SL2 vs Sigma Fp-l

[o2mpx]

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Anyone with insight on how SL2 compares with Sigma Fp-L with Leica 16-35 and 24-90 relative to resolution, sharpness, dynamic range, tonal rendering etc?

 

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[Chris W]

Only the previous versions, SL1 vs FP (no L).

All I would say is the FP needs the EVF and the lack of mechanical shutter limits is use other than natural light photography.

I sold my SL because it was big and wasn't better quality than my FP, which has fantastic image quality, but the FP is limited (as I imagine is the FPL)

[o2mpx]

If the key point you’ve made, SL wasn’t better quality than FP, applies to the SL2 and Fp-L, it would be worth adding the side EVF, with a grip to improve “holdability” with big and heavy Leica zooms, and get 61mg along with it. I shoot landscapes only. 
 

My issue is overall weight of the Leica setup, compounded by smaller hands that the SL2 with the large grip, actually is challenging to hold. 

[Alan Friedman]

The Fp-L is an excellent imaging camera. The EVF is an important addition for shooting outside in the daytime where the LCD can be very difficult to use. It makes the camera quite a bit larger and somewhat less secure due to the attachment method. Used with a Leica zoom that weighs in at one kilogram, I would expect it to feel as awkward in the hand as the heavier SL2 even though it will weigh slightly less.

I owned the Sigma Fp and the Leica SL together for a time and shot with the Fp quite a lot (images posted in this section of the user group). I purchased the Fp-L when it was released along with the EVF and used it often for about a year. I found the resolution very impressive when combined with the Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 50 and 35. I bought several Sigma lenses for autofocus but found that I carried them rarely. It seems keeping to a small footprint fits the personality of this camera best. I later decided to trade in the SL for the SL2-S and added in the original Fp in the trade. I purchased the 35 APO-Summicron-SL which has become my most used lens on the SL2 with the Q2M the camera I carry with me and use most often. I kept the Fp-L for its high resolution sensor though I haven't picked it up to use in some time. The electronic only shutter requires attention when you move under artificial light. It also has a lower noise ceiling than the original Fp as you would expect from the sensor, probably not that different from the SL2. For landscape, it is a very good camera.

Rambling thoughts... but I would suggest renting one to see if the image character and ergonomics fit your shooting style.

[Chris W]

The FP-L would feel very unbalanced with Sigma Art lenses or Leica L. Like having a cigarette packet stuck to the end of a large tube.

The contemporary Sigma lenses are very good and I use Leica M with my FP.

The FP with viewfinder feels more awkward as a carry around than my M240, so I'm probably going to use my M more going forward.

Edited February 23, 2023 by Chris W

[o2mpx]

Had my hands on a Fp-L mounted with the 16-35 and the EVF. The larger full with base plate hand grip was on the Sigma and better than the smaller version. 

Much agree that the setup is a bit unwieldy. It seems best not touching the left side of the camera and just use the grip on the right with left hand on the lens. 
 

 

[hdmesa]

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On 2/22/2023 at 11:46 PM, o2mpx said:

Anyone with insight on how SL2 compares with Sigma Fp-L with Leica 16-35 and 24-90 relative to resolution, sharpness, dynamic range, tonal rendering etc?

 

To add to what had already been said:

• Color in C1 with the fp-L DNGs is strange – teal sky instead of blue for example. If you're a C1 user exclusively, I would avoid the fp-L.
• Sensor is essentially an M11 sensor with thicker cover glass and an AA filter. Images reviewed at 100% and higher magnification may not appear as sharp as they would without an AA filter; but, on the bright side, you won't have to worry about aliasing/moire. 

[gotium]

29 minutes ago, hdmesa said:

To add to what had already been said:

• Color in C1 with the fp-L DNGs is strange – teal sky instead of blue for example. If you're a C1 user exclusively, I would avoid the fp-L.

This is what killed it for me - I could put up with the electronic shutter and even the lack of an EVF or IBIS, but the colors, reputed to be so special, were just too weird for me. 

[o2mpx]

As mentioned might be related to C1

used the fp-L with the 24-70mm VE and blue sky is fine using Apple photos and Luminar neo. 

[Chris W]

My FP files look superb, straight out of camera in C1. Much less work than my M240. I don't have the FP-L.