So TL2 buyers, how pleased are you with your purchase?

[Learner]

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I'm curious to know how pleased purchasers of the TL2 are, especially those purchasers who had (still have) the T or TL.

 

Do you REALLY see the differences advertised, especially in terms of speed, responsiveness, and image quality?

 

Would you STRONGLY recommend upgrading to others?

 

===

 

By the way, did you sell (will you sell) your 'old' T / TL, or hold onto it?

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[LocalHero1953]

I have neither the T, TL or TL2, however.........

 

I thought seriously about the T when it first came out, and today I played with the TL2 in store.

I decided against the T three years ago because of the slow LV/EVF, and the irritating blackout after each shot.

Today I found the speed far better. There is no blackout, but I can't tell if that is because it has genuinely gone, or because the review image is immediately shown. Either way, I found it acceptable. With that gripe out of the way, one is left with an attractive, compact, quickish, 24mp camera with an intriguingly simple interface, proven IQ with the native lenses, and some interesting non-native lens options.

 

I discovered the perils of big cameras at the weekend when my 4-year old grandson discovered the QR knob holding my SL and zoom on the tripod. Fortunately the tripod legs were at the lowest height, and placed on carpet, so I got away with a slightly cracked lens hood. I need to teach him photography with something lighter.

 

I've put my name down for the TL2 and the 60mm TL (I can't yet decide between the standard zoom, the 23mm Summicron TL, or the left field/wildcard 28mm Summaron).

[hector_jorge]

I will like, if you allows me, to add another question: Would you add a T lens if you have the same (equivalent) lens in M or R?

[Athornton]

The T and TL2 work very well as a "casual" camera with the native lenses. Using the screen to select the focus point and shooting at arms length does deliver terrific results - even though I might be shot for saying so. With this way of working, the TL2 is clearly a step up from the T. I tend to use the 11-23 and the 35 most, the former because it covers a range that my other cameras do not, and the latter because I tend to see in 50mm from my early years with a K1000.

 

Once you go to manual focus, I feel you need to add the viewfinder, slow down and enter photographer mode. Then an M or the SL feels more natural to me. When working in a more deliberate manner with M lenses, using the viewfinder and consequently taking advantage of the rear screen less, the difference between the T and TL2 bodies is not as significant.

 

I do use manual and auto focus lenses in a different way and so can justify some overlap (the 35 Lux for example). If you let each camera series play to its strengths, as God and Wetzlar intended, you can enjoy them for what they are, and smile as others criticise them for not being something they were never meant to be.

[IkarusJohn]

Nice post Athornton. I couldn't agree more.

 

I had the T, and as Paul comments above, the blackout killed it for me. Nice camera, but not enough to engage me. Oddly, when I sold it, I missed it.

 

Fast forward to the TL2, and I'm much happier with the camera's performance. I've decided that I don't want to duplicate what the SL and M cameras do. So the TL2 is a compact walk about (particularly with the 28 Summaron - no need to focus, and 42mm fov), and it's a wide AF zoom (17-35mm fov) in a reasonably compact body. As a backup/alternative, I can use M lenses, macro and the SL lenses taking the reach of the 90-280 SL zoom out to 420mm at the long end with 24MP.

 

I may add the 35 Summilux-TL as I like the 50mm fov, and having a high quality native AF prime for this camera is appealing.

 

So, I'm enjoying having a camera I really can put in my coat pocket.

 

Cheers

John

[FlashGordonPhotography]

The TL2 is a much more responsive camera. The VF blackout is no longer an issue. IQ is great. AF is improved.

 

Unfortunately I will be keeping my T for the flash functionality. Everything else is better on the TL2. Much better.

 

However the TL2 has also finalised my decision to sell off my Fuji gear as I can't see my self using my XPro2 when I have the TL2 lenses to play with.

 

I'd really like a fast portrait lens. 60-70mm 1.4 would be nice.

 

Gordon

[dkCambridgeshire]

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There have not been that many problems with the T and TL prior to the TL2 … the problems lay with the Leica naysayers and critics who'd never used them but who insisted in indulging in their predictable anti-modern Leica , " … of course it'll never do well … " rants. The proof of the T/TL system's worthiness is in the hundreds of quality T/TL images posted on this forum. Not all Leica cameras have to be shaped or operate like a Barnack … new cameras for new eras. 

 

dunk

[IkarusJohn]

I don't think that's entirely accurate, Dunk.

 

I was not alone in selling mine (primarily because of the black out).

[blimey]

I didnt buy it for the video capability but here is a sample. Make sure you toggle to 4K. Otherwise, the camera will serve me well on my travels.

 

vimeo.com/227575133/3aeebae0d2

[tom0511]

I have used the original T for quite some time and have testrun a TL2. My plan is to update to the TL2. First I feel less restricted with 24MP, second the speed of AF and the camera has been improved and one can feel it. Third I like the wheels better, because its stiffer to turn them.

IMO TL lenses make absolutely sense on the TL, if I wanted to use M lenses I rather use them on a M body (which I also own).

The compact zoom lenses and the high quality TL primes make the TL2 (and T/TL) a great travel camera. You get better IQ compared to m43 in my experience for just a little more size.

Latest M43 cameras are still faster than the TL2 but the "speed gap" is reduced. I just wish the TL2 had weather sealing and IS (at least for the 55-135).

My dream would be a MINI-SL like T-body.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

 

My dream would be a MINI-SL like T-body.

 

I think a few of us would be on that list. Leica might see it as being to similar to a Fuji XT2 or robbing SL sales. But I'd buy one. And I'd keep my TL2 for when I need the compactness of a smaller body.

 

Gordon

[LocalHero1953]

Before putting my name down for a TL2, I gamed Leica's likely model launches over the next year in case I got buyer's remorse:

 

- SL2: unlikely, given the SL has only been out 18 months.

 

- M10E (M10+EVF): I don't think Leica will ever put an EVF in an M-mount body. Given the limitations of the M-mount for data transfer, it would be a wasted effort.

 

- QL: full-frame L-mount camera with built in EVF. A possibility, but it would be M-sized (imagine a thin M body with an EVF where the RF is) and so, as a body, not that much smaller than the SL - but possibly sleeker in appearance, more like the Q. 

 

-TL2-E: a TL2 with a built in EVF. I think this is a possibility. It would, however, be taller than the TL2 - either taller across the full body, or with an EVF bump like the SL (destroying those beautiful TL lines). Heat dissipation with an internal EVF may be a technical challenge.

 

Given that I want the TL2 for its small size, I doubt that I'd be in the market for a TL2-E, though I am sure it would sell well (as would a QL). I'd rather stick to the occasional external EVF. So I'm happy with my decision  .

[IkarusJohn]

Hi Paul,

 

As you will recall, I have been an advocate for an EVF based, interchangeable lens, full frame Leica for many years.  I've come to the conclusion, that the SL is it.  I don't see another full frame Leica being added - I'm usually wrong, but I don't see a gap in the current line up.

 

TL2 is a good choice.  As an EVF based camera, its menu structure is incredibly shallow, simple and well conceived.  Modern digital cameras are little more than sensor holders with processors and a lens mount.  As this one goes, it's very good.  The change in field of view aside, the 24MP APS-C sensor is more than sufficient for my needs.  While I accept that the "iPhone-like" interface might not be to everyone's taste, Leica does make the M10 for those who prefer a more traditional camera like interface.

 

You'll enjoy what the TL2 adds to your equipment choices, I think.

 

Cheers

John

[thighslapper]

I'm upgrading to the TL2 as a backup body for the SL for landscape use and when travelling abroad. Small and light and compatible with all the lenses I use on the SL. 

 

Now the sensor resolution is identical and it is faster all round the things that made the T a rather poor substitute have gone. Shame they didn't upgrade the EVF ..... which after the SL makes you think there is something wrong with your eyes.

 

It the 90-280 works I'll have a fast AF 400mm zoom for wildlife which will be handy. Lots of plusses, only a few negatives. Pity the resale on the T is so low though ......

 

The T lenses are superb and always deserved a better camera to stick them on. 

[LocalHero1953]

............. Shame they didn't upgrade the EVF ..... which after the SL makes you think there is something wrong with your eyes...........

The EVF was another element of my appraisal of what Leica might launch this year. I thinking there's a fighting chance they might launch a new EVF; after all the current one was launched with the T three years ago.

So I didn't order an EVF along with the TL2. I'll see what the autumn has in store, and how much I find I need it.

 

Edit. though I'll admit that coming from the VF2 on the M240, the EVF seems fabulous!

[ropo54]

 

 

It the 90-280 works I'll have a fast AF 400mm zoom for wildlife which will be handy. Lots of plusses, only a few negatives. Pity the resale on the T is so low though ......

 

 

 

FWIW, one can shoot the SL 601 in "APSC" mode and with the camera set to "DNG and JPEG" one will get a 280mm DNG and a 400mm APSC image. The viewfinder will show the 400mm image when the shot is snapped, but one will have a 280 DNG image saved as well. (Albeit at 10mp).

Rob

[noshtalja]

I have the original T with several lenses and will be getting the TL2. I like the addition of focus peaking, dng only ( dng plus jpg irritates me ) and 24 meg is attractive if not vital as I am not a pixel peeper. This is in addition to the blackout issue of course which I think everyone will value. AF is not a big issue to me. And no, I will not be getting rid of the T, mainly as trade in value is now so low - about 1/3 original price. For me a second body, extra battery and charger, and flash is well worth the trade in value.

[thighslapper]

.... is that a flat coated retriever ??? Looks like my Sammy having a cr*p .....

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[IkarusJohn]

... If the 90-280 works I'll have a fast AF 400mm zoom for wildlife which will be handy... 

 

Here you go Thighslapper - took this out the window, just for you.  ISO100 f/4 1/800, 90-280 shot at 218.5mm (according to LightRoom).  No adjustments after import.

 

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[Guest VVJ]

Got my TL2 on Friday.

 

Took about 700 shots over the weekend.  I believe it is a worthwhile upgrade.  Almost all aspects of the camera are significantly better.

 

That being said, if you don't need the better high ISO and the more responsive body, I am not sure whether there is a pressing need to upgrade either.

 

The only slight disappointment is that even in not so low light the AF still far too often is unable to lock focus.  That is probably the one area with little to no improvement.