Leica or Sigma 1.4 extender

[Ivar B]

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This has probably been discussed before, but I could not find the thread. I just bought the Leica 100-400. I know that this lens for all practical purposes share optics with the Sigma 100-400, but I found a used Leica lens for a good price.  I already own the Sigma 1.4 and 2x extenders, and I believe that these extenders are compatible with the Leica lens. But are the extenders also identical to the Leica siblings? I believe I hav read somewhere that the Leica extenders are better. Perhaps someone has used both? Only the 1.4 is relevant. 

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[topcat28]

Like the lenses, I understand that while the teleconverters are 'identical', optically, there seems to be a school of thought that the quality control is better on the Leica branded versions.  

What I do know:  I had the Sigma 1.4x with the Sigma 100-400.  I was impressed with the lens.  The teleconverter made it appear soft.  I grew tired of both.  Or, more accurately, the only way I could satisfy my itch for a 90-280 was to sacrifice them.

I got a 500mm Sigma not long after they came out, and more recently found a used Leica 1.4x at a price not much higher than a new Sigma one.

The combo is as sharp as anything - the 500 is an amazing lens, and doesn't appear to be compromised by the teleconverter at all.

So, I find myself in the camp of rating the Leica branded.  But my experience is based on one example of each - I may have simply been unlucky/lucky. 

 

[Ivar B]

On 1/2/2025 at 6:10 PM, topcat28 said:

Like the lenses, I understand that while the teleconverters are 'identical', optically, there seems to be a school of thought that the quality control is better on the Leica branded versions.  

What I do know:  I had the Sigma 1.4x with the Sigma 100-400.  I was impressed with the lens.  The teleconverter made it appear soft.  I grew tired of both.  Or, more accurately, the only way I could satisfy my itch for a 90-280 was to sacrifice them.

I got a 500mm Sigma not long after they came out, and more recently found a used Leica 1.4x at a price not much higher than a new Sigma one.

The combo is as sharp as anything - the 500 is an amazing lens, and doesn't appear to be compromised by the teleconverter at all.

So, I find myself in the camp of rating the Leica branded.  But my experience is based on one example of each - I may have simply been unlucky/lucky. 

 

Thank you for your advice. A local Leicastore had the Leica 1.4 with a 20 % discount, so I bought that one and sold the Sigma.