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 p.1 #11 · Tele-zoom for Landscapes, Leica SL gear | |
OwlsEyes wrote:
Hello,
I am seeking advice from those who have experience with lenses in the 70-200 or 100-400 class of optics.
I have recently decided to build an Leica SL kit for landscapes and nature abstracts. The gear will not be used for wildlife unless it is something serendipitous. I already have a comprehensive Nikon Wildlife/Nature kit that includes the Z9, Z8, 24-120, 100-400S, 400 f2.8TC and Z1.4x converter. I have no intentions of using the Leica I stuff I own for wildlife focused trips and will rely on my Nikons for serendipitous landscape opportunities.
I decided to buy into the Leica SL system partly out of nostalgia for gear I owned in the 90's and partly for the simple elegance of the SL-series cameras. The introduction of the SL3 has led to a flood of SL2 and SL2-s bodies at bargain-basement prices. Furthermore, the bodies are built like a tank and very capable of handling extreme climate conditions. With a pair of winter landscapes trips planned (one to Iceland and another to Japan), I decided to buy an SL2 ($2600) and SL2-S ($2700). In addition, I acquired a Leica SL (branded) 14-24 f2.8 from trades and a Leica SL (branded) 24-70 f/2.8 on the FM board. The build of the Leica lenses are everything I'd expect from Leica, and this has me wanting the 3rd lens in the Sigma/Leica series.
So, again, with winter landscape photography and its corresponding harsh conditions in mind, I am looking for a telephoto zoom to complete my kit. While I'd love to get the APO Vario-Elmar 90-280mm lens, I am not interested in spending that type of money on a lens. I already have some very expensive Nikon gear, and my recent Leica "investments" leave me skittish about spending $4000 on another lens. As such, I am considering three lenses... the Leica SL (branded) 100-400 for its build that matches my other lenses, the Sigma (branded) 100-400 DG DN L-Mount, or the Sigma (branded) 70-200 f2.8 Sport L-Mount.
While I know Panasonic has a pair of lenses in this group and I could opt for adapted Canon or Leica R glass, weather sealing, consistent ergonomics like zoom/focus direction, and AF compatablility are as important to me as raw optical quality.
Knowing that the lens would be used for landscapes to compress or isolate subjects, and would be shot at f8 to f16 for 85% of the photography I do, what lens would you suggest and why.
Thanks and regards,
bruce...Show more →
Apologies for bringing this thread out of archive, but I’m facing a similar scenario as @OwlsEyes@ in 2024, and I don’t see much discussion on this. In my case, I’m considering the SL3 Reporter with SL 24-90 and SL 90-280 kit. I currently have a Nikon Z8 with Z 24-70 f/2.8 S II and Z 70-200 f/2.8 II, and 1.4x TC. Like @OwlsEyes@, I’m only considering the SL kit as an alternative to the Nikon kit for travel/landscape (no serious action photography.)
My rational side tells me the Nikon kit is excellent, lighter, and more versatile (those Mark II Nikon lenses are fantastic quality and so light!) However, the heart tells me I would enjoy the SL kit quite a bit. I had the opportunity to try out the SL3 with the SL 24-90mm and the EVF quality, camera/lens style, and overall feel in the hands really appealed to me (the only thing I don’t like is the 24-90 is not internal zoom, though at least it doesn’t extend too much.) I haven’t tried the SL 90-280 yet and I’m concerned about the handling being over 4 lbs.
In doing this comparison, cost is not a key factor. I’m mostly interested in utility, handling, robustness, and image rendering style. What other pro’s and con’s should I consider? For practical reasons, I would not want to hold on to both Nikon and Leica kits (I have an OM Systems kit for action/BIF/wildlife.)
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