Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 is a Variable aperture Auto Focus (AF)
Super Telephoto Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with
L Mount cameras.
What type of photography is the Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 lens good for?
The choice of photography type for which you intend to use the Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 is a crucial decision factor. Below, we have assessed its suitability for various photography scenarios:
Lenses in Leica L Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Reasons to Buy the Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400 f5-6.3 Lens
Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400 f5-6.3 lens in a list form to assist you in determining whether it offers the features you need.
Optical Image Stabilization (up to 4.0 stops) |
Weather-sealed |
Autofocus |
Compatible with Leica Teleconverters |
Hood supplied |
Tripod Collar with Arca-Swiss type plate |
Covers Full-Frame Sensor |
9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh |
400mm reach great for Wildlife Photography |
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Buy Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 from Amazon or B&H PHOTO
Lens Extends while zooming |
Slow Aperture at Wide end |
Slow Aperture at Tele end |
Variable Aperture |
Heavy |
Pricey |
Lens Mount
Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 is compatible with cameras that have a Leica L lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Leica L lenses are Leica SL3, Panasonic S5 II and Panasonic S5 II X.
Size, Weight and Filter Thread
The size and weight are crucial factors to consider when searching for your next lens. Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 has a maximum diameter of 88mm and total length of 198mm when not extended. It weighs 1530g / 54.0 oz.
Check the size of the Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 when attached to L Mount cameras:
Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 Size with L Mount Cameras
Below, you'll find a scaled side-by-side image comparing the sizes of the Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 and the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS, offering a better understanding of their dimensions in real life. Check the detailed comparison of these two lenses here.
Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 has a filter thread of 82mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3:
Focal Range
Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 has a focal range of 100-400mm and 4.0X zoom ratio. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 150 - 600mm.
Teleconverter Compatibility
Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 is compatible with the Leica Extender L 1.4x for L-Mount Teleconverter lens.
Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 Focal Range and Aperture Change with Teleconverter
Weather Sealings
The Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 with a weather-sealed camera body such as the Leica SL3, Panasonic S5 II and Panasonic S5 II X.
Optical Image Stabilization
The Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting. Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3's stabilization system is effective up to 4.0 stops.
Tripod Collar
With a total length of 198mm and a weight of 1530g, the Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 is a large lens. Fortunately, it comes with a
Arca-Swiss type tripod collar which you can use to attach the lens directly to a tripod or monopod instead of attaching the camera. This connection helps to better balance the lens/kit combination.
Zoom Method
Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 features Rotary (extending) zoom method where the length of the lens changes as you zoom in or out. This makes it possible to design the lens with a smaller minimum length ( generally when it is zoomed out) compared to internal zoom lenses. The disadvantages of this design are being harder to seal against dust and moisture, weight balance shifting while zooming and zoom creep in certain lenses.
Maximum Magnification Ratio
Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.24x and has a minimum focusing distance of 1.1m.
Below are the 3 Super Telephoto Zoom type Leica L mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:
Aperture
Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 is a variable aperture lens with a max aperture of f5 and a minimum aperture of f22 at 100mm, and a max aperture of f6.3 and minimum aperture of f22 at 400mm .
Focal Length |
Max Aperture |
Min Aperture |
100mm
|
F5 |
F22 |
400mm
|
F6.3 |
F22 |
Optical Formula
Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3's optical formula consists of 22 elements in 16 groups .
Lens Hood
Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos.
Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 Official Video
Body Colour
Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 is available in Black color.
Popular Comparisons of Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3
Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 amongst Camera Decision readers.
Top Alternatives of Leica SL 100-400 f5-6.3 Lens
Model |
|
Coverage |
Weight |
Focusing |
Street Price |
|
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
1,135 g / 2.50 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
1,710 g / 3.76 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,100 g / 4.62 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,495 g / 5.49 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Panasonic S 70-300 F4.5-5.6 Macro OIS
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
790 g / 1.74 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Panasonic Lumix S Pro 70-200 F2.8 O.I.S.
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
1,570 g / 3.45 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 G OSS
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,115 g / 4.65 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Panasonic Lumix S Pro 70-200mm F4 OIS
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
985 g / 2.17 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG DN OS Sports
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
1,345 g / 2.96 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
1,135 g / 2.50 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm F2.8-4 ASPH
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
1,140 g / 2.51 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN OS Sports
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
1,370 g / 3.01 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
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