What is the absolute best wide angle lens for landscape work on an L-mount body right now? Im leaving for a photo trip to the Dolomites next Friday so I am in a huge rush to get this ordered. Ive been looking at the Sigma 14-24mm because everyone says its a beast for the price but then I see people swearing by the Leica 16-35mm Vario-Elmar-SL. Is the Leica glass actually worth the massive price jump for static landscapes? I have about $2500 to spend but I dont want to waste money if the Sigma is just as sharp. Really need to make a decision by tonight...
Honestly, if youre heading to the Dolomites next week, you gotta go with the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art for L-Mount. I have spent hundreds of hours pixel peeping files from both and the technical performance of that Sigma glass is absolutely insane! It uses three aspherical lenses and a bunch of low-dispersion elements that basically eliminate chromatic aberration. Its freaking sharp edge-to-edge even at f/2.8. Seriously. The Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH is a masterpiece for sure, but youre paying a massive premium for the badge and maybe slightly better weather sealing. For static landscapes on a tripod? You wont notice the difference in resolution. Plus, having that extra 2mm on the wide end at 14mm makes a huge difference when youre standing at the base of the Tre Cime! Since your budget is $2500, grab the Sigma for around $1400. Then use the leftover cash to get a high-end filter holder like the Haida M15 Filter Holder System since the Sigma has a bulbous front element and cant take screw-ons. Youre gonna need those ND filters for the mountain lakes! Youll save a ton of money and have a more versatile kit for the trip. Go for it, you wont regret it!
