SL2-S first impression

[paul.bridges.3388]

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First use of my new SL2-S...and back with the SL system after two years away.

I’ve only shot indoors with the kids and available light so far. Biggest impression, is the extent to which the SL2-S (and 75/2 SUMMICRON SL) is vastly superior to my Q2. The iAF is so improved vs my Q2. This surprises me, given the Q2 is supposed to be the automatic point / shoot here. I guess part of this, is probably the experience of the amazing EVF. But, the SL2-S also feels no more bulky than the Q2 with the 75/2. It’s just as handy and my impression is of a blazing fast, snappy AF platform. Admittedly, I don’t know the mainstream comparators here (Sony, Nikon, Canon, etc) - but I’m also in this for the aesthetic.

The portraits are all superior to the lower light results with Q2. This was a goal for me and I’m not disappointed. Admittedly, I’ve not done pixel peaking but, to this eye, it gives photos that are much brighter with far more appeal.

It also feels like a far more complete package than my old SL.

Based on limited shooting, I'm left loving the Sl2-S....but I suppose also disappointed that my Q2 feels quite so redundant now.

Santa also brought me a Canon ImagePROGRAF PRO-300 printer to play with 🤗.

Edited December 28, 2020 by paul.bridges.3388

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[Chaemono]

vor 7 Minuten schrieb paul.bridges.3388:

...

The portraits are all superior to the lower light results with Q2. This was a goal for me and I’m not disappointed. Admittedly, I’ve not done pixel peaking but, to this eye, it gives photos that are much brighter with far more appeal.

...

Did you try to match exposure when processing the files? One can adjust EV on the cameras to match exposure out-of-box, too.

[paul.bridges.3388]

24 minutes ago, Chaemono said:

Did you try to match exposure when processing the files? One can adjust EV on the cameras to match exposure out-of-box, too.

Yes, I tweaked the Q2 in LR. But I tried to do as little as possible. It’s not an objective comparison, for sure. Just the out of the box shooting experience against the Q2.

BTW, I will be swapping the SL 75/2 - it’s too long, as I suspected it would be.

 

Edited December 28, 2020 by paul.bridges.3388

[Chaemono]

vor 7 Minuten schrieb paul.bridges.3388:

...

BTW, I will be swapping the SL 75/2 - it’s too long, as I suspected it would be.

 

It’s the same size as the 35. For a 75 of that performance it’s quite compact, I’d say.

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[paul.bridges.3388]

7 minutes ago, Chaemono said:

It’s the same size as the 35. For a 75 of that performance it’s quite compact, I’d say.

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

It’s too long in reach for me. Its size is perfect.

[Daedalus2000]

3 hours ago, paul.bridges.3388 said:

First use of my new SL2-S...and back with the SL system after two years away.

I’ve only shot indoors with the kids and available light so far. Biggest impression, is the extent to which the SL2-S (and 75/2 SUMMICRON SL) is vastly superior to my Q2. The iAF is so improved vs my Q2. This surprises me, given the Q2 is supposed to be the automatic point / shoot here. I guess part of this, is probably the experience of the amazing EVF. But, the SL2-S also feels no more bulky than the Q2 with the 75/2. It’s just as handy and my impression is of a blazing fast, snappy AF platform. Admittedly, I don’t know the mainstream comparators here (Sony, Nikon, Canon, etc) - but I’m also in this for the aesthetic.

The portraits are all superior to the lower light results with Q2. This was a goal for me and I’m not disappointed. Admittedly, I’ve not done pixel peaking but, to this eye, it gives photos that are much brighter with far more appeal.

It also feels like a far more complete package than my old SL.

Based on limited shooting, I'm left loving the Sl2-S....but I suppose also disappointed that my Q2 feels quite so redundant now.

Santa also brought me a Canon ImagePROGRAF PRO-300 printer to play with 🤗.

Thanks for your impressions, but I am a bit confused. Why are you comparing a 75mm bigger and heavier setup vs a 28mm one? Is it just the AF that you feel is better or also the image quality? Have you taken into account the fact that the Q2 has a lot more pixels, so it may make more sense to compare them at same resolution (for noise etc). Are you also seeing any differences in color?

Thanks

 

[paul.bridges.3388]

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5 minutes ago, Daedalus2000 said:

Thanks for your impressions, but I am a bit confused. Why are you comparing a 75mm bigger and heavier setup vs a 28mm one? Is it just the AF that you feel is better or also the image quality? Have you taken into account the fact that the Q2 has a lot more pixels, so it may make more sense to compare them at same resolution (for noise etc). Are you also seeing any differences in color?

Thanks

 

Only comparing these caneras because they’re the only two I have. The Q2 was my “make do” camera and first impression of the SL2-S are very positive. It’s giving better images indoors and still feels a good size, with snappy focus. The colours are nicer, to my eye, yes. But, as I say, this is not an objective test.

*I have compared Q2 at 75mm too

Edited December 28, 2020 by paul.bridges.3388

[Daedalus2000]

Just now, paul.bridges.3388 said:

Only comparing these caneras because they’re the only two I have. The Q2 was my “make do” camera and first impression of the SL2-S are very positive. It’s giving better images indoors and still feels a good size, with snappy focus. The colours are nicer, to my eye, yes. But, as I say, this is not an objective test.

I see thank you, always good to hear more impressions. Lets us know what lens you will get and how it performs. I am into portraits and I am thinking of getting the SL2-S and the 50 SL summilux if I can afford it

 

[paul.bridges.3388]

2 hours ago, Daedalus2000 said:

I see thank you, always good to hear more impressions. Lets us know what lens you will get and how it performs. I am into portraits and I am thinking of getting the SL2-S and the 50 SL summilux if I can afford it

 

I guess, that I was minded to post because the AF SL2-S has proven such an unbridled joy to use.

Previously, I shot family with the SL and either manual M lenses (indoors) or the 24-90 AF (outdoors) - mostly for environmental portrait. Neither lens setup on the SL gets anywhere close to the lightening fast experience of the 75/2 APO on the SL2-S. And, this has transformed the number of keepers, even beyond my handy little Q2 and its fast 28/1.7. Of course, the comparisons are all a little unfair here. BUT, the net impact is real - a more usable, enjoyable camera setup giving a greater number of more pleasing photos . This impact is valid......for me.

That’s the motivation for this particular post of mine: I’m simply suprised how good this combo is in full auto mode, even compared with the Q2: a camera that I assumed represented Leica’s flagship “point & shoot”. Perhaps a lot is down to the expansive EVF on the SL2-S - it’s simply a more pleasing experience. But, beyond this Leica also seems to have (finally) made strides with the iAF (face & EF). Of course, this may also be the case for the SL2 and other lenses: but I have no experience of this and defer here to others. It’s just this users “two-penneth”.

My only dilemma, is whether I now swap the 75/2 for the 50 SL (Lux or Cron?) instead or indeed add the 35/2. Why? Because, I’m missing too much of the environment with the 75/2 - however much I do enjoy backing away from the kids with the 75/2 (and becoming less intrusive).

thanks for your interest in my idle musings 🤗

Edited December 28, 2020 by paul.bridges.3388

[Daedalus2000]

2 minutes ago, paul.bridges.3388 said:

I guess, that I was minded to post because the AF SL2-S has proven such an unbridled joy to use.

Previously, I shot family with the SL and either manual M lenses (indoors) or the 24-90 AF (outdoors) - mostly for environmental portrait. Neither lens setup on the SL gets anywhere close to the lightening fast experience of the 75/2 APO on the SL2-S. And, this has transformed the number of keepers, even beyond my handy little Q2 and its fast 28/1.7. Of course, the comparisons are all a little unfair here. BUT, the net impact is real - a more usable, enjoyable camera setup giving a greater number of more pleasing photos . This impact is valid......for me.

That’s the motivation for this particular post of mine: I’m simply suprised how good this combo is in full auto mode, even compared with the Q2. A camera that I had assumed represented Leica’s flagship “point & shoot”. Perhaps a lot is down to the expansive EVF on the SL2-S. But, beyond this Leica also seems to have (finally) made strides with the iAF (face & EF). Of course, this may also be the case for the SL2 and other lenses: but I have no experience of this and defer here to others. It’s just this users “two-penneth”.

My only dilemma, is whether I now swap the 75/20 for the 50 SL (Lux or Cron?) instead or indeed add the 35/2. Why? Because, I’m missing too much of the environment with the 75/2 - however much I do enjoy backing away from the kids with the 75/2 (and becoming less intrusive).

thanks for your interest in my idle musings 🤗

Thank you, I really get what you mean now. At the end of the day it is great to have a combo/system that allows you to capture family moments with minimal effort, but great enjoyment  and high quality. From what I know the 50 SL lux used to be slow(er) in focusing than other lenses, but maybe after a few upgrades it is faster now. In any case it is better to try them before you commit. I was looking at some SL2 images and I saw a couple of them that made me think "that is a great lens", and in both cases it was the 35 SL cron... But at the end of the day you have to identify the focal length that suits you. Maybe check your image library and see at what focal length you have most of your "keepers". On the other hand, If you keep your Q2, maybe a 50 SL makes more sense... 

Great to hear your enthusiasm for your new camera, makes me jealous and I want one as well! haha

All the best

 

[paul.bridges.3388]

52 minutes ago, Daedalus2000 said:

Thank you, I really get what you mean now. At the end of the day it is great to have a combo/system that allows you to capture family moments with minimal effort, but great enjoyment  and high quality. From what I know the 50 SL lux used to be slow(er) in focusing than other lenses, but maybe after a few upgrades it is faster now. In any case it is better to try them before you commit. I was looking at some SL2 images and I saw a couple of them that made me think "that is a great lens", and in both cases it was the 35 SL cron... But at the end of the day you have to identify the focal length that suits you. Maybe check your image library and see at what focal length you have most of your "keepers". On the other hand, If you keep your Q2, maybe a 50 SL makes more sense... 

Great to hear your enthusiasm for your new camera, makes me jealous and I want one as well! haha

All the best

 

I’ve been on this (expensive) journey before though😫. Adding lenses to complete my coverage....but overlooking the fact that having to swap out lenses itself has a negative impact on the experience for family portraiture. That’s what took me to the Q2: consolidating it all to a one-gun package. But, the SL2-S has re-opened my eyes...and so the chase begins again? 🧐.

Hence being tempted by the 50 Lux as the one-lens approach. But it’s bigger and has slower AF. . I originally thought the 75/2 plus the Q2 would be the best compromise (as you mention). But, the SL2-S is simply superior (for me) and I’m pretty sure the image quality improvement is real. Maybe 35/2 and 75/2z but then we’re into lens changes.. 

Edited December 28, 2020 by paul.bridges.3388

[LocalHero1953]

With both the CL and SL I started out with the standard zooms, 18-56 or 24-90. As a practical camera system for 90% of the photographs I take and how they are used, I should have stopped buying lenses then. Ever since it has been a steep slope downhill in terms of complexity of choices and distraction from the fundamentals of photography😒.

Edited December 28, 2020 by LocalHero1953

[paul.bridges.3388]

13 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

With both the CL and SL I started out with the standard zooms, 18-56 or 24-90. As a practical camera system for 90% of the photographs I take and how they are used, I should have stopped buying lenses then.

I here ya. It was the spectacular 24-90 that got me into Leica. Thinking it was the one lens “do it all” solution. Of course, that was naive and I soon craved a faster aperture. So, I supplemented it with M-lenses and the chase began...

Edited December 28, 2020 by paul.bridges.3388

[Guest Nowhereman]

Paul - I get what you say about the handling differences, but confess that my prejudice is that, when it comes in the difference in the pictures from the two cameras, words matters a lot less than images  — so I would have preferred if you posted images as well.
________________________
Frog Leaping photobook 

[paul.bridges.3388]

13 minutes ago, Nowhereman said:

Paul - I get what you say about the handling differences, but confess that my prejudice is that, when it comes in the difference in the pictures from the two cameras, words matters a lot less than images  — so I would have preferred if you posted images as well.
________________________
Frog Leaping photobook 

I get you. But you’ll notice that I focused mostly on the user experience with this post, for that very reason. And the photos taken over Christmas are mostly intimate family portraits...hence my further reticence.

Edited December 28, 2020 by paul.bridges.3388

[la1402]

Interesting experiences, thanks. I am a bit torn. My intention was to use the SL2S with my 35&50 M Summicrons for family pictures, but that does not work so well with my lively women (yes, lack of practice too).... So leaning back to AF.  My only AF lens is the Sigma 24-70/2.8. That is great but the amount of keepers is super low compared to my Z6 with its kit lens both indoors and outdoor. I wonder wether a Summicron SL would be much faster, or I just wait until summer and then see what the FW update brings. And if I add an SL lens - which one to start with? For Family, a 50mm sounds nice as a one-lens solution, and then adding a 90 later. Somehow I am more tempted by a 35/75 combo, but will not be able to afford both for some time and would be back at only a 35 being too wide and only a 75 too long.

Edited December 28, 2020 by la1402

[jaapv]

1 minute ago, la1402 said:

That is great but the amount of keepers is super low

So what is wrong with the non-keepers? Normally lens speed is not a differentiator.

[paul.bridges.3388]

8 minutes ago, jaapv said:

So what is wrong with the non-keepers? Normally lens speed is not a differentiator.

Maybe I’m confused and showing my lack of experience here. I think he was speaking of AF performance. Certainly by non-keepers I would mean unacceptably blurred faces and noisy unflattering skin tones etc. That’s where I was at with the 24-90 before going into Q2 and where I now see marginal but meaningful improvement of the SLS-S (vs the Q2).

With all the caveats over my poor technique, poor lighting setup, unhelpful subjects etc.

Edited December 28, 2020 by paul.bridges.3388

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[jaapv]

It might certainly be due to technique or settings. I'm sure that there are SL2S owners around on this forum willing to help out. Just put up some examples and ask for critique.

[la1402]

19 minutes ago, jaapv said:

So what is wrong with the non-keepers? Normally lens speed is not a differentiator.

There are simply a lot out of focus. Having shot with DFD cameras before, I did not expect Canon/Nikon/Sigma AF performance, but in comparison to the Z6s AF, the SL2S's AF feels more like a focusing aid. I know from past experiences that some lenses focus faster than others. Given Pauls positive experience with the 75 Sl indoors, I wonder wether I can expect more AF speed from native lenses than from Sigma/Panasonic.

Edited December 28, 2020 by la1402