SL3 Rumors

[FlashGordonPhotography]

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2 hours ago, Virob said:

I agree. The camera is becoming too right hand centric. At least the have added the new dial top left which give the left hand something to do.

I already find that accessing the 2 buttons between the lens and right grip awkward, which will only be exacerbated if the space is reduced. To me it would have made more sense to move these buttons  to the left side where there is plenty of space.
 

The play button should always be on the right, so you don't need to lower the camera to review images in the EVF. The original SL had this right. It didn't matter for a DSLR. It does for a mirrorless.

The left hand is for aperture rings and camera support. Try one of the Sigma lenses with aperture support on the SL2. It'll be better on the SL3.

Gordon

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[la1402]

12 minutes ago, Simone_DF said:

That's exactly why I said "most", not "all", in my original post. The 45mm, 24, 50mm f2 and 90mm are very compact for autofocus lenses.

Indeed, they are fairly compact for what they are. But you said "Most of the newer mirrorless Sigma lenses are as small as your average M lens" while in reality for most, there is still a significant size difference like here for one of the most compact like the 50mm/2.0 or the 45mm/2.8 vs the 50/2.5. The 90mm is the closest in total length witdth adapter, but still much wider. And they weigh more, even considering the adapter. Still good choices, anyway.

But that would bring me back to my old question - if I plan to buy Sigma lenses (or clones), what's the point to buy a Leica SL Body at such a premium? They do nothing that others can't. For me the main interesting aspect would be using M lenses.

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[FlashGordonPhotography]

I've seen some pictures where they've lined up the SL2 and 3 properly. There was also a Youtube video. The size looks right in-between the A7R5 and SL2. Maybe a tad bigger than the S5II, which is actually fine with my SL glass. VERY close to my X2D's, which I consider about perfect. I'm not overly concerned that it'll be a too tight grip with the bigger lenses.

I'm currently doing quite a bit of testing of lenses and other stuff in preparation for the SL3 against my other systems. What I'm seeing is there's nothing that quite gets to the SL zooms (that I have) except the incredible Canon 28-70 f2L, which is 1.3kg. The Leica zooms are varios, sure, but against the Canon RFL and GM Sony glass I have I prefer the Leica glass every time. Those other lenses are fabulous but that extra size on the SL zooms is there for a reason. Same with the primes. The GM and L primes that even get close to the APO Summicrons are all bigger lenses. I'm confident that some of my impressions are due to the thinner cover glass on the SL2. There's a bite the others don't have. I also see that lack of bite very occasionally when using my S1R so I *think* it's the cover glass adding another 2%.

I've just ordered a set of DG DN f2 primes for L mount. I have some in FE mount for my A7RC and they're very very good. And they have aperture rings. Should make an excellent walk around set when I don't want to carry the APO's. They're not at APO level but nothing is... These combined with the slightly smaller/lighter body should make for a very comfortable kit. I already have the better than it should be but not perfect 20-60 as a city explorer lens.

In my testing I've been reminded of a few things. The SL joystick is the best there is. The EVF may have less dots than my Sony's but it's as good in practice. My SL2 has the best IBIS of any camera I own in small format. The S5II is about the same but the A7R5, A1, R5, A7CR and Z7 are all behind the Leica. That's a nice surprise. I have been reminded how much I like the Leica colours over the rest. How useful a flippy screen is. How the SL3 screen should have been a tri-flip (fully articulated for SL3-S). How the play button will be in the right spot. And finally how well built the Leica feels.

As I print big and I really like the sensor in the A7R5/M11/Q3 etc. I'm excited for the SL3.

And I wish I could adapt the RF28-70L to a Leica.....

Gordon

[LBJ2]

3 minutes ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

I've seen some pictures where they've lined up the SL2 and 3 properly. There was also a Youtube video. The size looks right in-between the A7R5 and SL2. Maybe a tad bigger than the S5II, which is actually fine with my SL glass. VERY close to my X2D's, which I consider about perfect. I'm not overly concerned that it'll be a too tight grip with the bigger lenses.

I'm currently doing quite a bit of testing of lenses and other stuff in preparation for the SL3 against my other systems. What I'm seeing is there's nothing that quite gets to the SL zooms (that I have) except the incredible Canon 28-70 f2L, which is 1.3kg. The Leica zooms are varios, sure, but against the Canon RFL and GM Sony glass I have I prefer the Leica glass every time. Those other lenses are fabulous but that extra size on the SL zooms is there for a reason. Same with the primes. The GM and L primes that even get close to the APO Summicrons are all bigger lenses. I'm confident that some of my impressions are due to the thinner cover glass on the SL2. There's a bite the others don't have. I also see that lack of bite very occasionally when using my S1R so I *think* it's the cover glass adding another 2%.

I've just ordered a set of DG DN f2 primes for L mount. I have some in FE mount for my A7RC and they're very very good. And they have aperture rings. Should make an excellent walk around set when I don't want to carry the APO's. They're not at APO level but nothing is... These combined with the slightly smaller/lighter body should make for a very comfortable kit. I already have the better than it should be but not perfect 20-60 as a city explorer lens.

In my testing I've been reminded of a few things. The SL joystick is the best there is. The EVF may have less dots than my Sony's but it's as good in practice. My SL2 has the best IBIS of any camera I own in small format. The S5II is about the same but the A7R5, A1, R5, A7CR and Z7 are all behind the Leica. That's a nice surprise. I have been reminded how much I like the Leica colours over the rest. How useful a flippy screen is. How the SL3 screen should have been a tri-flip (fully articulated for SL3-S). How the play button will be in the right spot. And finally how well built the Leica feels.

As I print big and I really like the sensor in the A7R5/M11/Q3 etc. I'm excited for the SL3.

And I wish I could adapt the RF28-70L to a Leica.....

Gordon

Where did you see the SL2/SL3 lined up photos? I was looking for that type of info.

[Simone_DF]

18 minutes ago, la1402 said:

But that would bring me back to my old question - if I plan to buy Sigma lenses (or clones), what's the point to buy a Leica SL Body at such a premium? They do nothing that others can't. For me the main interesting aspect would be using M lenses.

Two reasons: 

1. I like Sigma lenses. The other platform that has the Sigmas is Sony, a system I had in the past but never loved. Nikon and Canon marketed themselves out with their closed system.

2. I like Leica colors out of camera. It takes me very little in Lightroom to push the file where I want it. It took me significantly longer with the Sony. And time is precious to me, more than an extra 3000€.

Bonus:

3. Since I don't like the 60mp sensor due to its abysmal readout speed, I'm planning to get the S5II, which has pleasant colors to me, and while not as nice as Leica's, it's still better than Sony's colors. I may get a SL3-S if we'll ever see one in the future.

[helged]

32 minutes ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

The play button should always be on the right, so you don't need to lower the camera to review images in the EVF. The original SL had this right. It didn't matter for a DSLR. It does for a mirrorless.

The left hand is for aperture rings and camera support. Try one of the Sigma lenses with aperture support on the SL2. It'll be better on the SL3.

Gordon

+1.

[LBJ2]

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26 minutes ago, LBJ2 said:

Where did you see the SL2/SL3 lined up photos? I was looking for that type of info.

 

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[Photoworks]

1 hour ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

The play button should always be on the right, so you don't need to lower the camera to review images in the EVF. The original SL had this right. It didn't matter for a DSLR. It does for a mirrorless.

The left hand is for aperture rings and camera support. Try one of the Sigma lenses with aperture support on the SL2. It'll be better on the SL3.

Gordon

I don't see it to be practical to keep your eye on the EVF and push the play button.

I have the review option active on hold of the shutter button. I use it occasionally to see if the light is correct on a portrait shoot using strobes in the studio, all that while images are being transferred to Capture One tether

[huwm]

16 minutes ago, LBJ2 said:

 

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Not seen that before, they seem to have messed up the proportions and to me for sure it does not look as appealing 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

3 minutes ago, Photoworks said:

I don't see it to be practical to keep your eye on the EVF and push the play button.

I have the review option active on hold of the shutter button. I use it occasionally to see if the light is correct on a portrait shoot using strobes in the studio, all that while images are being transferred to Capture One tether

I do. I almost exclusively use the EVF to review images. No distracting reflections or nose grease to deal with. I don't need to lower the camera, push a button and then raise the camera again. Review on hold doesn't work for me because I'll often be quickly comparing a set of images taken quickly to make sure I have a frame I like. I find the SL2 button really annoying, especially since you can't remap another button to do that task like you can on other systems. I was by far the biggest step back from the SL, IMHO.

Gordon

[SrMi]

1 hour ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

The play button should always be on the right, so you don't need to lower the camera to review images in the EVF. The original SL had this right. It didn't matter for a DSLR. It does for a mirrorless.

The left hand is for aperture rings and camera support. Try one of the Sigma lenses with aperture support on the SL2. It'll be better on the SL3.

Gordon

Panasonic S5 II has it on the left as well. I typically find the play button, even on the right, hard to access when viewing through the EVF and often assign one of the front buttons for image review.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

51 minutes ago, SrMi said:

Panasonic S5 II has it on the left as well. I typically find the play button, even on the right, hard to access when viewing through the EVF and often assign one of the front buttons for image review.

Yes. I do the same on the Panasonics. But one of the rear buttons. You can't do that on any Leica though.

Gordon

[Leica Filmmatic]

I’m here for the smaller size, makes it easier to take it everywhere.

[eab]

2 hours ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

I've seen some pictures where they've lined up the SL2 and 3 properly. There was also a Youtube video. The size looks right in-between the A7R5 and SL2. Maybe a tad bigger than the S5II, which is actually fine with my SL glass. VERY close to my X2D's, which I consider about perfect. I'm not overly concerned that it'll be a too tight grip with the bigger lenses.

I'm currently doing quite a bit of testing of lenses and other stuff in preparation for the SL3 against my other systems. What I'm seeing is there's nothing that quite gets to the SL zooms (that I have) except the incredible Canon 28-70 f2L, which is 1.3kg. The Leica zooms are varios, sure, but against the Canon RFL and GM Sony glass I have I prefer the Leica glass every time. Those other lenses are fabulous but that extra size on the SL zooms is there for a reason. Same with the primes. The GM and L primes that even get close to the APO Summicrons are all bigger lenses. I'm confident that some of my impressions are due to the thinner cover glass on the SL2. There's a bite the others don't have. I also see that lack of bite very occasionally when using my S1R so I *think* it's the cover glass adding another 2%.

I've just ordered a set of DG DN f2 primes for L mount. I have some in FE mount for my A7RC and they're very very good. And they have aperture rings. Should make an excellent walk around set when I don't want to carry the APO's. They're not at APO level but nothing is... These combined with the slightly smaller/lighter body should make for a very comfortable kit. I already have the better than it should be but not perfect 20-60 as a city explorer lens.

In my testing I've been reminded of a few things. The SL joystick is the best there is. The EVF may have less dots than my Sony's but it's as good in practice. My SL2 has the best IBIS of any camera I own in small format. The S5II is about the same but the A7R5, A1, R5, A7CR and Z7 are all behind the Leica. That's a nice surprise. I have been reminded how much I like the Leica colours over the rest. How useful a flippy screen is. How the SL3 screen should have been a tri-flip (fully articulated for SL3-S). How the play button will be in the right spot. And finally how well built the Leica feels.

As I print big and I really like the sensor in the A7R5/M11/Q3 etc. I'm excited for the SL3.

And I wish I could adapt the RF28-70L to a Leica.....

Gordon

Hi Gordon,

I am very interested in the testing you have done and agree with many of your assertions. I have a few questions I think you may be able to shed some light on.  Just for background I am a Lecia and Sony user.  I used to own the SL2 but most of my photography is travel and I almost never use a tripod.  As such I found that the bulk/weight of the SL2 and subpar autofocus compared to my Sony gear caused me to sell it.  I retained the 24-90 and 24-70 as I knew I would return to the SL system as I really loved the images.  I am planning on buying the 35 APO as it is my favorite FL and love the way it renders.  I am trying to put together a lightweight SL3 travel kit in hopes of leaving the Sony at home.  

  I was curious to know which of the Sigma lenses you ordered and why ( IQ or just favorite FL) ?  Any idea how they might compare to the 35 and 50mm summicron ASPH L mounts?  I am also looking for a really compact and light zoom for the SL3.  You mentioned the 20-60, have you had the opportunity to try the Sigma 28-70 f2.8 Contemporary?  Finally I know you went back and forth between the Sigma and the Leica on the 100-400, and landed on the Lecia I think.  I would really prefer to save some weight and use the Sigma but not at the cost of significant decrease in IQ, any further thoughts you might have on that subject would be appreciated.  Sorry for all the questions but I suspect you may some thoughts here.  

[CCC]

vor 7 Stunden schrieb LocalHero1953:

Some of us remember when the SL was launched and dpreview showed a photo of it held in a tiny hand, making it look far bigger than it is. Maybe Leica ( who probably leaked the picture) has done its own ‘assisted photography’. 

I do remember very well. Shame indeed...

[CCC]

vor 10 Stunden schrieb Stuart Richardson:

Clearly we are on the same wavelength here…

The on/off switch was fantastic, as was the four button layout of the SL that I'm still missing so badly on the SL2. 

[tomasis7]

15 minutes ago, CCC said:

The on/off switch was fantastic, as was the four button layout of the SL that I'm still missing so badly on the SL2. 

Ill never sell mine. It will be a classic as M9 

[Stuart Richardson]

27 minutes ago, CCC said:

The on/off switch was fantastic, as was the four button layout of the SL that I'm still missing so badly on the SL2. 

Yes, unfortunately I think that was a casualty of "brand synergy". I think professionals and people who used their cameras very frequently loved the customizable 4 button layout, but less frequent users were a bit lost. That and the fact that they wanted it to fit in with the Q and M which at the time all had their buttons at the left. Now it is a bit chaotic again...the M and CL at left, the Q and SL at right and the S still with the 4 button. It's a bit sad, as the initial brief was a mini S, whereas now it seems more like a plussed up Q. I guess it makes sense for a marketing standpoint...they certainly sold a lot more Q's than S's! I am sure to be able to adjust after a bit, but it is not that fun to have to readjust every camera generation...especially when they got it right the first time.

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[Planetwide]

4 hours ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

I'm currently doing quite a bit of testing of lenses and other stuff in preparation for the SL3 against my other systems. What I'm seeing is there's nothing that quite gets to the SL zooms (that I have) except the incredible Canon 28-70 f2L, which is 1.3kg. The Leica zooms are varios, sure, but against the Canon RFL and GM Sony glass I have I prefer the Leica glass every time. Those other lenses are fabulous but that extra size on the SL zooms is there for a reason. Same with the primes. The GM and L primes that even get close to the APO Summicrons are all bigger lenses. I'm confident that some of my impressions are due to the thinner cover glass on the SL2. There's a bite the others don't have. I also see that lack of bite very occasionally when using my S1R so I *think* it's the cover glass adding another 2%.

 

I agree on the Canon 28-70mm F2.0, an amazing lens. Test the RF24-105mm F2.8, mine is better than my Leica 24-90mm...

[LocalHero1953]

Maybe it’s an age thing, but I prefer the current (SL2-S) button layout. I could never remember all the settings I had customised to each SL button. Even after more than three years heavy use with the present layout I have to press the two upper rear buttons to remind myself what I've told them to do.

Edited February 28, 2024 by LocalHero1953