Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. vs Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. is 24-90mm, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 500mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. for standard zoom, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) for super-telephoto.
Choose the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 24-90mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe.
Choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 90mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You're on a budget — $2,199 vs $6,999 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 500mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. opens to f/2.8 vs the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)'s f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. is 24-90mm, Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 500mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is $2,199, $4,800 under the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH..
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
Frequently asked
Is the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. or the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. is 24-90mm, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) is 500mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. for standard zoom, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) for super-telephoto.
Who should choose the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH.?
Choose the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 500mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 24-90mm zoom covers what the fixed 500mm can't reframe.
Who should choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount) if you need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 90mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you're on a budget — $2,199 vs $6,999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 500mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. and the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)?
Aperture: the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. opens to f/2.8 vs the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports (L-mount)'s f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-90mm | 500mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 21 | 20 |
| Optical Groups | 17 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 84° – 27° | 5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 45 cm | 350 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $6,999 | $2,199 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 95mm |
| Diameter | 88mm | 112mm |
| Length | 142mm | 329.5mm |
| Weight | 1140g (2.51 lb) | 1130g (2.49 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | Yes |
