SL2 & tripod

[RG75]

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Hello,

For landscape photos and long pose (clouds, seaside,...) what do you suggest as a tripod for the SL2? Does 5-axis stabilization allow for lighter or non-lighter tripods?

 

Do M lenses give images as defined as the new SL lens?

[jaapv]

You are not supposed to use stabilization on a tripod, it will impact image quality negatively. As for a tripod, in general, the most stable one you can carry is the best one.

The SL2 is designed to render M lenses optimally. However, the SL lenses are as good as  M lenses and the other way around to all intents and purposes. . Any difference is marginal. Choose any lens according to your wishes. All M and M lenses will exceed your expectations.

[Stuart Richardson]

I disagree with Jaap. I have a number of M lenses, and the 50mm APO Summicron SL. The 50mm is not marginally sharper...it is a lot sharper. Especially towards the edges of the frame. This would be more visible in larger prints, but the contrast across the frame should be visible in most images, especially if you are comparing to older generation M lenses. You will see the least difference in the latest M lenses, such as the 50mm APO Summicron M, 75mm and 90mm APO Summicrons etc. Even then, the SL lenses are better optimized for the sensor (the light rays are more direct and travel through less cover glass, so they are sharper at the edges than M lenses which have rear elements closer to the sensor. The M lenses are good on the SL2, but not as good as the SL lenses. If you already have them, or are looking for a more compact option or better manual focus feel, they are a good choice, but if you want the absolute best technical performance, the SL primes are better.

I was lucky to attend the Paris Photo launch of the SL2, and when I was there I asked Stephan Schulz about stabilization and tripods, and as far as I recall he said it was not necessary to turn it off. It is of course worth a try both ways to see if you find a difference.

Regarding a tripod, I have had good luck with the Really Right Stuff tripods. In general, the bigger and heavier the tripod, the more stable it is. A wooden Riis or Berlebach will be a pain to lug around, but it will minimize vibration better (believe me, I shoot 8x10, and it does make a difference...I lost a lot of sharpness using the 8x10 on my RRS TVC-33, compared to the Riis). The image stabilization will help, but it is not a miracle worker. I do not feel like the IBIS has allowed me to use any lighter tripod than I would have normally, only that it tends to work better for handholding.

Edited June 24, 2020 by Stuart Richardson

[Jeff S]

I stick with native lenses on my M bodies and on the SL2.  They work ideally that way for me (my 28/35/50 M lenses are great with RF and are not Noctiluxes, which could benefit from focus aids on an SL platform, and need no stabilization).  I haven’t needed a tripod with any setup, even using the SL 90-280.  IQ is more than sufficient for my print sizes and subject matter.

Jeff

[SrMi]

Comparing my two APO Summicron 75/2 ASPH lenses, the SL is a bit better than the M version (better detail). The difference is quite small. If the manual focus works well in your workflow, I would certainly consider using M lenses on SL2.

 

[LocalHero1953]

I have always followed the advice "stabilisation is not needed with a tripod". When I first got the 90-280SL zoom I found it tricky to frame and focus at the long end on a tripod because of OIS drift, so the lesson was quickly learned. But recently I found the opposite: I've been making a series short talking head videos using the Sigma fp and the 90-280SL. I realised that I'd forgotten to disable OIS in the fp menus; I could see framing drift and, though it wasn't a major problem, I switched it off for the next in the series. I was surprised to see the video jittering from vibrations from nearby traffic transmitted through the solid floor and fairly solid Benro tripod. I switched on OIS again and the jitter disappeared.

The 90-280 has its own tripod foot, and perhaps is designed to be balanced with a heavy SL, not a light fp. Even so, I suspect the length of the lens/camera means that it is vulnerable to transmitted vibration, which OIS can eliminate.

Edited June 24, 2020 by LocalHero1953

[Chuck Albertson]

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To paraphrase that tired saying about cameras, the best tripod is the one you have with you. If it's so heavy that you won't pack it along on a trip, or so heavy that you leave it back at the hotel, all the stability in the world won't help your pictures. I use one of the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 tripods with the SL and it works fine, mainly because it's light and compact enough to carry most of the time.

Edited June 24, 2020 by Chuck Albertson

[SrMi]

One may evaluate the need for IS on tripod by magnifying the view in EVF/LCD. Turn IS on/off to see if any shaking gets eliminated.

[jaapv]

18 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I have always followed the advice "stabilisation is not needed with a tripod". When I first got the 90-280SL zoom I found it tricky to frame and focus at the long end on a tripod because of OIS drift, so the lesson was quickly learned. But recently I found the opposite: I've been making a series short talking head videos using the Sigma fp and the 90-280SL. I realised that I'd forgotten to disable OIS in the fp menus; I could see framing drift and, though it wasn't a major problem, I switched it off for the next in the series. I was surprised to see the video jittering from vibrations from nearby traffic transmitted through the solid floor and fairly solid Benro tripod. I switched on OIS again and the jitter disappeared.

The 90-280 has its own tripod foot, and perhaps is designed to be balanced with a heavy SL, not a light fp. Even so, I suspect the length of the lens/camera means that it is vulnerable to transmitted vibration, which OIS can eliminate.

I think video is different from stills in this regard.

[Stuart Richardson]

Agreed! Best to turn off stabilization on a tripod for video, or things do start to drift a bit and it is annoying. I would only make an exception if I were recording in heavy wind, in which case I would take my chances that the video would be smoother with stabilization than it would be without.

[lenspeeper]

I agree with Japav and all camera manufacturers have added the same caveat to their instruction manuals. That having been said, the SL and SL2 are noted for their blazingly fast AF. So is it possible that even if the camera is on a tripod with IS activated, that the camera compensates for the stable platform of a body on tripod and therefore, as Stuart Richardson noted in his conversation with Steven Schultz of Leica that it really does make no difference with the SL and SL2 whether or not IS is on or off? I have my SL on order so I cannot comment one way or the other yet. But I think I will try it out both ways even though I will continue to shoot on a tripod with IS off. because old habits are hard to break.

 

[Jk1002]

I got a really right stuff for my sl as well and it is super nice. The Series 1. 
 

I think your problem on smaller tripod is you take  a,risk it might get blown over in windy conditions.

Also if your outside US you may want to look for other options than RRS? They  do ship spare parts I read but that could be a hassle.

Lastly there is a super tiny tripod from Sirui that fits into my smaller shoulder bag with 12.2 inch folded lenght, that will do in a pinch if your short on space.  T-25SK 190$ p, would recommend the BH-25 or BH-30 relly right stuff head with it.

Cheers

JK

Edited August 7, 2020 by Jk1002

[Donald M]

I use a Peak Design tripod with a fixed plate and an Arca Swiss P0 ball head with Arca Quick Link for my Sl: It is relatively light (1810gr), relatively stable and very compact. For longer walking trips this is my preferred tripod. Within close walking distance of the car I use a heavy Gitzo carbon tripod weighing more than 4kg..., and yes it is (much) more stable. But the best tripod, is the tripod you have with you😊, and always better than no tripod at all. 4kg tripod plus camera, lenses, etc. is a bit too much for me to schlep around for longer walks!