A Sigma lens with a Leica sticker on it?
Thursday 13 May 2021, 13:13 by Nando Harmsen | 3,860 views | 1 commentThis article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.
Leica recently released the new Vario-Elmarit SL 24-70mm f/2,8 ASPH. Several websites strongly suspect that this is the same lens as the Sigma 24-70mm f/2,8 DG DN Art. Could it really be a Sigma lens with the Leica name on it?
When you compare all the details of these two lenses, it is striking how many similarities there are between the Leica lens and the Sigma Art lens, which was released last year.
The dimensions of the lenses are very close. The Leica measures 88 x 123 millimetres and the Sigma measures 87.8 x 122.9 millimetres. Both lenses have 11 rounded aperture blades.
This does not necessarily mean anything yet, but when the construction of the lenses is examined more closely, the similarities become very striking. There are 19 lens elements in 15 groups. The minimum focusing distance for both is 18 centimetres at 24mm, with a magnification of 1:2.9 possible.
When the official lens diagrams from the Leica and Sigma websites are placed side by side, many pieces of the puzzle fall into place.
Leica is proud that all SL lenses are made in Germany. It now turns out that this Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm is the only one made in Japan. Admittedly, under Leica's strict requirements, as they point out themselves.
The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm is very different in terms of construction. Among other things, it has a completely metal body. So they are not exactly the same lenses, but the optical part looks remarkably similar to Sigma's.
In itself, it does not have to be a problem if a good existing lens design is used. After all, why reinvent the wheel?
Do bear in mind that there is a considerable price difference. The Sigma costs around 1,200 euros. The Leica costs around 2,600 euros.
About the author
Nando Harmsen has been photographing for more than 40 years. He specialises in wedding photography and landscape photography. Nando also gives talks, workshops, masterclasses and photo trips, and regularly reviews new and interesting equipment.
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1 comment
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Herman De Poortet wrote on Tuesday 18 May 2021 at 11:59 | replyWaarom kan Leica de juiste uitleg niet geven? Schrik niet meer ernstig genomen te worden, of is De concludie dat Sigma toplenzen fabrikeert?
This comment was written in another language and has not been translated yet.
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