A new Sigma 24-70/2.8 v2 or used Leica 24-70/2.8?

[KenLW]

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I am also considering buying a standard zoom for my SL2. It came down to Sigma 24-70 v2 v.s. Leica 24-70 (and v.s. Leica 24-90).

Does anyone know what's actually changed optically from Sigma 24-70 / Leica 24 - 70 to Sigma 24-70 v2?

I cannot find any optical design for the original Sigma 24-70. As far as I can tell, the optical design of the Leica and Sigma V2 are exactly the same in terms of glass element count, shape, placement, and grouping, but their count for ASPH and Low Dispersion elements are different. I don't know why Leica does not count the last red ASPH element in the Sigma picture as aspherical.

Also, from Leica, there are "nine elements made from glasses with anomalous partial dispersion," but if you count the yellow and blue-colored elements from the Sigma V2 lens, there are only eight.

Here is the optical design for Leica 24-70 https://leica-camera.com/en-US/photography/lenses/sl/vario-elmarit-sl-24-70-f2-8-asph-black-finish

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Here is Sigma 24-70 v2 https://sigmauk.com/product/24-70mm-f2-8-dg-dn-ii-a#pp-specs also with 19 elements in 15 groups.

Edited November 9, 2024 by KenLW
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[Archiver]

On 10/29/2024 at 12:19 AM, Ivar B said:

I see some tests stating that the optical difference between V1 and V2 are pretty marginal and not likely to show up in practice. However, some of the complaints against V1 was a litte poor autofocus, and it was slower than Leica to wake up when the camera was turned on. This appears to be fixed with V2, in addition to lower weight. A lot speaks in favour of Sigma.

Can anyone confirm that the Sigma v2 has better autofocus speed/accuracy than the original 24-70 when using the SL2-S? There is a comparative review by The Phoblographer of the original Sigma 24-70 and Leica 24-70 that says the Sigma's AF speed is almost unusable, whereas the Leica focuses much faster and more accurately on a Leica body. Also, Lukas Van Der Lende on YouTube said a similar thing about the original Sigma and the Leica version, that the Leica's autofocus was better/faster on the SL2S. If the Sigma v2 is better than/the same as the Leica in this respect, the Sigma seems like the better choice.

[Marco23]

Hi, I got the new 24 70 Sigma for my SL3

marco

[o2mpx]

Anyone with experience how the Sigma zoom compares to its prime brothers from the Contemporary series?

[petereprice]

I just picked up the Sigma 24-70 v2 for my SL2-S and I can say that AF appears to be snappy and accurate even when using eye tracking .  It's a little slower when shooting in lower light, but otherwise it seems pretty fast to me.  And I'm used to shooting with Sony and Canon.

[davidmknoble]

I think it depends on what kind of work you are going to do and what other lenses you have.  The 24-70 lens (sigma or Leica) has a zoom direction that is the opposite of all the native Leica zooms (24-90, 90-280).  In terms of lens durability outside for landscape work, the Leica coatings are likely stronger and the all metal barrels are my preference.  I mount everything on a tripod, so weight isn’t really an issue.  Just MO.

[colonel]

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Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | ART Review - DustinAbbott.net

The optical design is basically the same as before (19 elements in 15 groups), though Sigma notes that a few of those aspherical elements are now thinner and thus overall corrections are improved. Think of this more as an optimization of an existing optical design rather than a new optical design. The MTF chart shows improvement particularly on the sagittal plane (solid line) with a more noticeable improvement on the telephoto end.

The aperture iris has added a few blades, moving from 9 blades to 11 blades in the newest version. This helps keep the aperture iris shape circular even with the lens stopped down.

and

• 7% smaller and 10% lighter
• Improved resolution throughout the zoom range
• New aperture ring (with a click switch)
• New AF linear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator), with 3x quicker drive speed
• Slight improvements to minimum focus distance across the range
• One additional customisable AFL button (two in total)
• An aperture ring
• An additional custom/function button
• Aperture delick function
• Aperture iris lock
• New flush mounted switches

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[colonel]

On 3/23/2025 at 12:49 PM, colonel said:

Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | ART Review - DustinAbbott.net

The optical design is basically the same as before (19 elements in 15 groups), though Sigma notes that a few of those aspherical elements are now thinner and thus overall corrections are improved. Think of this more as an optimization of an existing optical design rather than a new optical design. The MTF chart shows improvement particularly on the sagittal plane (solid line) with a more noticeable improvement on the telephoto end.

The aperture iris has added a few blades, moving from 9 blades to 11 blades in the newest version. This helps keep the aperture iris shape circular even with the lens stopped down.

and

• 7% smaller and 10% lighter
• Improved resolution throughout the zoom range
• New aperture ring (with a click switch)
• New AF linear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator), with 3x quicker drive speed
• Slight improvements to minimum focus distance across the range
• One additional customisable AFL button (two in total)
• An aperture ring
• An additional custom/function button
• Aperture delick function
• Aperture iris lock
• New flush mounted switches

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Forgot this from amateur photographer

We still have 19 elements in 15 groups though, but the make-up of the optical path is altered somewhat by the inclusion of two additional aspherical elements – one directly behind the aperture and the other second from last in the sequence. These are the key to the weight and size loses, and may well contribute to improved resolution across the frame, but especially in the corners.

[balzani_shots]

I bought the Sigma 24-70 DG DN II and hace been using it with the SL2. Can`t compare it to the Leica 24-70 but have to say that it hasn`t impressed me the way my Leica lenses usually do.

[jaapv]

On 11/1/2024 at 2:21 PM, Ivar B said:

Yes, there is no doubt that you are correct. As I said I just sent my 24-70 for repair and I have an 24-90 as well so no urgency at all, but when someone with an M body for example needs to have something repaired and maybe the camera is used almost daily, being told that a repair is 5 months is completely unacceptable. Nobody else will get away with this state of affairs. 

The posts I’ve seen lately suggest otherwise. I’ll try it out by sending my SL in the coming week 😉

[colonel]

On 10/26/2024 at 5:53 PM, Virob said:

Just curious what people would do. I can potentially get a used Leica 24-70 for about the same price as a new Sigma 24-70. What would you choose and why? Thanks!

The new sigma 24-70mm ii is one of the best mid ranges zooms. I have found it the sharpest zoom I have used. I think it's a nobrainer as the Leica is the previous version and is 856g vs the new Sigma 735g. It is not true to say they have the same optics. The new sigma has thinner internal lenses, moved from 9 to 11 iris blades for better bokeh and has improved the close focusing distance, for example by 1cm at the wide end. Lastly and most importantly for me, the Sigma ii has an aperture ring.

Edited April 4 by colonel

[kiwidad]

I bought a used leica 24-70 when I got my SL2

Trying to figure out all the fuss about focussing. In bright light it's fine for shooting my grandkids play soccer. Indoors at birthday parties not as great but useable but the f1.8 primes work great. 

One consideration will always be resale value. Leica stuff tends to hold its value better than Sigma (assuming I can afford the Leica lens in the first place)

[kiwidad]

On 11/1/2024 at 4:32 AM, jaapv said:

In the event that a lens has to be repaired the Sigma will be back in a matter of days, a coupe of weeks at the most. In case of the Leica it will be AWOL for half a year.

From whatI heard this relates more to M than SL

Having said that I nearly fell over when I got my M6 serviced in under 2 weeks by DAG

[jaapv]

12 hours ago, kiwidad said:

I bought a used leica 24-70 when I got my SL2

Trying to figure out all the fuss about focussing. In bright light it's fine for shooting my grandkids play soccer. Indoors at birthday parties not as great but useable but the f1.8 primes work great. 

One consideration will always be resale value. Leica stuff tends to hold its value better than Sigma (assuming I can afford the Leica lens in the first place)

Isn’t the loss in resale value compensated - and far more- by the gain in purchase price? 

[shefys]

On 11/1/2024 at 5:20 AM, Ivar B said:

I hope you are mistaken, but most probably you are not. I just sent my 24-70 to Leica for repair. 

it's been half a year - did you get your lens back? 😅

[Ivar B]

On 4/20/2025 at 6:08 PM, shefys said:

it's been half a year - did you get your lens back? 😅

Mine was returned after a few weeks and in perfect condition.