Does it make sense to upgrade to the SL2 given prime lens availability

[jplomley]

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I’ve been on a waiting list since the introduction of the 35 APO and still no indication of when one might be available. Others are in a similar situation for the 50 APO. I’ve currently the SL with 16-35 SVE and 75 APO. Bought the 16-35 with the intent of selling once the wide angle primes became available, but I’m not holding my breath as it seems even when they are announced, it might be an additional year or more to get one. So I’m finding it very difficult justifying an upgrade to the SL2 whilst Leica can’t supply the Summicron primes. Anyone else holding off until the primes become available?

[Danno_photoguy]

Some have expressed a view that the release of the new primes may be impacted, at least in the US, but the tariff situation.  The view that Leica is setting up SL2/Prime packages to be released in Jan/2020 to avoid the tariff increase.  I for one had the intent of getting a 35 Prime now to use with my SL1 and get a SL2 at a later date.  My plan now is to see if the packages become available in the new year and if so, to get one then.  I guess we are all trying to make the best plan that works for each of us.

[johnbuckley]

4 hours ago, Danno_photoguy said:

Some have expressed a view that the release of the new primes may be impacted, at least in the US, but the tariff situation.  The view that Leica is setting up SL2/Prime packages to be released in Jan/2020 to avoid the tariff increase.  I for one had the intent of getting a 35 Prime now to use with my SL1 and get a SL2 at a later date.  My plan now is to see if the packages become available in the new year and if so, to get one then.  I guess we are all trying to make the best plan that works for each of us.

This is correct. Hint: If you are still interested in a 35 APO and an SL2, let your dealer know you would be interested in buying them together.

[johnbuckley]

P.S. It's an oddly specific tariff -- lenses made in Germany. There is no way the United States Trade Representative just dreamed up German lenses as a category to go after. (I am the CEO of a D.C.-based lobbying and communications firm.) Some competitor of Leica's worked this. 

[digitalfx]

4 minutes ago, johnbuckley said:

Some competitor of Leica's worked this. 

but really, who is a competitor of Leica?

Its not like im going to buy a Sony lens because there is a tariff on Leica...im waiting it out instead. 

I think this is more about a bruised ego.

[hoppyman]

For me the upgrade from SL to SL2 was very much worthwhile in every respect, whichever SL lenses you have or want. I can’t comment on the tariff situation as I am not in the US.

i have had the new 35 for a few weeks while I am waiting on the 50.  Quantities arriving are tiny here being a very minor part of the world market. I think it helps to have a great relationship with your dealer.  Yet to use it on the SL2 while first try on the SL was impressive. I think the new upgraded focus systems will be a real benefit with it for me.

[snooper]

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In Europe at least it sounds like there is availability for SL lenses. My Paris dealer does have some in stock, from 35 to 90, or with very short delay. So come and visit our Paris winter, demonstrations, strikes... And get your gear !

[FlashGordonPhotography]

75's and 90's are easy enough to find, as is the 50 Summilux. The 35 and 50 'cron are more difficult and the easiest way is to put yourself on a waiting list.

However, they do exist in the wild if you're prepared to go looking. I found a 50 on the shelf, in Sydney, with one phone call. Sometimes a dealer will have a waiting list 10 deep and the guy down the road has one in stock.

I don't expect to see the 28, 24 and 21 for many months but the 16-35 and Sigma 14-28 are both sensational any way.

Is the SL2 worth the upgrade? It's up to you. But for me, it's a definite yes. Even with the lenses you have you'll see the extra resolution and all you non IS lenses will get IS. IMHO. IBIS is the biggest upgrade on the SL2, over and above the increased resolution. Especially when it's better than any one elses IBIS except the Panasonic S1 series that it shares the tech with.

Gordon

[scott kirkpatrick]

IBIS and strong M lens support make this a no-brainer for me to get an SL2.  I have the 35, 50 and 75 SL SCs.  The SL 28SC is promised for 2020 and the 21 and 24 not until 2021, but I have M lenses that I really like to cover wide angle needs.  But I'm not really upgrading, since SL used prices have taken a big hit, so I'll hang on to my SL until that changes.

[jaapv]

10 hours ago, Danno_photoguy said:

Some have expressed a view that the release of the new primes may be impacted, at least in the US, but the tariff situation.  The view that Leica is setting up SL2/Prime packages to be released in Jan/2020 to avoid the tariff increase.  I for one had the intent of getting a 35 Prime now to use with my SL1 and get a SL2 at a later date.  My plan now is to see if the packages become available in the new year and if so, to get one then.  I guess we are all trying to make the best plan that works for each of us.

I rather doubt that Leica's release policy will be impacted. The USA market  is but a part of the global one - similar to Germany, but considerably smaller than, for instance, China. They can sell all the lenses they make outside the USA, should the need arise.

[Danno_photoguy]

I have no idea as to Leica's sales/profit data nor their sales strategy.  As I stated, it is a view that some have expressed.