Leica SL System

[ehanpaul8]

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Hi all, recently a thought been planted in my mind that made me want to try Leica SL system thus this question.

But not sure whether the colour science difference is that big to opt for an SL. So I am wondering if anyone has experienced with using either or both of these cameras with Leica SL lenses? If yes, what is your experience or observation.

As the used prices over where I'm based, both of this camera are around the same price range.

Because if I decide to use the SL system, for sure I will be getting the Leica SL lenses. I always believe lens impacts more on the IQ than the body. And Leica SL lens are expensive as it comes, so if I could save a bunch on the camera body it would be a good welcome (thus no SL2 in consideration).

I mainly shoot portraits, travel, and landscape.

Some backstory: 2018-2019 I am using Leica-M lens adapted on Sony A7R2 and A7R4.

I truly enjoyed the indescribable character and colour from those lenses (3 out of 4 are Walter Mandler designed lens), and of course the mini size of it.

Of course, it does come with some cons with these setup; no native AF, sharpness not comparable to top tier modern lenses.

Leica-M lens I've owned before:

• 35mm f/2 v4 KOB pre-ASPH

• 50mm f/2 v5 pre-ASPH

• 90mm f/2 v3 pre-ASPH

• 21mm f/3.4 ASPH

Back to 2020, I have sold all my Leica-M lens and returned to Sony GM lenses. Sadly I don't shoot much this year and no travel at all due to COVID pandemic.

Thanks in advance!

 

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[Cobram]

I use SL 601 + Lux 50 ASPH --> very nice rendering, sharp images, easy to focus.

My question: why you decided to sell all Leica stuff and returned to Sony?  Particular reason other than price?

[beewee]

 

 

6 hours ago, ehanpaul8 said:

Leica SL lens are expensive as it comes

Looking at retail prices of current generation M-lens compared to SL-lenses, they’re not that different. In fact if you were to compare say a 50/2 APO-M vs 50/2 APO-SL, the SL version makes the M lens look like a bargain.

It’s also worth noting that Sigma has introduced a new i-series lens which is part of their ‘contemporary’ line. So far, there are 24/3.5, 35/2, 45/2.8, 65/2.8 options all with metal lens build, priced well below $1k each, and offer image quality that compares well with their Art series, and in a compact size that is smaller than any other L-mount prime on the market. They’re actually closer to M-lens sizes/weight than they are to L-mount lens sizes/weight.

Seeing some of the early results, 24, 45, and 65 all offer some very nice rendering while the 35/2 is subject to your taste as far as bokeh goes.

Also bear in mind that the corner sharpness with M-lenses on the SL cameras will not be quite as good as on an M-body, especially for the wide angle M-lenses so this is also a consideration. That being said, the Sigma 24/3.5 would make a very good affordable alternative for landscape.

Edited February 9, 2021 by beewee

[ehanpaul8]

21 hours ago, ehanpaul8 said:

Hi all, recently a thought been planted in my mind that made me want to try Leica SL system thus this question.

But not sure whether the colour science difference is that big to opt for an SL. So I am wondering if anyone has experienced with using either or both of these cameras with Leica SL lenses? If yes, what is your experience or observation.

As the used prices over where I'm based, both of this camera are around the same price range.

Because if I decide to use the SL system, for sure I will be getting the Leica SL lenses. I always believe lens impacts more on the IQ than the body. And Leica SL lens are expensive as it comes, so if I could save a bunch on the camera body it would be a good welcome (thus no SL2 in consideration).

I mainly shoot portraits, travel, and landscape.

Some backstory: 2018-2019 I am using Leica-M lens adapted on Sony A7R2 and A7R4.

I truly enjoyed the indescribable character and colour from those lenses (3 out of 4 are Walter Mandler designed lens), and of course the mini size of it.

Of course, it does come with some cons with these setup; no native AF, sharpness not comparable to top tier modern lenses.

Leica-M lens I've owned before:

• 35mm f/2 v4 KOB pre-ASPHusps tracking showbox speed test

• 50mm f/2 v5 pre-ASPH

• 90mm f/2 v3 pre-ASPH

• 21mm f/3.4 ASPH

Back to 2020, I have sold all my Leica-M lens and returned to Sony GM lenses. Sadly I don't shoot much this year and no travel at all due to COVID pandemic.

Thanks in advance!

 

my issue was solved guyss!!

[Cobram]

4 minutes ago, ehanpaul8 said:

my issue was solved guyss!!

Can you share with us your conclusions?

As SL 601 and M owner I'm interested what solution you got.

[RoySmith]

18 hours ago, beewee said:

Also bear in mind that the corner sharpness with M-lenses on the SL cameras will not be quite as good as on an M-body, especially for the wide angle M-lenses so this is also a consideration. That being said, the Sigma 24/3.5 would make a very good affordable alternative for landscape.

An exception is the 28mm Summilux-M which is exceptional on the SL family. Sean Reid’s review of this is worth reading, although a subscription is required..