I'm thinking of getting a TL2 =)

[HowardMCheng]

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Hi everyone,

I hope everyone is well and had a good Christmas break. Happy new year. My name is Howard. I'm a freelance photojournalist. I used to shoot with a Sony A7 III with a 24mm f/1.4 GM, but I've since moved onto the Q2 for my main piece of kit for assignments.

I've been a lurker and reading this forum for a while, but have finally decided to post with my decision to get a TL2 alongside my Q2 and M246. I have read old posts about how you can't actually get the zoom focus function on the TL2 in manual mode, and was wondering how accurate this is now that we're in 2021 / with possibly a few firmware updates since those old posts. I am not sure any TL lenses tickle my fancy as of yet, and for the ultimate mini set up, I am tempted to slap a 35mm f/2.5 Color-Skopar by Voigtländer onto the TL2, hence my specific interest in accessing the zoom focus function.

Also, as I have not bought the TL2 yet, would be grateful of people's opinion as to sensor rendering, ISO performances in terms of what might be usable for maybe 24x16 prints.

Many thanks in advance for any opinions / answers.

Howard

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[jaapv]

The TL2 is exactly as good as the CL, which means decent ISO performance, the sensor rendering is fantastically good for an APS-C, basically nearly indistinguishable from a full frame sensor of 24 MP and the MP count ensures that you can basically print to any size you like (considering viewing distance). 24x16 is a doddle.

Have a look at the 18 mm TL lens - it is far better than some "reviews" (*) will lead you to believe and it is very compact. 

 

(*) Basically it is sometimes discounted because the other TL lenses are such high quality in the comparison, this one is  <just> excellent , but the design compromises, that any optic has, have been slanted to compact size rather than extreme resolution. It is certainly at least as good as using the Color Skopar, which I find a bit on the long side for a carry-everywhere camera and a bit protruding when including the adapter.

[HowardMCheng]

1 hour ago, jaapv said:

The TL2 is exactly as good as the CL, which means decent ISO performance, the sensor rendering is fantastically good for an APS-C, basically nearly indistinguishable from a full frame sensor of 24 MP and the MP count ensures that you can basically print to any size you like (considering viewing distance). 24x16 is a doddle.

Have a look at the 18 mm TL lens - it is far better than some "reviews" (*) will lead you to believe and it is very compact. 

 

(*) Basically it is sometimes discounted because the other TL lenses are such high quality in the comparison, this one is  <just> excellent , but the design compromises, that any optic has, have been slanted to compact size rather than extreme resolution. It is certainly at least as good as using the Color Skopar, which I find a bit on the long side for a carry-everywhere camera and a bit protruding when including the adapter.

Hi Japp,

Many thanks for your reply and sending me over to the 18mm's way. I'll definitely have a look into that one! I totally didn't factor in the adapter size LOL - thanks for reminding me. If I'm looking at the 18mm, what would the autofocus ability of the TL2 be like?

Also, might you or anyone else know about accessing zoom focus if I do go with M mount lenses?

Many thanks again to you, and everyone else in advance!

H

[HowardMCheng]

Also just wanted to add I'm a little hesitant at getting TL lenses because I'm not sure what other L Mount APS-C cameras might be developed after the TL2 and the CL, and so thought that it might make more sense if I just focus on adapting the M Mount lenses which I have for my M246 as that seems more of a long term lens ecosystem. Wondering what your thoughts might be on the future of the TL2 / CL range, and flexibility of use of having TL lenses in the long term.

[wda]

I am not sure why you are considering buying a TL.  You are well covered with fullframe lenses. TL plus 18 would give you a dilute version of your Q2. For what purpose? If you find the TL irresistible,  consider getting a TL body plus a TL or Sigma macro lens. That would add a useful capability, with a more useful shooting range, than your Q.

[HowardMCheng]

3 hours ago, wda said:

I am not sure why you are considering buying a TL.  You are well covered with fullframe lenses. TL plus 18 would give you a dilute version of your Q2. For what purpose? If you find the TL irresistible,  consider getting a TL body plus a TL or Sigma macro lens. That would add a useful capability, with a more useful shooting range, than your Q.

Hi David,

Thanks for your reply. I was initially thinking of having an interchangeable lens camera with autofocus to give me options over and above my Q2 and M246. Thank you for your mention of Sigma lenses though - some of them look pretty good for APS-C format - especially attracted to the 30mm and 56mm. Although again, I suppose my hesitancy in investing in L APS-C lenses is I don't know how long the system would last. I don't particular need a TL2 - I would equally be happy getting say a Fujifilm X-Pro3 - but it's just that I found a new TL2 for only £850, and it was more the price point which got me curious about the TL2 and how it might compliment my needs for an interchangeable lens camera with potential for autofocus.

Many thanks.

H

Edited January 6, 2022 by HowardMCheng

[wda]

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Howard, I have the Sigma 70mm macro for use on my CL. It is superb,  Being L-mount, remember it also works on the SL bodies.

[Anakronox]

Just know that without adding the Visoflex Typ 20, the TL2 does not have an EVF, so you’ll be using the back screen for framing and shooting.  As far as EVFs go, the Visoflex is okay.  It gets the job done on my digital Ms but it’s not as responsive or pixel dense as the EVF in a CL, Q, or SL series camera.  This may be a moot point but a bare TL2 will be a different shooting experience from your Q2.

[Dopaco]

21 hours ago, HowardMCheng said:

Hi everyone,

I hope everyone is well and had a good Christmas break. Happy new year. My name is Howard. I'm a freelance photojournalist. I used to shoot with a Sony A7 III with a 24mm f/1.4 GM, but I've since moved onto the Q2 for my main piece of kit for assignments.

I've been a lurker and reading this forum for a while, but have finally decided to post with my decision to get a TL2 alongside my Q2 and M246. I have read old posts about how you can't actually get the zoom focus function on the TL2 in manual mode, and was wondering how accurate this is now that we're in 2021 / with possibly a few firmware updates since those old posts. I am not sure any TL lenses tickle my fancy as of yet, and for the ultimate mini set up, I am tempted to slap a 35mm f/2.5 Color-Skopar by Voigtländer onto the TL2, hence my specific interest in accessing the zoom focus function.

Also, as I have not bought the TL2 yet, would be grateful of people's opinion as to sensor rendering, ISO performances in terms of what might be usable for maybe 24x16 prints.

Many thanks in advance for any opinions / answers.

Howard

I assume you mean Zoom's approach that TL2 has x3 and x6.
As my English is bad, I am going to see if with images I can express myself better so that it is understood:

With leica TL2 + M / T adapter + Summicroc C40 F2:

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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

 

On the screen you will see the following (Images taken with Iphone12 pro, all without tripods):

Image 1: (Without Zoom)
Image 2: (x3 Zoom)
Image 3: (x6 Zoom)

[Dopaco]

I have TL2 with EVF2 Visor that incorporates GPS in TL2, and I have not had any problem of it falling. The TL2 has a pretty good screen and for most photos the viewfinder is not necessary, I think it is more a habit than a necessity.

For me, this camera with a modern and unique design, looks robust and has all the features that if treated well, will last for many years.

If you've found a new TL2 for £ 850 it's a very hard bargain to find. (Be careful that they offer you a guarantee).

I think TL2 and CL, their optimal performance is with their own TL lenses.

Edited January 6, 2022 by Dopaco

[HowardMCheng]

1 hour ago, Dopaco said:

If you've found a new TL2 for £ 850 it's a very hard bargain to find. (Be careful that they offer you a guarantee).

Hi @Dopaco,

Thank you so much for your replies, especially the images showing the zoom for manual focus. I did check, and they said that it'd come with the normal 2 year warranty from Leica, so I'm not too worried about that. The only question really is the TL2 good for what I want to use it for, or should I look at the CL, which seems to be another popular option. Oh the choices and the decision to be made. But I guess what @wda said (quoted below) is true...

13 hours ago, wda said:

TL plus 18 would give you a dilute version of your Q2.

With a Q2 in hand, do I really need / want the TL2 with an 18mm? I guess thinking about it, I'd probably want a 35mm on the APS-C to give me a near 50mm equivalent, and maybe a 56mm. Sigma lenses seem like potential good options to go with. I don't have to make a decision immediately, so at least there's that.

But many thanks for showing me the zoom focusing when using manual lenses.

H

[HowardMCheng]

7 hours ago, Anakronox said:

Just know that without adding the Visoflex Typ 20, the TL2 does not have an EVF, so you’ll be using the back screen for framing and shooting.  As far as EVFs go, the Visoflex is okay.  It gets the job done on my digital Ms but it’s not as responsive or pixel dense as the EVF in a CL, Q, or SL series camera.  This may be a moot point but a bare TL2 will be a different shooting experience from your Q2.

Hi @Anakronox,

Thanks so much for your thoughts on the TL2 and and EVF. I will definitely have to have a think about how I prefer to shoot. I think I'm kind of a 50/50 depending on the situation. Sometimes for assignments, I like to shoot using the LCD due to the fact that I want to also have my peripheral vision to observe anything else going on in case I see something more interesting to snap. But I do enjoy using a viewfinder too - there's just something so much more enjoyable having a camera to your eye.

Do you happen to know if the M246 takes the Typ 020? From what I have read, it does not appear to, but would love to see if anyone else can confirm. Because if I could use the same viewfinder for both TL2 (if I decide to bite), and the M246, then that would obviously be amazing.

H

[Anakronox]

You’re welcome.  And no, the M246 cannot use the Visoflex 20.