M Lenses on SL2 vs. SL1

[Stuart Richardson]

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I forgot to mention as well, that the SL versus the S1 was also an interesting comparison. I very much like both bodies, and they each have things going for them. The SL did remarkably well considering its age, but it did lose ground to the S1 in a few areas. For example, the dynamic range is indeed better in the S1 than the SL, though I think in most cases you will not see a huge difference. I took one shot where the door to my studio was in bright sunlight, compared to the dark interior. The S1 was able to preserve the high highlights and deep shadows a bit better, and had less noise upon lifting the shadows by 100. Both were good, however. I have not compared high ISO yet, but I suspect the S1 will win their as well. It also has a better viewfinder and rear screen. I preferred the SL ergonomics, body, and menu system, but the S1 has the advantage of more clearly labeled buttons for certain functions. I have not checked video yet, but this is another area where the S1 will almost certainly be better than the SL. 

In any case, I know not all these conclusions are relevant to the thread, but maybe they are interesting for someone. Based on the performance of the SL, I am very excited to try the SL2...I have a feeling it will be a superb camera. I did try it superficially at launch, and certain areas have definitely improved...like the EVF and ergonomics of the grip.

[Mr.Q]

As I've decided to pass on the SL2, I'll probably keep the SL for my M lenses. I prefer the rendering of M lenses on a lower resolution sensor. I am also eyeing a Sigma FP for this usage.

[UliWer]

Am 15.11.2019 um 18:44 schrieb bags27:

...With the 28/2.8, the lens performs somewhat better with the SL2 than with the SL and significantly better than with the S1R for those considerations Scott mentions.

Yes, though the examples shown of results in the corners of all three mirrorless non-M cameras seem to be unacceptably bad compared to the M. 

[Stuart Richardson]

I would say if you like wide angle lenses, particularly wide angle lenses shot close to wide open, the M is overwhelmingly the best choice for M lenses. If you are more of a long lens shooter, the differences are not going to be so dramatic. In general, though I spent a lot of time saying how much better the SL lenses were than the M lenses on the SL, in most cases the M lenses were still good. I might not want to make the 25mm Biogon a choice for my SL, but the 50mm ASPH would be fine if you stop it down, and in all cases the these lenses were very sharp in the center...it is really only the edges that suffer. But in the more dramatic cases, the softness is quite visible and unpleasant...the edges get fuzzy, dark and low in contrast, a look which is not really aesthetically pleasing for most images...

[bags27]

3 hours ago, UliWer said:

Yes, though the examples shown of results in the corners of all three mirrorless non-M cameras seem to be unacceptably bad compared to the M. 

Everyone, of course, makes their own decision about what is acceptable to them. I suspect that especially at f/5.6 and f/8 the inference to be  draw from his report is that Reid finds the output of this lens on the SL2 certainly acceptable. He also concludes that more recently made M lenses should fare even better. 

 

 

[Alf62]

On 11/15/2019 at 7:37 PM, IkarusJohn said:

While this often stated, it is not entirely accurate.  The Noctilux 0.95 is significantly better on the SL, as is the 28 Summilux-M.  Conversely, the 28 Summicron-M is problematic on anything but an M.  You really need to test each lens.  As a general rule, not all M cameras are the same, modern ASPH lenses will generally work well and sometimes better on the SL.

Jono tested some in his SL review.  You just need to try them. I agree that older wide lenses may be a problem. Telecentric lenses less so, regardless of age. Of mine, the 21 Summilux-M, 28 Summilux-M, Noctilux and 75 Summilux-M are all fine.

It also depends where you are looking for. I have an 1956 50mm f/2.0 Summicron (RIGID) on the SL2 and love the characteristics. One can use the flare of this lens when you need it or the more dreamy look in portraits. If I want super sharp, I take the APO SL lenses. 

Edited February 21, 2020 by Alf62
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