Is The Leica Extender L 1.4x Worth the Money?

When you requested me if Leica glass was definitely worth the cash, I’d say sure — every single time. When you requested me if different Leica homeowners would agree with me, I’d additionally say sure. When you requested me if it’s definitely worth the cash to you, I wouldn’t have a solution. And in case you requested me if the Leica Extender L 1.4x is definitely worth the cash, I’d really scratch my head. Teleconverters are an important a part of pictures for many people. However in the intervening time, the SL system lacks the lenses that might take probably the most benefit of a 1.4x teleconverter. In comparison with the massive three, which supply quicker aperture lenses, the Leica SL system’s largest difficulty is lacking out on varied telephoto prime lenses for sports activities and wildlife. And till the system brings these and extra critical tremendous telephoto zoom lenses, the Leica Extender L 1.4x won’t be price it.

I really feel I additional have to make clear these statements. The Leica Extender L 1.4x looks as if a rebadge of a Sigma teleconverter. I can’t affirm or deny this reality, although. Leica has gotten into a giant factor of rebadging a few of Sigma’s lens optics and placing far superior construct high quality on them — and generally higher motors. However fairly actually, Leica ought to cease this nonsense. For a number of years, the Leica R sequence of movie cameras loved many telephoto lenses that rendered gorgeous pictures. It makes me surprise why Leica wouldn’t attempt to convey these again for L mount. What am I speaking about?

• 250mm f4
• 280mm f2.8
• 350mm f4.8
• 400mm f6.8
• 400mm f5.6
• 400mm f4
• 400mm f2.8
• 500mm f8
• 560mm f6.8
• 560mm f5.6
• 800mm f6.3
• 800mm f5.6

These are simply prime lenses. Nonetheless, the Leica Extender L 1.4x would serve L mount variants of those. lenses extremely effectively. Leica doesn’t want Sigma to do them. They might remake them with autofocus with comparable optics from again within the day, and photographers would rave over the character and rebirth of some basic lenses.

However I digress — as my feelings and keenness for the Leica system are getting the higher of me.

The Leica Extender L 1.4x nonetheless isn’t essentially the most suitable choice you’ll be able to go for. Leica’s SL system cameras have an APS-C crop possibility. Positive, it implies that you’re utilizing fewer megapixels, however you’re getting the identical aperture that you’d in any other case. The Leica 100-400mm f5-6.3 is in any other case already a reasonably sluggish optic. With an 1.4x teleconverter, you may as effectively be taking pictures with Micro 4 Thirds as an alternative.

In terms of construct high quality, it isn’t clear if the Leica Extender L 1.4x has climate resistance. However I’m fairly positive it’s the explanation why my Leica SL2s sensor bought soiled.

When it comes to autofocus efficiency, I may discover a slight distinction when it got here to specializing in birds. Nonetheless, that’s an issue that’s negated when trying on the stunning pictures that it’s able to producing.

So which can it’s? Will you sacrifice megapixels for additional mild? Or will you sacrifice mild for decision? When you’re a fan of the latter, you then may wish to think about the Leica Extender L 1.4x. When you’re not somebody who needs to sacrifice the sunshine (the way in which I’m), you then’ll get a better decision digicam and crop in as vital.

However both approach, the Leica Extender L 1.4x is a teleconverter designed for a system that isn’t prepared for it but. Till then, it’s not definitely worth the near $1,000 it prices.