SL 28-70 f2,8 on June 12?

[JoshuaR]

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I'm curious about this lens. I use my SL2-S only with M lenses, and mainly for bad weather and telephoto. That said, I'd like to own at least one autofocus lens, and ideally that lens would be a zoom.

I've had the Sigma 24-70 and the Leica 24-70 and liked both but found them too big on my SL2-S for the kind of roving, physically active documentary photography I do. I didn't like the Panasonic 20-60 (and in general I don't enjoy the way the Panasonic lenses render; I liked my Sigma and Sigma-Leica more. I've been curious about the Sigma 28-70, but wish it were weather-sealed, since inclement weather is one of the main reasons I own the SL2-S. I don't find the price of the new Leica 28-70 too outrageous; I'm used to paying the Leica tax.

But, my reasoning stops me from just pre-ordering it, because:

• For the price of the new Leica 28-70, I could buy two and a half used versions of the Sigma 28-70. So even if the Sigma fails in inclement weather, I can just buy another.
• If I'm going to spend $2,000 to get a 28-70 for my SL2-S, I could just sell my SL2-S, add $2,000, and buy a Q2. That's a much smaller and lighter way to get a weather-resistant 28-70 camera. For telephoto, I can just get better at using my 90mm and 135mm on my M10-R.
• The main M lens I use with my SL2-S is my 50 Summilux ASPH. (On my M10-R, I prefer the 50 Noctilux f/1.2 reissue.) And, if I threw that into the mix and sold it as well, I could get a Q3!
• . . . and, if I'm going to get a Q3, maybe I should just put that money toward a used M10 Monochrom; I sold my M10M recently and am beginning to regret it.

Having gone through this thought process, I conclude mainly that I'm not going to buy anything, except perhaps a Sigma 28-70. The Leica 28-70 seems like a lens I'll buy used in a year or two, if I still have an SL camera then.

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[Stuart Richardson]

I don't have any of the standard zooms from Leica or Sigma. I have a 24mm 3.5 Sigma, 35mm and 50mm APO Summicrons and the 90-280mm. If the lens were optically equivalent to the 24-70mm ones, I might consider it as the size and weight are appealing, and the filter size is 67mm, which matches a lot of my lenses. But overall I would likely just get the Sigma version, or the Panasonic 24-60mm. The MTF of the lens looks pretty good for a "low cost" lens, but it is always hard to tell what the performance is like until you actually shoot with it. In general though, in the case of rebadged lenses I am more likely to just get the original version at the lower price unless there is a demonstrable improvement. Talk of "improved QC" are nice, but I have not really heard of any actual proof of that. Often the cost is more than double, so for me at least the premium is not warranted.

[Jean-Michel]

I have the Leica-branded Sigma 24-70 (at the time, I was able to get the Leica demo lens for not much more than the cost of a new Sigma). So, I have no need for the new lens.

[SrMi]

From DPR:

"The optical design is remarkably similar to the Sigma Contemporary 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN lens. However, given that the MFT charts are substantially different, the two lenses seem to perform differently."

[BernardC]

The real question is "would you buy this lens in a kit, instead of the 24-70?" I doubt that many people will trade-in a mid-range zoom that they already own, unless weight is important.

[Photoworks]

what is the benefit of buying Leica over Sigma?

Leica 24-70 is version 1. Looks great, leica fonts and design, metal body
suffer from dust intake, motors ver 1

Sigma 24-70 updated to V2, almost the same optics, same ugly Sigma design, resolved internal dust issue, new faster motor tech for AF, F-stop ring.

We need still to find out the differences between the two new lenses.

Leica repair time 6 months on my 29-90
Sigma repair time 6 days in ny

for me, 28-70  it is a valid kid lens.

[jaapv]

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Did DPR measure the MTF of both lenses themselves?  It is an accepted fact that MTF curves cannot be compared between the publications of different brands. In this case: Leica calculates the MTF curves and Sigma measures them as far as I am aware. It would be quite surprising if the curves were the same in that case.
I will wait for side-by-side comparisons by trusted reviewers instead of this copy-paste of Leica’s marketing blurb.
Having said that, it would be a bit of a shame if Leica had not refined the lens, at least at 70 mm ( it’s weakest focal length) to justify the price difference. 

[TL3]

I am looking to enter the SL system coming from other Leica systems, so I should be in the target market for this kit.  I think it would depend on the image quality for me.  I would use the TL and M systems if I wanted a smaller form factor; I am interested in the SL ultimately for image quality and ruggedness for professional applications.

If the 28-70 didn't really improve much over the Sigma, I would prefer to get the 24-90 for image quality, and just throw on a 18-56 TL if I needed portability.  But the $1060 USD savings from buying the kit definitely does make it more attractive than it would otherwise be.  I do imagine a bunch of used lenses from the kit will be on the used market in the near future though for an attractive price for kit purchasers looking to upgrade their kit lens.  Perhaps waiting a bit and getting a used option will be a very affordable way into the SL system.

[Printmaker]

On 6/7/2025 at 5:52 AM, jaapv said:

I am slightly surprised by this rumour. I have the 28-70 Sigma and although it is quite a decent lens and well suited for the purpose of reportage, events and travel, no complaints, Leica would need to improve the IQ to justify its presumed Leica pricing. 

I also use the Sigma 28-70 as well as the Sigma 100-400 and 105 Macro. They all are very good lenses. No complaints whatsoever. If Leica wants to put them in metal barrels and add the Leica badge, well why not? We are the ones who win with having the choice.

Personally, I like using the 28-70 on my SL2S because there’s no obvious logos and thus the tool doesn’t attract too much attention.

[JoshuaR]

1 hour ago, TL3 said:

I do imagine a bunch of used lenses from the kit will be on the used market in the near future though for an attractive price for kit purchasers looking to upgrade their kit lens.  Perhaps waiting a bit and getting a used option will be a very affordable way into the SL system.

I also think this will happen. It will probably make the Leica version of the 28-70 quite affordable!

[TeleElmar135mm]

A first look from a reviewer with a link to the Sigma. perhaps it helps...

https://www.thephoblographer.com/2025/06/12/is-the-leica-28-70mm-f2-8-a-better-sigma-lens/

https://www.thephoblographer.com/2021/08/05/sigma-28-70mm-f28-review/

Edited June 12 by TeleElmar135mm

[Jeff S]

41 minutes ago, TeleElmar135mm said:

A first look from a reviewer with a link to the Sigma. perhaps it helps...

https://www.thephoblographer.com/2025/06/12/is-the-leica-28-70mm-f2-8-a-better-sigma-lens/

https://www.thephoblographer.com/2021/08/05/sigma-28-70mm-f28-review/

Not really a first look, rather a “confident hypothesis” (his words) about differences between the Sigma and Leica versions, based on reading the same information the rest of us have access to at this point.

[TeleElmar135mm]

vor 25 Minuten schrieb Jeff S:

Not really a first look, rather a “confident hypothesis” (his words) about differences between the Sigma and Leica versions, based on reading the same information the rest of us have access to at this point.

You are right, sometimes it is difficult to find the exact words for non-native speaking people ... 

[sebben]

5 hours ago, Stuart Richardson said:

I don't have any of the standard zooms from Leica or Sigma. I have a 24mm 3.5 Sigma, 35mm and 50mm APO Summicrons and the 90-280mm. If the lens were optically equivalent to the 24-70mm ones, I might consider it as the size and weight are appealing, and the filter size is 67mm, which matches a lot of my lenses. But overall I would likely just get the Sigma version, or the Panasonic 24-60mm. The MTF of the lens looks pretty good for a "low cost" lens, but it is always hard to tell what the performance is like until you actually shoot with it. In general though, in the case of rebadged lenses I am more likely to just get the original version at the lower price unless there is a demonstrable improvement. Talk of "improved QC" are nice, but I have not really heard of any actual proof of that. Often the cost is more than double, so for me at least the premium is not warranted.

"Leica says the metal construction shields the internal components "from external elements, such as dust and splash water." Sigma's Contemporary lens only offers weather sealing at the mount, not throughout the lens."

 

Probably worth paying extra for us at least 🫠

[Shawn30]

Yes, If it were made in Germany that weight, and had the qualities of the 24-90 in a heartbeat.

[Jeff S]

31 minutes ago, Shawn30 said:

Yes, If it were made in Germany that weight, and had the qualities of the 24-90 in a heartbeat.

No OIS, reducing weight, compared to the 24-90. 

Edited June 12 by Jeff S

[ellisson]

On 6/6/2025 at 3:50 PM, LD_50 said:

1- Statement Summilux lens for portraiture - do a 90 f/1.4 with all the best engineering - something deliberately focused toward portraits like Nikons 135/f1.8 Plena is what I have in mind with cost toward size/weight reduction and highest in

Would not prioritize this for three main reasons:  (1) 90 f2 is plenty fast at this focal length; we're past the film era with limited iso range, now much higher possible in low light;  (2) out of focus effects at 90 mm F2, 2.8, 4.0 for portrait work is easily and dramatically achieved at working distances.  Want more out of focus?  move closer, like within 10 feet, hardly difficult for portrait work (3) The size and weight of a 90 F1.4 would be burdensome and unnecessary.  And costly.   A faster 90 beyond the apo-summicron would not be on my wish list.    

[Printmaker]

I agree completely. The 75 mm APO Summicron M on the SL2 or SL2S is my favorite for portraits. The 105 Sigma Macro is nice for character but a little too crunchy for mature women.

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[ellisson]

On 6/10/2025 at 10:30 PM, davidmknoble said:

The lenses Leica chooses to rebrand have better lens coatings and while they might be heavier and use metal instead of plastics, it matches their existing lineup and whatever slightly different specs they have, customers seem to buy.

 

Leica color rendering is richer and more accurate than Sigma's to my eye with the same focal lengths and lens designs that I've tested; same camera settings, same images.  Perhaps its due to differences in lens coatings or in-camera processing software.    

[LD_50]

1 hour ago, ellisson said:

Would not prioritize this for three main reasons:  (1) 90 f2 is plenty fast at this focal length; we're past the film era with limited iso range, now much higher possible in low light;  (2) out of focus effects at 90 mm F2, 2.8, 4.0 for portrait work is easily and dramatically achieved at working distances.  Want more out of focus?  move closer, like within 10 feet, hardly difficult for portrait work (3) The size and weight of a 90 F1.4 would be burdensome and unnecessary.  And costly.   A faster 90 beyond the apo-summicron would not be on my wish list.    

Compare 50SL Summilux to 50SL Summicron APO. Compare 50M Summilux to 50M Summicron APO. 

I’m looking for that difference, not the low light capability and not just shallow DOF. It’s the look at f/1.4. The two Summiluxes draw in a way that’s pleasing in a different way than the Summicrons. I like this for portraits.