Sl combo choice

[Orson]

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I am using the Leica 10R with 28 summicron and 50 summilux.

Lately I decided to buy a SL combo :

SL2-s with 35 SL apo or  SL 24-90

Which would you choose? Or better go for the SL2?

 

Thanks

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[DadDadDaddyo]

If the weight difference matters among your choices, you might be more drawn toward the 35; it's simply a wonderful lens.

If you want a lens you can just keep on the body in response to an amazing range of requirements, the 24-90 is an excellent choice, a true "bag of primes".

It *might* be a little slower operating with the 24-90, depending on how you use it. If you zoom back and forth for each shot as a part of your composing, that'll take time.

On the other hand, the zoom ring is marked in prime focal lengths so if you use those in advance to select which a focal length you'd like the lens to operate at, and only adjust zoom if the shot calls for it, that will retrieve some of that time loss (at least some of the time). 

I own the Sl2, and can't comment on the operational impact of the SL2s in comparison. 

For a period of time, I had only the original SL paired with the 24-90 in the L Series. It was an amazingly versatile combination. It was only when I added the SL2 body that I branched it to the Summicron-L primes, the 35 and the 50. Behind this was the fact that the SL2 has in-body Image Stabilization, whereas with the SL I could rely on the 24-90 to provide that function. 

Today I reach for the SL2 when the situation calls for zoom and/or auto focus. Most of the time I'm on the M series, owing to habit and comfort resulting from years and years of use. 

You won't go far wrong with any of the choices you've outlined, and odds are over time it'll turn out that your initial choices were just the starting point. 

Enjoy!

[Luke_Miller]

When I wanted to try the SL system I bought a used SL with the 24-90.  That combination impressed me enough to add an SL2 and both APO 35 and 75 Summicron-L lenses.  The 35 is the most impressive lens I have shot with.  That said, as an event shooter the 24-90 gives me the flexibility I need and is the best mid-range zoom I've experienced.  Its weight is not an issue for me since I regularly shoot events with a Nikon D850 and f2.8 zoom lens.  Coming from an M it might be different.  The build quality of the SL system is amazing but can make the bodies and lenses heavier than competitors' products.

I find the 24 mpx of the SL sufficient for most of my shooting, so an SL-2S would work for me.  But I enjoy the extra ability to crop the SL2 provides.  That gives me more flexibility with my APO primes lenses.  So my 24-90 lives on the SL and the 35 on the SL2.

[Jeff S]

5 hours ago, Orson said:

 

Lately I decided to buy a SL combo :

 

Why? That should answer your camera/lens questions.

Jeff

 

[Cobram]

Exactly the same situation as mine. I also own Cron 28 and Lux 50 + M10 and decided lately to add AF Leica camera to my collection.

Most important part for me was how will my wife "react" to the new camera. I was somehow tired of family photos without my presence (always behind the camera) so decided to try SL2s as a "family" do-it-all machine. My plan was to buy SL Cron 35mm (non APO), I even started a thread - link here - related to this new Panasonic/Leica lenses.

We went to the shop together, me, wife and all three kids and handled SL 35 APO, SL 35 non APO and VE 24-90. To my surprise wife did not complained about VE 24-90 weight or size but was delighted by its usefulness. So we bought the zoom.

2 weeks using this combination now, beeing on a hike and through different family events (birthday party etc...) I am more and more convinced we made a right decision. Wife is especially delighted by macro capabilites of this lens. She is photographing her beloved flowers almost every day🙂 Coming from M lenses I must say I'm impressed by this zoom. No magic (like 50 lux) but nice photos with Leica colors and 3d pop.

As per SL non APO lens: it is light, seems sharp, but doesn't feel like a Leica. In the future (if needed for low light situations) we may add Panasonic 1.8 primes. @Malabito posted many great photos using Lumix S 24 1.8, you can check and compare to Leica results.

Friend of mine owns APO SL 35mm. It is a great lens, but to my eyes almost too perfect. Size is similar to VE 24-90. It IS a little bit smaller than 24-90 but still way larger than M lenses. 

[Max EPR]

If I want to travel "lighter" and "smaller" with the SL2, I use the SL prime lenses. If I don't mind the extra size and weight, the 24-90 is fantastic. If rain or dust is an issue, the SL2, If I want very small and light the M11 with a 28 & 50.

[Steven Lane]

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Regarding lens choice, I faced a similar dilemma a couple of years ago. My head said 24-90 as it offered more flexibility and bang for buck. However, I love the 35mm focal length and my heart said to go with this, so the 35 won. I have never regretted my decision. 

[Photoworks]

my preference would be a 21mm summichron-SL on an SL2.

But many of the Leica SL lenses are great. 75mm Is amazing

[o2mpx]

Have owned SL and SL2 with the 2 zooms and other than the weight, always achieved what was expected for shooting landscape during travels. Sold the SL2 recently in anticipation of the SL3 but kept the 2 zooms. Preference is on a higher resolution sensor to support cropping if needed vs the SL2-s, and video isn’t a requirement. 
Given the requirement to reduce need to change lenses, both the 16-35 and 24-90 have fit the bill, again with trade offs relative to weight and bulk. 

[robb]

Knowing what I do today… If I was starting out in purchasing an SL combo, I would just go for an apo summicron.  Pick your favorite focal length prime or primes and just be amazed.  I like my zooms but I prize the apo summicrons more…

sl2-s and a summicron are kind of unbeatable for any situation.

sl2 resolution is great though so pick higher iso importance or higher printing sizes and just do it.

Robb