Lens Lab
    Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400 f/5-6.3
    Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400 f/5-6.3

    Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400 f/5-6.3

    100–400mm · f/5–6.3

    Overview

    The Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3 is a weather-sealed telephoto zoom with solid build, using magnesium and aluminum. Optically, it delivers very good sharpness across the frame at shorter focal lengths, but at 400mm sharpness is only fair wide open. Chromatic aberration and distortion are well controlled, and bokeh is pleasant. However, the lens suffers from lens creep and is essentially a rebadged Sigma with modest autofocus improvements. It suits Leica SL users seeking a long telephoto zoom with robust build, but those wanting original Leica optics or better performance at the long end may be disappointed.