You might be the first one who review this lens on RUclips. Thank you so much. What's about the other 2 lenses, Leica SL Summicron 35mm and 50mm F2 ASPH (not APO) which have been launched almost a month ago. I couldn't find any reviews of these 2 lenses. If you have a chance, please make a review. And it would be great if you will compare them to SL lenses APO version of 35mm and 50mm. Thank you.
Hi Bobby, cheers for the footage. I recently bought the 100-400 mil and wonder whether to buy the 1.4 Leica converter or purchase a Sigma converter. However, glad to hear that the 1.4 works that well. I am a bit struggling though with my camera set up, regarding wildlife/Bird photography. Could you share some thoughts on the best AF set up for this kind of photography? iAF or AF, field settings or zone? Love to hear what your ideal set up is for fast moving subjects. Love to hear, many thanks for your time!
Congrats on the 100-400. I would definitely go with Leica’s 1.4 converter as it’s designed optically to go with their lens As far as settings go, iAF does work but it depends. I usually set it to AF and toggle from AF S to AF c depending. If the animal is not moving go to AFS for more precision. Focusing Field, zone and spot are my three go to. If I’m trying to capture an eye of the animal for example I use spot. Fast action zone, and maybe field depending on the area the animal is at in the frame. Also I will set three EV to -1/3 or even -1 as the metering in the SL2 -SL2-S tends to over expose slightly. Hope this helps
Is it possible for you to do a side by side review of this lens with the Nikon 100-400 Z mount which is more expensive I am soooo curious how the image quality compares ???
Those are some staggering shots! I’m still leaning towards the 90-280 though as I don’t like lenses that extend. But for that reach it may be worth it.
Bobby, please test the Leica teleconverter with the Sigma 105 macro or Sigma 100-400 so we can see if they work well! The Lumix and Sigma TCs for L-mount are reportedly effective across brand unofficially -- only exif fails, while AF, IBIS etc works well (apparently).
The Lumix TC only works with Lumix lenses. Sigma I haven’t tried. For this TC not sure if it works with sigma lenses etc. but Leica did put out a statement they are working with their partners to put out universal TC’s in the future
Nice job Bobby! Love your work! I sold my sl2s and grabbed an M11 but I had the sigma 24-70 for a bit and I must say when I grabbed the Leica version it killed it! I’m sure this will be the same. Great job please drop a video on the 35mm FLE2 vs the Voightlander APO for M mount. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Nice job. I shoot with the SL2 for most of my work. And I mainly use the Leica 24-90 for that work. Las year I got the Sigma 150-600 sport. Clearly it's not as sharp and the contrast isn't that great. But those are somewhat fixed in post. I was hoping Leica would come out with a longer reach lens but not sure this is it. I'd probably still prefer my Sigma since at 600mm it's f6.3. Where to get that same reach with the Leica and tele I'd be somewhere at f9. Now if Leica had a faster 100-400 I'd be game to switch. Just my 2 cents. Great video.
Hmm… Nice video but with the death of the CL, soon Wetzlar will be the home of the M (and maybe the Q) but the SL range is getting closer and closer to Sigma/Lumix. Is Leica loosing its mojo? Sacrificing exclusivity for a touch of mass-market albeit with quality and a price tag to match.
I think the future is the SL lineup in many ways. First, as users get older focusing with a rangefinder is challenging, thus the SL provides a bright EVF and easier to manual focus. Second, video is becoming a primary way for creators to express themselves and the M or current Q aren’t exactly video centric cameras. While the Lumix line will share similarities to the SL lineup, optics, build quality etc will be a deciding factor for some. Just like purchasing luxury cars or watches. The differences aren’t as big, but the passion and desire to use specific equipment makes a big difference
My thoughts too .I have a Cl system and and an SL2s alongside my M film cameras .I have a feeling though that I should have stuck with the M for general photography and a Sony for the horse action shots .Never fully committed to the SL2s lens wise simply because of the poor AF . Nice comprehensive review.
I don't mind where this lens is produced. It is a LEICA lens with LEICA Quality and design. Better than the Sigma 100-400 Contemporary. There is nothing wrong to get these kind of lenses, more affordable but still LEICA standards. I hope LEICA is continuing this. If one needs absolutely prime lenses, these are available too for another price tag.
Just received the news in my feed about this lens. Is it able to take advantage of OSPDAF of the Panasonic S5ii? If it is then it could be the lens that makes me just ship into the L-mount system finally 🤔
Hmm perhaps, but one of the missing elements to the SL lineup are longer focal length lenses. The 90-280 is a good lens but heavy and pricey. There are a number of photographers that want to capture subjects that standard focal lengths can’t do.
@@btonelli perhaps, but I think the SL and SL2 aren't particularly suited to the longer range or faster action photography with only contrast AF, good though that is. For that type of photography I have my Canon RF system. The SL2 is used for the more sedate photography, and after all, Leica is better known for primes.
@@calvinchann1996 yes and no. I agree in the primes part but I have photographed car races, wildlife etc with the SL, SL2 and SL2-S with a high degree of success. Can some of these other cameras like Canon, Nikon and Sony do it faster? For sure but you can still capture the photos you need if you dial in the settings correctly.
The SL2 with LEICA 80mm f/1.4 Summilux-R ist heavier thant the SL2-S with Battery grip and 100-400???? Can't believe this, sorry. AFAIK the R-lens weighs around 700 gr.!?
@@btonelli Hassy is so much better and take care of their customers. Leica Malaysia uses you and takes your money and then throws you under the bus 🚌 if you have issues they completely ignore you. We have spent $125,000 USD with Leica.
So this lens costs € 2200. The 90-280 costs € 6690 ! The 24-70 € 2860.....and the 24-90 ...€ 5160. Who don't they just put a 'Sigma for Leica' badge on the cheaper ones... For me it feels like wearing a fake Rolex
Hmm I think you are missing some major key points here which I feel Leica could address more but they don’t. A lens design is only one aspect of making a lens. Next you need to choose the glass used and the tolerance level with that glass. Sigma for a certain price point will have their allowances and Leica will have their own. They are different and this is something you see when using the lens. Next is AF motors and how the lens performs. Again Sigma will have what they feel is good enough and Leica will have their own thoughts on this. Lens coating and Build quality: same as the previous two points. The Leica 100-400 is not a Sigma copy in Leica clothing. It has similarities but their quality of glass, coatings, build quality and performance is different from Sigma. Also to put more context to everything. Do you think Leica makes all the electrical components inside their cameras? No. They outsource some with specific requirements needed etc. Same concept except this is a lens we are talking about.
Great points Bobby about sourcing other component parts. If a Leica camera or lens was made of all German made components with Leica German labor, an SL2 would cost $30K and the lens probably $20K. And that doesn’t guarantee that all these bespoke parts would necessarily be better than say a Japanese made sensor. I have to once in a while check my own snob tendency when thinking about how proprietary a high end product is. It’s ok with me that my Audi has parts from Hungary or Romania for example. Design, QC, and performance are the most important aspects to me.
@@tomj6650 I'm OK with the fact that parts come from all over the world. Most of the camera brands use the sony sensors...why not, they're very good. I just ordered a Hasselblad X1D II. On the body it says "handmade in Sweden"...no...it's made in China by JID. So, it's a lie. And Leica sells the new lenses as Leica lenses, while actually they are Sigma lenses. Probably they're very good and worth the money, but they're cheaper because they're made by Sigma, and Leica should be honest about that.
Twice the cost as the Sigma. The leica is approx 400g heavier, likely because the leica is metal and not plastic like sigma, the leica hopefully has better dust proofing as the Sigma draws in quite a lot of dust or so I've heard, which is why I don't like external zooms in general. But this is without doubt a Sigma designed lens which is modified by Sigma for leica, but to what degree who knows. Sigma are pretty capable engineers in their own right, I just hope this lens does indeed have improved optics and at least a Leica AF motor and not Sigma
Always appreciate your reviews because you back it up with great photography examples.
Thanks Michael!
You might be the first one who review this lens on RUclips. Thank you so much. What's about the other 2 lenses, Leica SL Summicron 35mm and 50mm F2 ASPH (not APO) which have been launched almost a month ago. I couldn't find any reviews of these 2 lenses. If you have a chance, please make a review. And it would be great if you will compare them to SL lenses APO version of 35mm and 50mm. Thank you.
Thanks Peter. Yes I’m the first I believe on this one outside of Leica.
I’ll be reviewing the 35 and 50 soon
Beautiful pictures as always!
Thank you 🙏
The picture of the tiger crouching with the blue eyes and ready to pounce was really beautiful! I even forgot this was a lens video :)
Thank you 🙏 we were lucky to be there when the Tigers were active. Majestic animals
Hi Bobby, cheers for the footage.
I recently bought the 100-400 mil and wonder whether to buy the 1.4 Leica converter or purchase a Sigma converter. However, glad to hear that the 1.4 works that well.
I am a bit struggling though with my camera set up, regarding wildlife/Bird photography. Could you share some thoughts on the best AF set up for this kind of photography? iAF or AF, field settings or zone? Love to hear what your ideal set up is for fast moving subjects.
Love to hear, many thanks for your time!
Congrats on the 100-400. I would definitely go with Leica’s 1.4 converter as it’s designed optically to go with their lens
As far as settings go, iAF does work but it depends. I usually set it to AF and toggle from AF S to AF c depending. If the animal is not moving go to AFS for more precision. Focusing Field, zone and spot are my three go to. If I’m trying to capture an eye of the animal for example I use spot. Fast action zone, and maybe field depending on the area the animal is at in the frame. Also I will set three EV to -1/3 or even -1 as the metering in the SL2 -SL2-S tends to over expose slightly.
Hope this helps
@@btonelli thanks a lot for your fast replies!!
Very much appreciated and will continue my search for the best possible results, cheers👍🏽
Great review!!! Would love to see a review of that80mm1.4 R lens
Thanks!! Unfortunately my friend sold the 80 but I can get one back in the future to test
Is it possible for you to do a side by side review of this lens with the Nikon 100-400 Z mount which is more expensive I am soooo curious how the image quality compares ???
Perhaps something to look at in the future :)
@@btonelli it would be a very interesting comparison Z6/SL2-S with each's 100-400
Those are some staggering shots! I’m still leaning towards the 90-280 though as I don’t like lenses that extend. But for that reach it may be worth it.
Thank you 🙏 it’s a good lens for the price and focal length
Bobby, please test the Leica teleconverter with the Sigma 105 macro or Sigma 100-400 so we can see if they work well!
The Lumix and Sigma TCs for L-mount are reportedly effective across brand unofficially -- only exif fails, while AF, IBIS etc works well (apparently).
The Lumix TC only works with Lumix lenses. Sigma I haven’t tried.
For this TC not sure if it works with sigma lenses etc. but Leica did put out a statement they are working with their partners to put out universal TC’s in the future
Nice job Bobby! Love your work! I sold my sl2s and grabbed an M11 but I had the sigma 24-70 for a bit and I must say when I grabbed the Leica version it killed it! I’m sure this will be the same. Great job please drop a video on the 35mm FLE2 vs the Voightlander APO for M mount. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Thanks Dwayne! Will look into that topic for future content. Just need to get hold of both lenses :)
What made you go to the M11 ? How have you seen the difference in the 2 picture quality wise? Is it more ✨?
Nice Bobby , the converter you surely loose a couple of stop light ?
Thanks. Yes you loose a bit of light
how much does it differ from the Sigma you reviewed 2 years ago ? Any way it is worth the money?
It’s a much better performing lens in terms of sharpness, chromatic aberration, build quality etc. basically everything I said in the video :)
Nice job. I shoot with the SL2 for most of my work. And I mainly use the Leica 24-90 for that work. Las year I got the Sigma 150-600 sport. Clearly it's not as sharp and the contrast isn't that great. But those are somewhat fixed in post. I was hoping Leica would come out with a longer reach lens but not sure this is it. I'd probably still prefer my Sigma since at 600mm it's f6.3. Where to get that same reach with the Leica and tele I'd be somewhere at f9. Now if Leica had a faster 100-400 I'd be game to switch. Just my 2 cents. Great video.
Thanks. Yes perhaps in the future we will see a longer lens. Perhaps try the sigma 60-600. I found that to be better than the 150-600
Hmm… Nice video but with the death of the CL, soon Wetzlar will be the home of the M (and maybe the Q) but the SL range is getting closer and closer to Sigma/Lumix.
Is Leica loosing its mojo? Sacrificing exclusivity for a touch of mass-market albeit with quality and a price tag to match.
I think the future is the SL lineup in many ways. First, as users get older focusing with a rangefinder is challenging, thus the SL provides a bright EVF and easier to manual focus.
Second, video is becoming a primary way for creators to express themselves and the M or current Q aren’t exactly video centric cameras.
While the Lumix line will share similarities to the SL lineup, optics, build quality etc will be a deciding factor for some. Just like purchasing luxury cars or watches. The differences aren’t as big, but the passion and desire to use specific equipment makes a big difference
My thoughts too .I have a Cl system and and an SL2s alongside my M film cameras .I have a feeling though that I should have stuck with the M for general photography and a Sony for the horse action shots .Never fully committed to the SL2s lens wise simply because of the poor AF . Nice comprehensive review.
I don't mind where this lens is produced. It is a LEICA lens with LEICA Quality and design. Better than the Sigma 100-400 Contemporary. There is nothing wrong to get these kind of lenses, more affordable but still LEICA standards. I hope LEICA is continuing this. If one needs absolutely prime lenses, these are available too for another price tag.
Great video! The lens is probably made inP ortugal, can you review the New 35 and 50mm sl lens! Thanks 🙏greetings from Portugal 🇵🇹
Thanks Artur. According to the specs it’s made in Japan.
Yes I’m already planning the 35 and 50 for review
I had a feeling Bobby was going to have a video up about the 100-400 hehe
Haha 😂
Just received the news in my feed about this lens. Is it able to take advantage of OSPDAF of the Panasonic S5ii? If it is then it could be the lens that makes me just ship into the L-mount system finally 🤔
I believe it is. Most new lenses are designed for this from what I understand
Is zoom creep an issue? The Sigma has a lock, Leica is heavier and I wonder what it must be like when carrying around?
No. Zoom creep is not an issue on this which is good
Hello Bobby from Russia. Very interesting lens and great job. How do you think, the new extender will be work with old lens Leica SL 90-280? Thanks
Hi Rafael thanks for watching. No the extender won’t work with the 90-280
What’s the tracking like on the Panasonic S5 ii ?
Don’t have the S5II to test. I’m guessing it will be good though
With tripod or without tripod?
Without tripod
I’m never wild about lenses that protrude out so far - always worried I’ll hit them on something. Looks otherwise lovely, though.
You get used to the length and size over time.
Where is X2D PART 2? Bobby! :D
Coming soon. Waiting for the lenses which should be arriving next week or so
@@btonelli thank you ! Looking forward fo watch it. Love your channel !
@@GKhanKutar thank you! I’m looking forward to testing them as well
Please tell me this is a rebatched sigma lens
Not exactly. This is better than the Sigma
Right, though how much better is it? I wish there’re some comparison photos between the two lenses
A bit slow in my opinion. It will need good sunlight even with a SL2-S. Price is very reasonable for a Leica with this kind of performance.
Not as bad as you may think, especially with the good low light performance of the SL2-S
Not sure I see the urgent need for this lens range for the SL series. I would’ve preferred they launch the wider primes.
Hmm perhaps, but one of the missing elements to the SL lineup are longer focal length lenses. The 90-280 is a good lens but heavy and pricey. There are a number of photographers that want to capture subjects that standard focal lengths can’t do.
@@btonelli perhaps, but I think the SL and SL2 aren't particularly suited to the longer range or faster action photography with only contrast AF, good though that is. For that type of photography I have my Canon RF system. The SL2 is used for the more sedate photography, and after all, Leica is better known for primes.
@@calvinchann1996 yes and no. I agree in the primes part but I have photographed car races, wildlife etc with the SL, SL2 and SL2-S with a high degree of success. Can some of these other cameras like Canon, Nikon and Sony do it faster? For sure but you can still capture the photos you need if you dial in the settings correctly.
The SL2 with LEICA 80mm f/1.4 Summilux-R ist heavier thant the SL2-S with Battery grip and 100-400???? Can't believe this, sorry. AFAIK the R-lens weighs around 700 gr.!?
It feels it. We didn’t weigh it but it felt that way
0:28 my face after looking into my wallet when brought leica stuff
Lol!
Got rid of Leica SL2 couldn’t deal with it and the lame Leica Singapore/Malaysia support bought entire Hassy X2D lens system 🎉
Wow when did this happen?
@@btonelli about 10 days ago . Fed up with them now just keep M cameras
@@Photojouralist123 ok. Sorry to hear about the experiences
@@btonelli Hassy is so much better and take care of their customers. Leica Malaysia uses you and takes your money and then throws you under the bus 🚌 if you have issues they completely ignore you. We have spent $125,000 USD with Leica.
0815
Don’t understand
So this lens costs € 2200. The 90-280 costs € 6690 ! The 24-70 € 2860.....and the 24-90 ...€ 5160. Who don't they just put a 'Sigma for Leica' badge on the cheaper ones... For me it feels like wearing a fake Rolex
Hmm I think you are missing some major key points here which I feel Leica could address more but they don’t.
A lens design is only one aspect of making a lens. Next you need to choose the glass used and the tolerance level with that glass. Sigma for a certain price point will have their allowances and Leica will have their own. They are different and this is something you see when using the lens. Next is AF motors and how the lens performs. Again Sigma will have what they feel is good enough and Leica will have their own thoughts on this.
Lens coating and Build quality: same as the previous two points.
The Leica 100-400 is not a Sigma copy in Leica clothing. It has similarities but their quality of glass, coatings, build quality and performance is different from Sigma.
Also to put more context to everything. Do you think Leica makes all the electrical components inside their cameras? No. They outsource some with specific requirements needed etc.
Same concept except this is a lens we are talking about.
@@btonelli We don't share the same point of view, but thanks anyway for your respons. And I do like your video's.
@@btonelliand your points are why I’m preordering.
Great points Bobby about sourcing other component parts. If a Leica camera or lens was made of all German made components with Leica German labor, an SL2 would cost $30K and the lens probably $20K. And that doesn’t guarantee that all these bespoke parts would necessarily be better than say a Japanese made sensor. I have to once in a while check my own snob tendency when thinking about how proprietary a high end product is. It’s ok with me that my Audi has parts from Hungary or Romania for example. Design, QC, and performance are the most important aspects to me.
@@tomj6650 I'm OK with the fact that parts come from all over the world. Most of the camera brands use the sony sensors...why not, they're very good. I just ordered a Hasselblad X1D II. On the body it says "handmade in Sweden"...no...it's made in China by JID. So, it's a lie. And Leica sells the new lenses as Leica lenses, while actually they are Sigma lenses. Probably they're very good and worth the money, but they're cheaper because they're made by Sigma, and Leica should be honest about that.
another rebranded sigma lens for four times the cost
Not exactly. This one is a bit different
Twice the cost as the Sigma. The leica is approx 400g heavier, likely because the leica is metal and not plastic like sigma, the leica hopefully has better dust proofing as the Sigma draws in quite a lot of dust or so I've heard, which is why I don't like external zooms in general. But this is without doubt a Sigma designed lens which is modified by Sigma for leica, but to what degree who knows. Sigma are pretty capable engineers in their own right, I just hope this lens does indeed have improved optics and at least a Leica AF motor and not Sigma
I don't think you guys know how extenders work. No amount of good optics can make up for the magnification. Not even leica, lol.
try it and let me know your thoughts. Extenders are getting better over the years. Have you tried the recent ones from Nikon for example the 400?