Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400 f/5-6.3 vs Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 f/2.8-4
Key differences
- —The Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400 f/5-6.3 is 180g lighter (1530g vs 1710g).
- —The APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 f/2.8-4 is faster: f/2.8 vs f/5 (≈1.7 stops more light).
- —For close-ups the Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400 f/5-6.3 reaches 0.24× vs 0.21×.
Which to choose
- Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400 f/5-6.3
Choose it for:
- +The lightest option: 1530g, 180g less than the next
- +The longest reach: up to 400mm
- +The best close-ups: 0.24× magnification
- APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 f/2.8-4
Choose it for:
- +The brightest aperture: f/2.8, about 1.7 stops more light
- +The widest view: starts at 90mm
Computed from published specs, confirmed launch prices and, where every lens has at least two reviews, review scores.
- Mount
- L-Mount (FF)
- L-Mount (FF)
- Focal length
- 100–400mm
- 90–280mm
- Max aperture
- F5–6.3
- F2.8–4◆
- Weight
- 1,530g◆
- 1,710g
- Dimensions ⌀ × L
- 88.0 × 198.0mm
- 88.0 × 238.0mm
- Volume
- 1204 cm³◆
- 1448 cm³
- Density
- 1.27 g/cm³
- 1.18 g/cm³
- Filter thread
- ⌀82mm
- ⌀82mm
- Min focus
- 1.10m
- 0.60m◆
- Max magnification
- 0.24×◆
- 0.21×
- Elements / groups
- 22 / 16
- 23 / 17
- Aperture blades
- 9
- Not published
- Focus drive
- AF motor (type not published)
- Stepping Motors (Dual Syncro Drive)
- Stabilisation
- Yes
- Yes
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- —
- —
- Released
- 2023
- 2016
- MSRP (USD)
- $2,195
- Unconfirmed
- Sharpness
- 8.6
- 9.0◆
- Bokeh Rendering
- 7.8
- 8.3◆
- Autofocus Speed
- 8.3
- 8.3
- Flare Resistance
- 8.0
- 8.3◆
- Build / Sealing
- 9.0
- 9.3◆
- Value / Size
- 7.0◆
- 5.5
Performance overlay
- Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400 f/5-6.3
- APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 f/2.8-4
◆ marks the best value in a row. Scores are 0–10 editorial ratings.