Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH
The about $2495 Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH is a wide angle zoom extending the range a bit wider vs the Leica 16-35mm f/2.8 Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL ASPH.
- Full-Frame
- f/2.8 to f/22
- Fast Ultra-Wide Zoom
- Three Aspherical Elements
- Multi-Layer & Aqua-Dura Coatings
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Design
- Fixed Metal Lens Hood
I’d like to review the Leica 14-24 on the new Leica SL3, and against the Leica 21mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL ASPH and Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN.
The Leica 14-24 sure looks a tad similar to the Sigma... at twice the price but half the warranty. Seems like good value to me. As well as worth examining in an A/B test.
Manufacturer’s description
As per Leica. See also the datasheet.
The Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24 f/2.8 ASPH. is the first SL lens to feature a 14 mm focal length, introducing a versatile and fast super wide-angle zoom lens to the SL range.
Designed with 18 lens elements—3 of which are aspherical—distributed in 13 groups, it masterfully negates distortions and chromatic aberrations, delivering sterling imagery and video quality at any aperture and focal length.
[DIGLLOYD: distortion charts are not offered to substantiate that claim]Its range of applications extends from architecture and interior shots to street, astro and landscape photography. Its integrated metal lens hood not only minimises unwanted flare but also serves as a protective shield for the strongly curved front lens. Furthermore, an integrated holder on the bayonet connection allows the use of filters.
- Compact and fast ultra-wide-angle zoom lens with a wide range of applications for photo and video
- Especially suitable for landscape, architecture, interior, street and astrophotography
- Working range from 0.28 m to ∞
- 18 lens elements distributed in 13 groups — 3 of which are aspherical
- Full-metal aluminum housing
- Integrated lens hood and metal lens cap
- AquaDura ® coating for dust and spray protection for use in everyday photography under extreme
conditions- Largest scale: 14 mm: 1:11.4 │ 24 mm: 1:7.4
- Length: 131 mm
- Weight: 855 g
- L-Mount bayonet
Specifications
Focal length: | 14-24mm |
Aperture range: | f/2.8 - f/22 |
Optical design: | 18 elements in 13 groups |
Entrance pupil position before bayonet: | 14mm: 96.2mm | 24mm: 91.6mm |
Working range: | 14mm: 280mm to INF 24mm: 280mm to INF |
Largest reproduction ratio: | 14mm: 1:11.4 24mm: 1:7.4 |
Angular field, diag./horiz./vert | 112.4° / 102.4° / 79.3° |
Filter thread: | rear slot |
Weight (as actually weighed): | TBD |
Weight, nominal: | 855g |
Dimensions: | 131mm X 85mm |
Includes: | Front Lens Cap Rear Lens Cap Lens Bag Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty |
Optical design
The design is strikingly similar to the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art for Leica L.
Both lenses have 18 elements in 13 groups, 3 aspherical elments, and 6 ED elements, have the same lens hood design, rear filter slot, etc.
Actuall, the optical design is identical.
You do get the Leica ergonomics and “yes... my precious” red dot, and a grossly inferior lens case to Sigma’s outstanding one, so there is that.
And possibly the Leica version is optically tweaked for optimal performance on the Leica SL3 along with superior quality control?
The Sigma gets a 4-year warranty, but Leica doubles the price and cuts the warranty in half. Now that’swhat I call value—for Leica shareholders.