Leica SL2 + VE SL24-90 balance

[biswasg]

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I will soon be getting the Leica SL2. I am considering my first SL lens to be the Vario Elmarit SL 24-90 to go with it. However, I am worried as how the lens and body balances in hand. I presently have a similar weighted Canon 1Dx with the EF 24-70 f2.8 lens combination, the only difference being that in Canon's case, the body is 1200 gms and the lens 800gms. While in SL situation, the lens is almost 1150gm and the body 800gms. I have the link comparing the two cameras here. I am comfortable holding the Canon combination, but would like to know from those who have the Leica SL2 + VE SL24-90, how they find balancing the camera and lens combination? 

[LocalHero1953]

The balance is fine. The lens and body are designed to go together.

Only you can decide if the weight is too much or OK.

I find the weight is OK as long as I am putting it down from time to time, or using it a lot. If I have to carry it around for long periods (2 hrs or longer, while walking around a city), then it is too heavy for me. This was something I tested when I bought the SL - I took it to Bologna for a short break. It was too heavy for comfort for walking round with. But I use the SL + zoom a lot for events, music/drama and portraits: 2hrs or so, with regular use, and I find this fine.

Edited December 30, 2019 by LocalHero1953

[grahamhoey]

Agree with above re the balance which I find perfect. I would add that I use this combo all the time while traveling for daytime shooting. To me the choice of strap can make a big difference. I use a strap that allows me to carry the combo lens facing down and can take some of the weight with my hand when needed. 

[LocalHero1953]

I should have added that I never use neck straps (too uncomfortable), but keep the camera in a bag: for lighter cameras I use a wrist strap; for the SL I use a handstrap, which lets me hold it steady in use.

[biswasg]

15 minutes ago, grahamhoey said:

To me the choice of strap can make a big difference. I use a strap that allows me to carry the combo lens facing down and can take some of the weight with my hand when needed. 

Thanks for your response. Which strap do you use?

[Exodies]

3 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I should have added that I never use neck straps (too uncomfortable), but keep the camera in a bag: for lighter cameras I use a wrist strap; for the SL I use a handstrap, which lets me hold it steady in use.

Does the bag have a strap?

[grahamhoey]

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3 hours ago, biswasg said:

Thanks for your response. Which strap do you use?

The one I have was made by Harry Benz, the one for the SL and SL 2 is quite a strong and a bit wider strap so I find it quite comfortable 

[LocalHero1953]

36 minutes ago, Exodies said:

Does the bag have a strap?

Yes, about two inches wide. I should have added that I find neckstraps get in the way while taking photos (inevitably they hang across the lens in portrait mode*), and a broad one would get even more in the way. I prefer to maintain a logical and spatial separation between strap and camera. 

 

* along with my thumb

Edited December 30, 2019 by LocalHero1953

[Exodies]

A bit in the way, but that is not too bad compared to the usefulness of being able to free both hands instantly which a neck strap provides.

My only problem with straps is the trigger finger goes over the strap on M 240 but under it on SL2. I sometimes try to do it the other way round. While not shooting I carry the SL2 in the crook of the left arm.

[helged]

We are all different, and I know that I am a little out on the Gauss-distribution 😉. Nevertheless... :

It took me some time and use to realise that the SL-24-90 combo isn't that large and/or heavy. Previously I have travelled and hiked - a lot - with a digital M + 21SEM + 50APO (or Lux) + 90 Macro-Elmar-M. I strongly believed that this was the ideal, minimalistic set-up. But now I tend to pick SL+24-90. When hiking, or in a city, I put the SL+24-90 in a "f-stop Navin" bag (now discontinued, but still available), with the bag strap diagonally over one shoulder. Very easy and convenient. No problem to carry the system for hours or days. But perhaps not that elegant. When shooting, I carry the SL+24-90 in the hand, secured with a wrist-strap.

[LocalHero1953]

There's a Navin II on the f-stop website. I like their stuff: I have the Loka backpack. I use Fogg bags on the shoulder, but this looks neat.

[LikameLeica]

I have been using the SL and now the SL2 with the 24-70 for ~4 years and it’s a great combo.  Definitely heavy setup, but being able to use this amazing lens and camera combo allows you to not change lenses often, it’s weather sealed and if you’re coming from DSLR world it’s really similar to other setups.  I recommend carry the camera cross body with a well padded strap.   I use a few different straps from Peak Design depending on the type of shooting I will be doing.  Pair this setup with a couple M mount lenses for when I want to go lighter and smaller.  When I want to go really small I carry a Peak Design Everyday Sling (6L) with three M lenses (21, 35, and 50M).  This bag holds the camera with one lens mounted and the two others stored securely in individual compartments. 

[SJH]

I’ve had my SL2 and 24-90 for a couple of weeks now and I’m fine with the weight for 2-3 hours on a neck strap (Peak Design) but all day is a bit more cumbersome so I go with a bag and wrist strap for that scenario. However, I also bought the Sigma 45mm 2.8 at the same time and given the price is very low compared to the 24-90 obviously it makes for a great daytime walk round lens for city stuff at 5.6 or 8, so I often use the two combined depending on my mood along with my M lenses. 

The 24-90 to my eyes is the best zoom I’ve used compared to Canon and Sony and the Sigma is outstanding value, lightweight, relatively cheap and looks great on the SL2. Shots at 2.8 are pretty good to for the lens at this price point. Great combo for travel depending on what you’re up to. I really like the SL2 combined with the 24-90, it’s a bit front heavy but it doesn’t really bother me and I’ve got used to it but still early days. 

I did put a post up about whether I should go for the new Sigma 24-70 2.8 L mount v 24-90 and I’m really glad I changed my order and bought the Leica. It’s great to have the extra 20mm so it makes it a superb all round lens and the image quality is really outstanding. I have to look very very hard to find a difference between it and say my 35mm 1.4 Lux M mounted on the SL2 at say 5.6.