Leica 28-70mm f/2.8 vs Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 (L-Mount) – Full Comparison
- Cris Estalayo
- Sep 10
- 2 min read
If you’re considering a standard zoom for your Leica SL, SL2, SL3, Panasonic S-series, or Sigma fp cameras, you’ve probably looked at the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH and the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary.
Both offer the same focal range and aperture, but they differ in weight, build, sharpness, and—most importantly—price. Let’s dive into the details.
Size & Weight
The Leica 28-70mm weighs 570 g, while the Sigma comes in lighter at 473 g. That’s a difference of almost 100 g, which might not seem like much on paper, but on a long shoot it becomes noticeable.
For reference, both lenses share the same 67mm filter thread and similar dimensions, with the Sigma being slightly shorter (101.5 mm vs 102 mm for the Leica).
If you’re chasing the most lightweight L-Mount setup, the Sigma wins here.
Build Quality
This is where Leica stands out.
Leica 28-70mm f/2.8 → full metal construction, very solid and premium in the hand.
Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 → mostly plastic and rubber, still well-built, but not on the same premium level.
Both are weather sealed, so you can shoot in dusty or humid environments without worry. And both are made in Japan, which ensures a high level of quality control.
Aperture & Sharpness
Both lenses open at f/2.8 and stop down to f/22. In testing:
At f/2.8, both show noticeable vignetting and softness, especially on the edges.
By f/4, image quality improves, but still isn’t razor sharp.
At f/5.6, both lenses hit their sweet spot, with crisp sharpness across the frame.
Side by side, the Leica and Sigma perform very similarly in sharpness. In fact, in some cases, the Sigma may look slightly sharper in the center.
Autofocus
In real-world use, autofocus speed and accuracy were virtually identical between the two lenses. Both performed well in studio and outdoor conditions, making them equally reliable for photo and video.
Price
Here’s where the difference really shows:
Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary → ~€800
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH → ~€1,950
That’s 2.5x more for the Leica. For the price of the Leica lens, you could buy the Sigma 28-70mm plus another Sigma lens, like the 16-28mm f/2.8, and still spend less.
Conclusion – Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Leica 28-70mm f/2.8 if you want full metal build, Leica branding, and premium feel.
Choose the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 if you want nearly identical image quality, lighter weight, and big savings.
Both lenses deliver excellent results. The real decision comes down to your budget and preference for build quality.
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