Love Leica? Love sports and wildlife? Well, you're in luck because Leica has just released their longest SL lens yet, the Leica 100-400mm, with a new teleconverter to match. If you're a photographer who loves to capture action shots, especially of sports and wildlife, this lens is definitely worth considering. Let's take a closer look at what the Leica 100-400mm and the new teleconverter have to offer.
Introducing the Leica 100-400mm Lens
Leica has a reputation for producing some of the finest lenses in the photography industry, and the 100-400mm is no exception. This zoom lens is designed specifically for the Leica SL system, providing a versatile range of focal lengths for capturing everything from close-up portraits to distant wildlife. The lens is constructed of 21 elements in 15 groups, including four aspherical elements and two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements, which help to minimize chromatic aberrations and ensure sharp, clear images.
One of the standout features of the Leica 100-400mm is its impressive zoom range. At the 100mm end, the lens has a maximum aperture of f/4.5, which is fast enough for most situations. As you zoom in, the maximum aperture gradually decreases to f/6.3 at 400mm. While this may not be the fastest lens on the market, it's still quite respectable given the range of focal lengths covered.
Another notable feature of the Leica 100-400mm is its built-in optical image stabilization (OIS). This helps to counteract camera shake and allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without sacrificing image quality. The OIS system is designed to work in conjunction with the Leica SL's in-body image stabilization (IBIS), providing even more stability for your shots.
The Leica 100-400mm is also weather-sealed, making it a great option for outdoor photographers. The lens is dust and splash-proof, which means you can use it in a variety of weather conditions without having to worry about damaging it.
Introducing the New Teleconverter
In addition to the 100-400mm lens, Leica has also released a new 1.4x teleconverter that is compatible with the SL system. This teleconverter extends the focal length of the 100-400mm lens to 560mm, which is ideal for photographing distant wildlife or sports events. The teleconverter is designed to maintain the image quality of the lens, ensuring sharp, clear images even when shooting at the maximum focal length.
The teleconverter is constructed of six elements in three groups, and it's also weather-sealed like the 100-400mm lens. It's worth noting that the use of a teleconverter will decrease the maximum aperture of the lens by one stop, so with the 1.4x teleconverter attached, the maximum aperture of the Leica 100-400mm will be f/8 at the 560mm end.
Using the Leica 100-400mm and Teleconverter in the Field
Now that we've covered the technical specifications of the Leica 100-400mm and the new teleconverter, let's talk about how they perform in the field. One of the first things you'll notice about this lens is its weight – at just over three pounds, it's not the lightest lens on the market. However, this is to be expected given the range of focal lengths covered.Despite its weight, the Leica 100-400mm handles beautifully in the field. The focus ring is smooth and precise, and the zoom ring is easy to turn, allowing you to quickly adjust your framing as needed. The lens also focuses quickly and accurately, which is essential when shooting fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife. The built-in OIS and compatibility with the Leica SL's IBIS system make it easy to capture sharp images even when shooting handheld.
The 1.4x teleconverter is a great addition to the Leica 100-400mm, extending the focal length of the lens to 560mm. This can be particularly useful when shooting wildlife from a distance or when trying to capture action shots from the sidelines of a sports event. However, it's important to keep in mind that the use of a teleconverter will decrease the maximum aperture of the lens by one stop. This means you'll need to use a slower shutter speed or higher ISO to compensate, which can introduce additional noise into your images.
Overall, the Leica 100-400mm and new teleconverter are a great choice for photographers who love to capture action shots. The lens is versatile and provides a range of focal lengths that are perfect for sports and wildlife photography. The built-in OIS and compatibility with the Leica SL's IBIS system make it easy to capture sharp images, even when shooting handheld. And the new teleconverter extends the focal length of the lens even further, allowing you to get even closer to your subject.
If you're a Leica enthusiast or just looking for a high-quality lens for sports and wildlife photography, the Leica 100-400mm with the new teleconverter is definitely worth considering. And if you're looking for more photography gear and tips, be sure to check out Photography DZ, your go-to source for all things photography.
Conclusion
Leica's new 100-400mm lens with the addition of a new 1.4x teleconverter is a great option for photographers who love to capture action shots of sports and wildlife. The lens is versatile and provides a range of focal lengths that make it easy to capture stunning images. The built-in OIS and compatibility with the Leica SL's IBIS system make it easy to capture sharp images, even when shooting handheld. And the new teleconverter extends the focal length of the lens even further, allowing you to get even closer to your subject.If you're interested in the Leica 100-400mm or any other photography gear, be sure to check out Photography DZ for more information and tips. With their expertise and knowledge, you'll be sure to find the right gear to take your photography to the next level.
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