

[Geoff C. Bassett]

15 hours ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

I don't think Leica implements dual IS with any lens.

Gordon

I think the Leica 24-90 does have Dual IS when used with IBIS.

 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

5 hours ago, Geoff C. Bassett said:

I think the Leica 24-90 does have Dual IS when used with IBIS.

 

I'm not saying you're wrong but have you seen anywhere that Leica mentions this? There's no menu function for it, like Panasonic has. And I don't remember any mention in the press or in the manuals about it.

Gordon

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[helged]

9 hours ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

I'm not saying you're wrong but have you seen anywhere that Leica mentions this? There's no menu function for it, like Panasonic has. And I don't remember any mention in the press or in the manuals about it.

Gordon

 @dfarkas mentions that SL2 (with SL24-90 and 90-280) has dual stabilisation:

https://www.reddotforum.com/content/2019/11/leica-sl2-announced-47mp-ibis-cine4k60-and-more/

Edited May 7, 2024 by helged

[FlashGordonPhotography]

1 hour ago, helged said:

 @dfarkas mentions that SL2 (with SL24-90 and 90-280) has dual stabilisation:

https://www.reddotforum.com/content/2019/11/leica-sl2-announced-47mp-ibis-cine4k60-and-more/

That's not Leica though. No matter how much they'd like to think they are. I'd like to hear it from a Leica rep. I'm in the store next week I'll ask if they can confirm or not.

Gordon