SL3 Lens(es) Recommendation

[karterklump]

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I'm planning a trip to Rwanda for some gorilla trekking and Kenya for safari, and could use some advice for lenses.  I've just received a notification my SL3 has shipped (that was both an exciting and somewhat dreadful email to receive). I've recently switched over from Canon so am starting from scratch (aside from the Q2 that I have).  My hope is this is one of the last camera's I purchase (I think I've said that before), so am willing to invest a bit.  High-level, I think I need two lenses:

1. Something in the 70 - 200 range for gorilla trekking (and other trips for landscape and wildlife):

I'm debating between

A used Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4 Lens and

Anew or used Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports Lens. 

Has anybody had a chance to compare the two and have first hand experience they can provide?

 

2. Something in the 100 - 400/500 range for safari (and other wildlife related trips such as Alaska)

I'm debating between the:

Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Lens (L-Mount), 

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens for Leica L, and 

Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens. 

As above, does anybody have first hand experience on these three that can be provided?
 

My thought is to keep the Q2 with me on the safari (and possibly gorilla trekking) to capture anything a bit closer.  I'm open to the idea of a prime lens (I don't use the "zoom" on the Q2 and enjoy the fixed focal length), but feel that having zoom capability will be more important when photographing wildlife.  

[jaapv]

Apo Telyt:

Industry leading image quality

variable aperture 

indestructible metal build can show signs of wear

heavy

OIS

No extenders

Quite expensive 

 

Sigma 70-200

98% of Leica image quality no quality loss wide open

constant aperture 

Very high quality composite build, hard wearing in use

Relatively light

excellent OIS with useful options

Declickable aperture ring lockable aperture ring

Fast and accurate AF Focus lock buttons on lens

Takes extenders with no visible quality loss  

Bargain-level price

 

[jaapv]

These focal lengths are good for Gorilla trekking ( been there done that, used a Tele-Elmar 135) when supplemented by a second body with fast standard zoom or a Q but for general safari they are really short. (been there done that over thirty times 😉) I recommend one of the 600 zooms by Sigma. 
 

DON’T do such a trip without a backup body !!! A used LUMIX S5 will suffice. Take plenty of batteries-Long OIS and AF lenses are power hungry. Don’t forget your binoculars. Use a beanbag. Take a walking stick that doubles as monopod. Leave your tripod at home. Organize backup for your images of each day

Use 8 hour sunscreen and a good hat  Khaki clothes are not an affectation but a protection against insects and will help you to approach game. Never dark blue clothing  It attracts TawTse flies  

ABOVE ALL. Don’t do your Safari through your viewfinder. Savour the experience. 

[kkcsm]

2 hours ago, jaapv said:

Never dark blue clothing  It attracts TawTse flies  

Interesting.  Sounds like experience talking… somewhat confirmed.

[jaapv]

And thick fingers late at night: Tsetse flies… 😉

[BillCB]

23 hours ago, jaapv said:

These focal lengths are good for Gorilla trekking ( been there done that, used a Tele-Elmar 135) when supplemented by a second body with fast standard zoom or a Q but for general safari they are really short. (been there done that over thirty times 😉) I recommend one of the 600 zooms by Sigma. 
 

DON’T do such a trip without a backup body !!! A used LUMIX S5 will suffice. Take plenty of batteries-Long OIS and AF lenses are power hungry. Don’t forget your binoculars. Use a beanbag. Take a walking stick that doubles as monopod. Leave your tripod at home. Organize backup for your images of each day

Use 8 hour sunscreen and a good hat  Khaki clothes are not an affectation but a protection against insects and will help you to approach game. Never dark blue clothing  It attracts TawTse flies  

ABOVE ALL. Don’t do your Safari through your viewfinder. Savour the experience. 

I too have done many safaris and treks in Africa. As recommended, have a spare body - I took two Ms. Although I took the Apo Telyt 135 I used the Macro-Elmar 90mm most. Light, easy to focus and with 60 mpx you can crop extensively if necessary.

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[jaapv]

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Sure, habituated large animals, but closeups? birds? Small shy stuff?  Especially if not very experienced you are in danger of ending up with dime a dozen shots. Believe me-I have plenty to prove it 😉

[FlashGordonPhotography]

Did a similar trip last year. I haven't done as many as Jaap but enough over the last 25 years.

1. 60-600. You can't have enough reach. The 60-600 is the best lens of the ones you mention and some animals do get close. Like really close so the wide end becomes useful for that and environmental landscapes. You'll wish for even longer than 600 on occasion but past that you'll have heat haze to deal with. In most of the Mara you can't leave the tracks. Reach is king. If the 60-600 had been available last year I guarantee you I would have taken one. I definitely will for my next trip. It's big though so it won't be a walk around lens.

2. Gorillas. Sigma 70-200 f2.8. You do need something faster. And the Sigma has better AF in lower light than the Leica. The forest can be thick. Also take your Q2. You can't approach the gorillas (7 meters) but they can approach you. Also, again for environmental portrait shots. Tip your sherpa and guide generously. 

Personally, I have no place for manual focus lenses. There's enough going on that I don't need to have an extra task to get a photo. Some people like the challenge. Not for me. And no, it's not faster than AF. Ever.

Everything Japp said is correct. Absolutely a second body. S5II or used S1R. resell when you get home or rent if you can.

Take many memory cards and a way to make two copies. We enjoyed showing a shot or two each night in our small group as well.

The best boots you can find for the trek. With excellent ankle support. A light rain jacket. A light fleecy. Binoculars. A small first aid kit with what you need to finish your trip. I'm always stunned by the muppets who don't even have a flexible bandage, paracetamol or gastro stop. There's no drug stores where your going.

Have a great time.

Gordon

[MindsEye]

On 5/31/2024 at 6:53 PM, jaapv said:

These focal lengths are good for Gorilla trekking ( been there done that, used a Tele-Elmar 135) when supplemented by a second body with fast standard zoom or a Q but for general safari they are really short. (been there done that over thirty times 😉) I recommend one of the 600 zooms by Sigma. 
 

DON’T do such a trip without a backup body !!! A used LUMIX S5 will suffice. Take plenty of batteries-Long OIS and AF lenses are power hungry. Don’t forget your binoculars. Use a beanbag. Take a walking stick that doubles as monopod. Leave your tripod at home. Organize backup for your images of each day

Use 8 hour sunscreen and a good hat  Khaki clothes are not an affectation but a protection against insects and will help you to approach game. Never dark blue clothing  It attracts TawTse flies  

ABOVE ALL. Don’t do your Safari through your viewfinder. Savour the experience. 

Great tips. Thirty times! That's some serious experience. Thanks.

[karterklump]

Thanks all for your insight and input!  As a starter, I have ordered (and received!) the Sigma 70-200 f2.8.  I haven't had much of a chance to use it but it seems great thus far. 

As I've been using it, and reflecting on the size and where I'll be taking it, I wanted to see if you have an opinion on adding the Sigma 2x Teleconverter instead of either the 60-600 or 150 - 600.  Obviously I won't have the reach, but my thought is, with the image quality it will be easier crop and retain a quality image.  The one thing I'm not clear on is what the extender does to the aperture. 

For context, in previous safaris I've used a Canon 70-300 1.4 - 5.6 lens.  It's been about 10 - 15 years since, but looking back at old photos and reflecting on my experience, I can only think of a handful of times I wish I truly had something that extended further.  

 

[Boojay]

Hopefully others will add their experiences, I have the 1.4 TC which performs very well with the Sig 70-200, aperture becomes f/4. 

The only x2 extenders I have used were Canon, years ago and I was never happy with the IQ loss, with a x2 TC  your aperture will be f/5.6 wide open.  

There is a little information on the x2 TC on the second page of this thread.

 

 

[Manicouagan1]

Do not forget to take something to take photos of your friends on the trip.   When you get old those snapshots are as important as the thing you photographed as the object of the trip.   

[jayoco]

karterklump, 

Can you post a picture or two you've shot with the Sigma 70-200.  I'm looking at this lens for my SL3 and I'd like to hear about people's thoughts on this lens.

Thanks.

[costa43]

Leica rumours have recently announced that Leica are releasing a 70-200 shortly with a 2x extender. No doubt it will be a rehash of the Sigma or Panasonic but it may be of interest to you. 

[karterklump]

jayoco - sure can.  Sorry it might be a few weeks though.  However, first impressions are all positive.  I'm still figuring out the camera as well as the lens, but I've been happy with the photos (asides from that ones that I botched).  It definitely is heavy - trying to figure out how to best carry it on a hike.

[kennikins]

On 6/1/2024 at 2:23 AM, karterklump said:

I'm planning a trip to Rwanda for some gorilla trekking and Kenya for safari, and could use some advice for lenses.  I've just received a notification my SL3 has shipped (that was both an exciting and somewhat dreadful email to receive). I've recently switched over from Canon so am starting from scratch (aside from the Q2 that I have).  My hope is this is one of the last camera's I purchase (I think I've said that before), so am willing to invest a bit.  High-level, I think I need two lenses:

1. Something in the 70 - 200 range for gorilla trekking (and other trips for landscape and wildlife):

I'm debating between

A used Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4 Lens and

Anew or used Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports Lens. 

Has anybody had a chance to compare the two and have first hand experience they can provide?

 

2. Something in the 100 - 400/500 range for safari (and other wildlife related trips such as Alaska)

I'm debating between the:

Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Lens (L-Mount), 

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens for Leica L, and 

Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens. 

As above, does anybody have first hand experience on these three that can be provided?
 

My thought is to keep the Q2 with me on the safari (and possibly gorilla trekking) to capture anything a bit closer.  I'm open to the idea of a prime lens (I don't use the "zoom" on the Q2 and enjoy the fixed focal length), but feel that having zoom capability will be more important when photographing wildlife.  

 

[kennikins]

Hi,

as regards the telephoto option, have you thought about the new Sigma 500mm? I have just picked one up for my SL3 and it is quite amazing. Super-Sharp, small and light for travel. I appreciate it’s not a zoom…..I have sold all my canon gear (including RF100/500) and have settled on this lens along with a 75mm APO as my only tele options. Yes there is a gap but most other options are too big to lug about along with the rest of my kit…..

[karterklump]

19 hours ago, kennikins said:

Hi,

as regards the telephoto option, have you thought about the new Sigma 500mm? I have just picked one up for my SL3 and it is quite amazing. Super-Sharp, small and light for travel. I appreciate it’s not a zoom…..I have sold all my canon gear (including RF100/500) and have settled on this lens along with a 75mm APO as my only tele options. Yes there is a gap but most other options are too big to lug about along with the rest of my kit…..

I was looking at that a bit recently, but wasn't seriously considering it.  The one "concern" I have is the challenge that could present if I have any desire or need to change the zoom.  While in most circumstances I could just move around, on a safari that generally won't be an option.  With that said, the weight of it has me reconsidering.

[jbb]

Hi,

the 500 Sigma is a top one, I am using it for 2 months now. Its size and weight will let you consider it as your standard lens for safari... 

you definitively need to have a second body with the 70-200

don't forget very good binoculars

as Jaapv mentioned earlier "ABOVE ALL. Don’t do your Safari through your viewfinder. Savour the experience. "

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Hallo,

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[jaapv]

I would always go for a long zoom. Instead of a fixed focal length. You rarely get a chance to vary the distance to your subject. 60-600 or 150-600 and TC 1411. Those few percent of image quality are fine and dandy, but not getting your shot because you cannot frame it is far worse, especially as you won’t see any difference in the results in real life. Don’t forget to use ES, not only for sharper images, but also for the sound. Nothing is worse for video takers in your group than rattling shutters -and nattering fellow guests. 
The 70-200 Sports is an absolute winner. I have rarely seen a better lens.