Think Differently Posted January 31 Share #1 Posted January 31 Advertisement (gone after registration) Good morning I have been considering purchasing a lens for occasional macro photography (small objects in museums and the occasional flora and fauna shot) using an SL3. I have read a number of helpful threads (including reviewing some lovely pictures) in these forums where people speak highly about "older" Leica lenses and Sigma's offering. I have also seen the Red Dot forum video on the subject from 28 Feb 2021. I appreciate I am not comparing like with like, but think I have narrowed it down to the following two options. However this is based on little more than size/weight (because of the fact it will not get a huge amount of use but can still easily be carried), autofocus and not having to use any adapters. Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH ("the Leica") LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO L-Mount Lens (S-E100E) ("the LUMIX") Although the Leica will put the SL3 into APS-C mode, I do not think that is too much of an issue for looking at photographs on a computer and indeed is it correct the reduced pixel count may help if I am trying to take photographs in a museum of something that is dimly lit (without flash)? Likewise I think the lack of weather sealing on the Leica is unlikely to be a problem for me. However will the Leica take noticeably better photographs than the LUMIX (or vice versa), particularly if I am trying to photograph something through glass in a museum? The Leica is roughly double the cost of the LUMIX when purchased new. The detail of the watch hands on the Red Dot video using the Leica seemed incredible to my eyes, but equally I doubt many of my shots will be using a tripod. Any comments much appreciated. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 31 Posted January 31 Hi Think Differently, Take a look here Macro Lens: Leica or LUMIX?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted January 31 Share #2 Posted January 31 There ar good Sigma options as well 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrismuc Posted January 31 Share #3 Posted January 31 Leica R 100f2.8 Apo Macro + R>L adapter Zeiss ZE 100f2 Macro + MC21 Sigma L 105f2.8 Macro Panasonic L 100f2.8 Macro Canon EF 100f2.8 L Macro + MC21 all excellent and basically equivalent in sharpness and image quality 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhotoCruiser Posted January 31 Share #4 Posted January 31 I just bought a SL2 and the new lenses for her and both Sigma, 14mm 1.8 Art and 105mm 2.8 Macro. The reason that i have choosen the Sigma 105mm is that i am used to shoot 105mm macro underwater and above the water surface and mostly animals who can sting or bite. For this reason a longer distance to the animal is better, to not get attacked and not spook the animal. Either for underwater macro what is costantly moving and animals on land who move constantly a well working AF is necessary. So no Leica lens fit my needs and i got recommended the Sigma and for the first tests i did i agree that the lens is top. For your use for "things" nor AF nor long focal length is needed, but for critters and from breeze slightly moving flora longer distance and AF is recommended, so i advocate for the Sigma what is a excellent but rather inexpensive lens, probably superior to my Nikon 105mm Macro. If you are patient a few days, i have planned for this weekend to so some more detailed tests in my appt as weather is bad and cold outside. Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Think Differently Posted January 31 Author Share #5 Posted January 31 Thank you for the quick responses. I will take a look a the Sigma lenses. Am I missing something with the Leica lens I have suggested given the lack of suggestions for that? I did look at the Leica R with adapter, but for my limited use it seemed overkill and I think you need an adapter for 1:1? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photoworks Posted January 31 Share #6 Posted January 31 there is also the S 120 Macro + adapter lawoa 100 Ultra macro MF lens with 2x, I use this to scan film. what not to get are the extension tubes from Vitrox, most Leica lenses are not calculated for close focus and you just get horrible results. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrismuc Posted January 31 Share #7 Posted January 31 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have the Sigma 105. So reasonable priced, in particular 2nd hand. Tack sharp, perfect AF. Does 1:1, I use for digitizing dia slides. Zero complaints, apart being a little heavy compared to the recently released Panasonic. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrismuc Posted January 31 Share #8 Posted January 31 I have the Sigma 105. So reasonable priced, in particular 2nd hand. Tack sharp, perfect AF. Does 1:1, I use for digitizing dia slides. Zero complaints, apart being a little heavy compared to the recently released Panasonic. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrismuc Posted January 31 Share #9 Posted January 31 Years ago, when I still shot Canon EF, I had the Canon, Zeiss and Leica. After testing, I sold the Leica and the Zeiss. They were equally sharp but I disliked the LoCA of the Zeiss and the Canon had slightly less LaCO than the Leica plus the AF advantage. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pelu2010 Posted January 31 Share #10 Posted January 31 I own the Panasonic and it’s fun. 🤩 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeinzX Posted January 31 Share #11 Posted January 31 I use the Sigma 105 on my SL3 - an excellent macro lens. Even usable with very good results together with the 2 ply extender from Sigma. which enables the lens up to a magnificatio rate of 2:1 - double natural size. Only the AF in macro mode does not always work properly. But that is the same with other macro lenses too. In this case I use the manuel focus mode. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crem Posted January 31 Share #12 Posted January 31 I use the Sigma 70 macro on Sony and the Sigma 105 macro on my SL2-S. Both are great at 1:1 for scanning film. I prefer the 105 only because the focus is internal. The 70 extends out the front and can be kind of annoying for certain situations. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Think Differently Posted January 31 Author Share #13 Posted January 31 Thank you for all the further helpful responses. Re PeLe 2010's response about the Panasonic, may I ask why you went with that over the Sigma offerings and Leica lens I am (I think based on the responses this is now "was") considering please? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lykaman Posted January 31 Share #14 Posted January 31 For the last 3years I’ve used the 60mm macro TL on my CL and on my S5. It’s a great lens and earns it’s keep with outstanding images… 🍻 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olaf_ZG Posted January 31 Share #15 Posted January 31 I am not Pelu, but went for the Panasonic. I got it secondhand as new, and I am still astonished with its weight. Or lack of it. It is a very versatile lens to just add in the back when traveling… But, I aint a specialized macro shooter… 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliot Harper Posted February 1 Share #16 Posted February 1 6 hours ago, Crem said: I use the Sigma 70 macro on Sony and the Sigma 105 macro on my SL2-S. Both are great at 1:1 for scanning film. I prefer the 105 only because the focus is internal. The 70 extends out the front and can be kind of annoying for certain situations. How do you hold the negatives flat in front of the lens? I’m asking because I currently use Nikon 60mm macro lens with the ES2 kit. I’m wondering if ES2 can be adapted to sigma 105mm lens and still have enough distance for minimal focus distance Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crem Posted February 1 Share #17 Posted February 1 (edited) 34 minutes ago, Elliot Harper said: How do you hold the negatives flat in front of the lens? I’m asking because I currently use Nikon 60mm macro lens with the ES2 kit. I’m wondering if ES2 can be adapted to sigma 105mm lens and still have enough distance for minimal focus distance Currently I only scan 35mm using a Valoi Easy35. By far the easiest/fastest solution I've used and I've tried a few solutions. Previously I used a copy stand + the "Essential Film Holder". I still think the EFH holders them slightly flatter, but overall the Easy35 is so convenient I can't imagine using anything else. If/when I have to scan medium format I'll go back the EFH or get a flat bed. I don't know anything about the ES2 so I can't help you on that. One thing I can tell you is the Easy35 comes with a bunch of tubes for pushing the film holder farther away from the lens. You use various sized tubes (like giant filter rings) depending on your lens. My guess is you could do something similar with the ES2, but I don't know where you would source the tubes. Probably easier to just get a Easy35. My Sigma 70 requires very short distance from the Easy35. The Sigma 105 requires a lot more. Edited February 1 by Crem 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GFW2-SCUSA Posted February 1 Share #18 Posted February 1 One more vote for the Sigma 105 macro. I find it an easy to use and a very sharp lens that I use a lot on my SL2. I also have an elderly R 60 macro which is very good and built like a tank. The attached was taken with the Sigma 105. 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! 3 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/418958-macro-lens-leica-or-lumix/?do=findComment&comment=5749519'>More sharing options...
caf Posted February 1 Share #19 Posted February 1 I have the Lumix 100 macro and it's outstanding. Really like how compact it is, had other macro lenses in the past and the Lumix is a joy to use with how compact and easy to carry it is. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
buj Posted February 1 Share #20 Posted February 1 vor 14 Stunden schrieb PhotoCruiser: I just bought a SL2 and the new lenses for her and both Sigma, 14mm 1.8 Art and 105mm 2.8 Macro. The reason that i have choosen the Sigma 105mm is that i am used to shoot 105mm macro underwater and above the water surface and mostly animals who can sting or bite. For this reason a longer distance to the animal is better, to not get attacked and not spook the animal. Either for underwater macro what is costantly moving and animals on land who move constantly a well working AF is necessary. So no Leica lens fit my needs and i got recommended the Sigma and for the first tests i did i agree that the lens is top. For your use for "things" nor AF nor long focal length is needed, but for critters and from breeze slightly moving flora longer distance and AF is recommended, so i advocate for the Sigma what is a excellent but rather inexpensive lens, probably superior to my Nikon 105mm Macro. If you are patient a few days, i have planned for this weekend to so some more detailed tests in my appt as weather is bad and cold outside. Chris .. do you use the SL2 for underwater photography? what housing do you use for the Leica SL2??? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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