Recommendation for a Zoom lens for SL3 for Wildlife / Birds

[jaapv]

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That is true, Leica is all precision metal, but I doubt that Leica's OIS and AF are better; Sigma and Panasonic are consistently better in those aspects.  I had the Sigma years ago* and it appeared pretty well-built to me with high-quality materials, albeit some composite parts.

* traded it in on the 150-600 and never looked back or regretted it.

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[FlashGordonPhotography]

7 hours ago, BeMoreDog said:

It’s obviously not a zoom but I’m very interested in the new Sigma 500mm f5.6

The 500mm is excelent and works great with the TC.

Gordon

 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

3 hours ago, SrMi said:

I assume that the Leica 100-400 is mechanically not identical to the Sigma 100-400. This includes weather sealing and build, but may include OIS and AF as well.

My SIgma and Leica version are identical in optical quality and AF (SL2, 3 and S5II). I don't see any difference in IS either but that's anecdotal. They're both made in the same factory so I suspect that the only differences are build related, which for a lens for outdoor use, is very important to me.

My current thinking is that for wildlife I'll use my 100-400 and 500mm (plus TC). While my 150-600 seems improved after its holiday to SIgma (TC too), I still think my 100-400 with TC is as good (better without the TC) and the 500 is noticeably better with or without the TC. And the 500 handles vastly better. This may just be my lenses as sample variation seems to be a thing. I'm happy to have two bodies operating. If not I'd be looking at the 60-600. 

Gordon

[daned]

Thank you all for all the advice and comments, ended up with the Leica 100-400 and can't be happier :). This is from the SL3 shot with the Leica 100-400 straight from the camera jpg file, no thinking about getting the teleconvetor.

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[FlashGordonPhotography]

Congratulations on your new lens.

Gotta love how the SL3 handles reds. One place I much prefer it over the A7R5. And almost every other small format camera for that matter.

Gordon