SL2-S Input Requested

[pixeljohn22]

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Hi. I have been reading lots of comments here trying to learn more about the SL2-S. The new lens bundle has me very interested. I'm quite curious from those who own this camera to get feedback on your experiences so far. I'm not a professional but an avid amateur. I do landscape and some grand kids photos. I gave bird photography a try but it wasn't for me. I'm drawn to the ruggedness of the camera and the available L system lenses. After buying the bundle I would probably look to some of the non-Leica options for lenses. Maybe a walk around lens as well as a moderate telephoto. Any thoughts, personal experiences or feedback would be much appreciated. Most of my reading in this forum has impressed me with the thoughtful and polite commentary. Thanks in advance.

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[Aaron Daniel]

Hi @pixeljohn22, I’m so glad you are asking about this camera. As you say, it has grown a lot of positive feedback and commentary here, and I’m sure you’ve already conjured up some potential uses in your life.

TL;DR - it is a wonderful all-purpose body for the avid amateur!

To preface, I’ve only been in the Leica system for about a year and a half now. I previously owned the SL2, but quickly traded it in for the SL2-S for it’s video capabilities. My first point of feedback, and truly my only expertise with this camera, is its wonderful ability to capture video. If you are interested in shooting both personal/at-home video as well as potential commercials in the future, this camera packs a punch! Many here can attest to this

In terms of photography, I’ve yet to use it on the job yet. But from the personal on-the-run photography with my family, the SL2-S truly heightens the photographer’s experience. It is very pleasing and encouraging to feel this way after investing into the system 😅

As a walk-around, I have yet to use any native L-mount lenses for this purpose. I’ve only had a Viltrox 20mm cine lens, and I would not recommend that lens for leisurely walks haha. I am still on the hunt for decently priced Leica/Leitz M or R mount lenses to fit my current lens kit, so I cannot comment on Leica glass on this body. What I do have experience in is a number of Voigtlander glass, which I would highly recommend looking into for your non-Leica options.

I’ve yet to use the new Leica 24-70 lens, nor the 24-90 SL lens, but I have owned the Sony g master lens of the same focal range and I’m sure you will get a lot of use out of this zoom! The biggest thing you may miss with a 24-70, however, is a distinct separation between your subjects and background. As much as an f2.8 aperture is a very capable speed, if you are doing portraiture of your grandkids, the separation may not be the most pleasing in comparison to a faster prime. For this, I would recommend a fast 28mm or 35mm fast prime lens– though this is just from my personal experience and opinion. A 28 or 35mm focal length could be wide enough for your landscape work, while still producing a pleasing portrait image with your grandkids Plus the wide field of view wouldn’t hurt if the kids are running around

In terms of a telephoto, I am only well-versed with the 85mm focal length. A lot of separation for pleasing portraiture, while not being too tight if you need to widen up. I find that 135mm and up tends to limit what you can do, unless you are specifically looking for wildlife or sport or something requiring a far reach.

Anywho, I really believe if you are thinking about this camera, you will definitely enjoy owning it. It has its growing L-mount lens lineup, a legendary m-mount selection with the right adapter, and the ease of use really makes this a wonderful all-rounded body! You fit in with the street photographers, the fashion and studio photographers, and the heirloom aspect of the brand makes this a wonderful option around family. I seriously can’t think of another camera that can do this!

I hope this helps

[Slender]

Hello pixeljohn22

You can find comments of seasoned pro who switched to SL and love it bits! Which platform are you currently using?

Like all Leica you have to understand and be on board with the "less is more" philosophy and boy, its the minimalism that makes me happy about any Leica camera... even if the SL2 if the most "feature rich" of them all to date; it is still very much about restraint and moderation.... like zen archery.

If you favor landscape, and don't always need to shoot stills at 25 000 iso or grain-less videos at 6400 I would also suggest the 48MP SL2...

[pixeljohn22]

I currently shoot with the Canon R6. Build quality is ok. Autofocus is excellent but I considered bird photography and thought that I needed the excellent autofocus. Thanks. 

[pixeljohn22]

Oh, I am mainly a stills shooter. 

[geotrupede]

SL2-S

It is super fun camera.  Comes with a lot of functionalities and potential to play with.

Starting from mounting alternative lenses, shift lenses, vintage gear, crafting videos, expanding with monitors, camera cages, etc.

It is a fantastic joyful toy to have.

...unless you are a purist, for whom the M is still the preferred solution in my opinion.

From a technical point of view, sensor is really good, colours, sensitivity, noise, etc. I have never used anything better.

Interface has some minor glitches but overall ok and new firmware adds even more fun.

Go for it, will not regret

G.

PS I do use only manual lenses so if you have any question please let me know, happy to share details

 

Edited May 9, 2021 by geotrupede

[hansvons]

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I like @geotrupede's take on the SL2-S. Indeed, the SL2-S is a camera for creative people. Its mount allows an unrivalled lens versatility, the colour is second to none, and the sensitivity is among the best, plus the state-of-the-art IBIS, which can be switched off, of course. 

Compared to the Canon R6, you will get skin tones that are not "healthy", "vibrant", or "lively" but true. The Leica SL2-S doesn't record a "better than life" interpretation of skin tones but what they are: diverse, beautiful, individual, extraordinary. Greens have an aspect of classiness, and the sky-blue shows shades I only know from film and Arri's Alexa.

In Capture One, Leica is supported very well. The raw importer is doing a superb job. It's the first time I instantly agree with the colours I get. Never had that before and consider this as the most significant advantage of the SL system because postproduction is the other half of the equation.

What you will lose is a perfect AF. The SL2-S AF is better than good when shooting portraits but disappointing when trying to use a constant AF with video.

[Slender]

Yes I think the AF bottom line for SL2(s) should be:

Stills:

• Excellent for everything save perhaps for insane olympic level Sport/BIF (haven't tried either but I assume) photography.
• The Leica SL2(s) AF(-S) is (one of) the most pin-sharp accurate there is. You can rest assured that when the green light in on, there won't be nasty surprises once the shutter is pressed. It works down to -6EV in the dark... it can hunt a bit in those situations like any other AF, but when locked it's as accurate as it gets.
• It is especially fast when using lenses like the Zooms (16-35, 24-90, 90-280.... idk about the latest 24-70) b/c they move only one tiny lens to focus. I hear summicrons SL are fast too, but they move more elements of glass. The one and only Summilux SL50 is slower than rest of the pack, but the images are so so so astonishing it's probably my next buy for my SL2.
• When using M glass or other third party MF lenses, there is an array of tools to help you focus fast and accurately with personalised magnification and focus peaking.

For video:

• I do not know how the latest firmware changes things, but I do all in MF for filmic work so I don't really care for the comparaison... being trained as Assistant Camera and DOP.
• One the instances I used it for video, it did a good job but no runing kids were involved.
• For bothe Stills/Video: the MF settings lets you conviniently change the focus throw of the SL lenses from linear (choose anywhere between 90˚ to 360˚) or non-linear.

Ask a Leica Store for a 48H SL test drive program. It costs a small fee you get back if you decide to buy into it, but you get to play with a 10 000USB combo for a whole weekend.

[syd]

I have both the R6 and the SL2. Previously I had the SL2-S. I'm not sure what you're expecting from the SL2-S that the R6 can't give you. Personally, I would take the $ you've set aside for the change to the SL2-S bundle and just buy some nice Canon glass. I switched from the SL2-S to the SL2 because 24MP for the SL2-S is practically the same as the EOS R6 at 20. If you're doing landscape, then Canon has more ultra-wide lens choices than native Leica lenses. And if you're shooting grand kids, then the AF on the R6 is going to be significantly better than the SL2-S. I would look at the SL2 if you were wanting to change from the R6. But I wouldn't change to the SL2-S for your landscapes and grand kids photography.

[pixeljohn22]

6 hours ago, syd said:

I have both the R6 and the SL2. Previously I had the SL2-S. I'm not sure what you're expecting from the SL2-S that the R6 can't give you. Personally, I would take the $ you've set aside for the change to the SL2-S bundle and just buy some nice Canon glass. I switched from the SL2-S to the SL2 because 24MP for the SL2-S is practically the same as the EOS R6 at 20. If you're doing landscape, then Canon has more ultra-wide lens choices than native Leica lenses. And if you're shooting grand kids, then the AF on the R6 is going to be significantly better than the SL2-S. I would look at the SL2 if you were wanting to change from the R6. But I wouldn't change to the SL2-S for your landscapes and grand kids photography.

I tried to reply once. Not sure it posted. Thanks Syd. You have brought me back into practical reality. A couple of years ago I had a CL which really made me want to go out and shoot. Not so much with the R6 but it's a fine camera. So, I will not be pursuing the SL2-S any longer. Maybe CL2 when and if it appears as a second camera. Off to review Canon lenses for my needs. Thanks again.

[Michael Markey]

26 minutes ago, pixeljohn22 said:

I tried to reply once. Not sure it posted. Thanks Syd. You have brought me back into practical reality. A couple of years ago I had a CL which really made me want to go out and shoot. Not so much with the R6 but it's a fine camera. So, I will not be pursuing the SL2-S any longer. Maybe CL2 when and if it appears as a second camera. Off to review Canon lenses for my needs. Thanks again.

I switched from Sony and Canon systems to an SL2 S .

I also use film M`s and a digital CL .

The SL2S af is better than its cracked up to be but it isn`t a Sony , not by a long way .

It`s a bit like stepping back five years .

The lens line up is poor too and nowhere near as comprehensive as either Canon or Sony .

Having said that the SL2S is the most enjoyable camera I`ve ever used and the colours it produces are ,to my eyes, sublime .

 

 

Edited May 10, 2021 by Michael Markey

[pixeljohn22]

1 hour ago, Michael Markey said:

I switched from Sony and Canon systems to an SL2 S .

I also use film M`s and a digital CL .

The SL2S af is better than its cracked up to be but it isn`t a Sony , not by a long way .

It`s a bit like stepping back five years .

The lens line up is poor too and nowhere near as comprehensive as either Canon or Sony .

Having said that the SL2S is the most enjoyable camera I`ve ever used and the colours it produces are ,to my eyes, sublime .

 

 

Thanks. The enjoyable part is what started me looking. If you don't mind sharing, what lenses do you use?

[Michael Markey]

38 minutes ago, pixeljohn22 said:

Thanks. The enjoyable part is what started me looking. If you don't mind sharing, what lenses do you use?

On the Sony I used Batis 40 /85 and 135.

Still can`t part with them. 

I also used the ubiquitous 70 -200 /2.8 on both Sony and Canon bodies as I did the 85/1.2 and the 400 DO.

I`ve used the Sony A7S and A7R2 .

Not the fastest AF in the Sony class but faster than the SL2S .

Ultimately the Sony bodies were just too small for my hands although the AR74  appears to be just right and at a shade over 2K used is a hec of a bargain .

Like I said though my SL2S is a joy to use so I put up with its short comings and I do like the colours .

Apart from a Pany 70-200 i`m using my CL lenses on the SL2S which only gives me 10mp file but the Sony A7S only gave me 12 so I`m ok with that. 

High MP cameras like the AR72 and SL2 are a bit of a pain in the conditions in which i shoot .

As  regards f/l the tl 55 -135 is perfect on a full frame body for me I just wish that they made a full frame lens in that range .

Edited May 10, 2021 by Michael Markey

[simon_hsn]

It would be great if Zeiss joins the L-Mount alliance: I would like to see their Batis line of lenses for the SL.

In my opinion, the SL2-S is the camera with the best usability on the market. Its only drawback might be the AF, but it is definitely usable.

[Michael Markey]

21 hours ago, simon_hsn said:

It would be great if Zeiss joins the L-Mount alliance: I would like to see their Batis line of lenses for the SL.

In my opinion, the SL2-S is the camera with the best usability on the market. Its only drawback might be the AF, but it is definitely usable.

I`d vote for that .

Still hanging on to my three Batis lenses  ... for no good purpose really unless I buy another Sony body .

I`d  def purchase them again in L mount .  

[la1402]

On 5/8/2021 at 7:46 PM, pixeljohn22 said:

Hi. I have been reading lots of comments here trying to learn more about the SL2-S. The new lens bundle has me very interested. I'm quite curious from those who own this camera to get feedback on your experiences so far. I'm not a professional but an avid amateur. I do landscape and some grand kids photos. I gave bird photography a try but it wasn't for me. I'm drawn to the ruggedness of the camera and the available L system lenses. After buying the bundle I would probably look to some of the non-Leica options for lenses. Maybe a walk around lens as well as a moderate telephoto. Any thoughts, personal experiences or feedback would be much appreciated. Most of my reading in this forum has impressed me with the thoughtful and polite commentary. Thanks in advance.

If you don‘t plan to buy any native lens, (the new kit lens is not one either), I see little reason to buy any SLx. Lenses is where Leica shines. In terms of body, the SL2(s) offers nothing that others cannot do at least as well. Maybe with the exception of the absolutely gorgeous viewfinder. What looks rugged is in real life mainly very heavy weight - the camera dents and get scratches more easily than any camera I have owned in over 30 years. The grip is clunky and not ergonomic enough. AF is outdated, even for photos in AFC. But it looks sexy, Design and menus are great. For photographing grandchildren who typically move erratically, I think a SLx is the wrong tool. 

[syd]

10 hours ago, la1402 said:

If you don‘t plan to buy any native lens, (the new kit lens is not one either), I see little reason to buy any SLx....

Interestingly, the SL2 is a great body for Canon EF Tilt Shift lenses. With the Sigma MC-21 adapter the manual focus aids on the SL2, it's the best handheld camera I've used with a Canon Tilt Shift lens. Certainly better than the EOS R5 and R6

[pixeljohn22]

On 5/12/2021 at 6:18 PM, la1402 said:

If you don‘t plan to buy any native lens, (the new kit lens is not one either), I see little reason to buy any SLx. Lenses is where Leica shines. In terms of body, the SL2(s) offers nothing that others cannot do at least as well. Maybe with the exception of the absolutely gorgeous viewfinder. What looks rugged is in real life mainly very heavy weight - the camera dents and get scratches more easily than any camera I have owned in over 30 years. The grip is clunky and not ergonomic enough. AF is outdated, even for photos in AFC. But it looks sexy, Design and menus are great. For photographing grandchildren who typically move erratically, I think a SLx is the wrong tool. 

Interesting. Thanks. I wonder if others have had issues with scratches and dents. 

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[pixeljohn22]

Has anyone else seen or had denting or scratching issues with the SL2-S?

[mumu]

vor 4 Stunden schrieb pixeljohn22:

Has anyone else seen or had denting or scratching issues with the SL2-S?

No, i am using the SL since 2016 and the SL2-S since this year, both every day and the camera looks nearly new. It depends on how you treat your tool.