SL3 Lens(es) Recommendation

[FlashGordonPhotography]

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I love long primes. I have the SIgma 500 5.6. But really they’re for photographers with some relevant experience with the critters you’re photographing. I’d take a zoom my first few times and then. Specialise with primes after. And almost no one just has one long prime. I’s usually a 300 on one body and a 600 on another. As Jaap said you’re giving up 10% to the excellent 60-600 optically and a half stop exposure wise. Not enough to override the convenience of a zoom. And you won’t see it unless you’re printing at A0.

You could match the 500 with TC and the 100-400 if you wanted. But the 60-600 just seems easier.

Gordon

p.s I did buy another 500 today.  The Fuji one for the GFX. But that’s different. I have a project in mind.

[tom0511]

Yesterday I shot a athletics competition with the SL3 and the 90-280 and must say the C-AF (with some parameters changed) of this lens has worked better than I expected.

Even running disciplines towards the camera. I assume the Sigma is faster? but now I am not sure any more if I want the SIgma as well. The range of the 90-280 ist very usefull.

And with the SL3 there is also some room to crop later.

I also did compare the Sigma 135, the Pana 70-200/4.0 and the 90-280. They all three hold up well in IQ, but for some reason I found more often slight AF-inaccurancies with the Sigma and Pana vs the Leica.

 

  

[lightsourcekauai]

On 6/15/2024 at 3:52 AM, karterklump said:

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

As many others have recommended, this is where the second body comes in handy.  When I go on safari I like to have two bodies ready with different focal lengths. For example a tele prime like the aforementioned Sigma 500 and then add your 70-200 on second body and you are ready for most anything. I think most people don’t realize just how much they will be amazed by all the beautiful birds they will see and naturally want to photograph. This is one reason why a longer lens is recommended. Changing lenses out there, while possible, is not always desirable due to dust;, logistics of bags and seating within the vehicle; and of course, many encounters are time sensitive making it impossible to change lenses and still get the shot you are hoping for. The Q2 is an excellent choice to take on safari. I kept mine around my neck 24/7. It is small and can always be ready for scenics, large animals in landscape, and for camp life / friends , and to document the safari. You will have a wonderful time! And like others have said, avoid black and blue clothing (these colors actually attract tsetse flies). Take a basic first aid kit. Consider generous gratuities when planning your budget. And don’t worry about the shots you miss. You’ll get more than enough photos that you will be very proud of. Have fun!

[lightsourcekauai]

On 6/16/2024 at 6:22 AM, jbb said:

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... 

 

Sounds fantastic. I will be renting it for 7 days this week and will try it on some birds at home. If I like it I will sell my Canon RF 600 f/4 and R5. In 2022 I hiked my 600 all around Katmai for a week and it kicked my a**. And for shared safaris it’s just too big to use all the time. I can take it out for special occasions but it can get in the way when others are in the vehicle. On a private no problem but just not sure it’s necessary anymore with the  SL3 in the arsenal now.

[tom0511]

I wish the new Sigma 70200 was lighter, like the Canon RF version for example.

But carrying the 500 and a 70200 and 2 bodies is quite some gear. OK, in the car on a safari not a problem.

Personally I will continue to use the 90-280 for now and then see what happens. I am certainly interested to check them out all one day, 500/5.6, 70200, 100-400...

 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

10 hours ago, tom0511 said:

I wish the new Sigma 70200 was lighter, like the Canon RF version for example.

But carrying the 500 and a 70200 and 2 bodies is quite some gear. OK, in the car on a safari not a problem.

Personally I will continue to use the 90-280 for now and then see what happens. I am certainly interested to check them out all one day, 500/5.6, 70200, 100-400...

 

Yes. It is always nice to shave a few grams off a lens. The Canon’s don’t accept teleconverters though (same as 90-280), which is a big negative for me as a travel lens. Even my 100-500 can’t zoom all the way out with a TC attached. It’s a design flaw in the Canon telescoping lenses that should be mentioned. That size comes with compromise.

The Panasonic f4 is an option for light weight travel and the 100-400 is lighter than the 90-280.

I’m picking up a Sigma 70-200 2.8 and 60-600 today to test against my 90-280 and 150-600. I know the 60-600 will be better. The other one could be close. I’ll save about 600 grams if the SIgma is as good as they say.

Gordon

[tom0511]

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vor 11 Stunden schrieb FlashGordonPhotography:

Yes. It is always nice to shave a few grams off a lens. The Canon’s don’t accept teleconverters though (same as 90-280), which is a big negative for me as a travel lens. Even my 100-500 can’t zoom all the way out with a TC attached. It’s a design flaw in the Canon telescoping lenses that should be mentioned. That size comes with compromise.

The Panasonic f4 is an option for light weight travel and the 100-400 is lighter than the 90-280.

I’m picking up a Sigma 70-200 2.8 and 60-600 today to test against my 90-280 and 150-600. I know the 60-600 will be better. The other one could be close. I’ll save about 600 grams if the SIgma is as good as they say.

Gordon

lets us know how you like it. I would also be interested how the 70200+TC compares to the 100-400 and the 90-280.

 

[Virob]

The rumour mill for a Leica 70-200 and 2x TC has started.

https://leicarumors.com/2024/06/10/leica-is-rumored-to-announce-a-new-sl-70-200mm-f-2-8-lens-and-a-leica-extender-l-2-0x.aspx/

surprise, it won’t be an in-house developed lens.