SL3 and lens advice

[ALScott]

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I just got my first Leica a few weeks ago, a Q3.  I have been away from photography for a long time after making a living at it.  The Q3 is awesome and has got me really excited about shooting again.  I love the simplicity and the clearness of the menus, the feel of the camera and the IQ is just unreal.  So now I want an SL3 but I can't decide on a lens.  I think the 24-90 is really the one to go for and will suit my use.  We are going on a trip out west and that makes the 90-280 attractive but I don't want to spend that on two lenses so maybe the Sigma 70-200 which looks fantastic in that thread.  Plus, the 90-280 would see very limited use.  Also, what are the drawbacks if any to getting any of them used?  I never bought used lenses when working but they were never as available then.  Is it better to buy used from a store or B&H, etc?  Another question is it best to get on a list for the SL3 at a store or the Leica site?  I am not close to any physical store.

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[Photoworks]

yes!

[ALScott]

4 minutes ago, Photoworks said:

yes!

appreciate an answer but "yes" to what part?  😆

[LeicaR10]

ALScott,  Congratulations on your Q3 and desire for the SL camera. You are off for a great adventure out west albeit you didn't say when you are traveling.  If you are wanting/needing a SL3, you need to get on a Leica Store wait list.  Just so you know, the pecking order of getting any new Leica products are:  Leica flagship store first (LA store), Leica Stores such as Leica Store San Francisco, Miami etc., then Leica Boutiques and then Authorized Leica dealers like B&H.  If you are going out west soon, you might consider getting a previously owned SL2-S or SL2 from Leica dealers such as San Francisco, Camera West, KEH, etc.  The same goes with buying a used SL 24-90.  The lens is a bit bulky, but the results are stunning.  You have a lot of flexibility with the lens too.  The Leica Stores, KEH etc, have store warranties if the camera or lens isn't up to speed.  You can always trade your SL2 for an SL3 if one comes available.  In the meantime, you can get use to the controls and capabilities of the SL system.  You can get used Sigma L lenses from the aforementioned locations.  This should help.  Last is a link to give you an idea how the SL 24-90 lens renders.  r/ Mark

Try:  https://onfotolife.com/lens_sample_photos?lens_id=343&page=1&focal_min=0&focal_max=800&aperture_min=0&aperture_max=32

PS:  You can look around the Onfotolife.com site and view the different camera makes and lenses and photographs taken by such. It's a very useful tool.

[algrove]

Leica Stores will most likely get more SL3 before other stores some of which have not received one as yet. The 24-90 I bought used and LOVE IT. Reports on here suggest it focuses fast on an SL3 which I have not tested yet. That said I have never had focus troubles except when it became user error on my part. I mainly use Leica glass such as a few APO SL lenses the 24-90 and the Leica 100-400. I have the Panasonic 70-200 and use it with the 1.4x. It has internal focusing and performs very well on my SL cameras.

Image below on my SL2S in multi-shot mode (96MP) which will probably come to the SL3 in a FW update just as it did with the SL2S.

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Edited March 28, 2024 by algrove

[FlashGordonPhotography]

The 24-90 is a monster. It's also possibly the best standard zoom ever made in 24x36mm. The 24-70 is also great but don't even look at a 24-90 if you go that way as you'll then have two standard zooms. The 24-90 exhibits near APO performance throughout its range and is only marginally less sharp at 90mm and even then only on the edges. And Sl3 and 24-90 is 1.6kg. That's not light.

The 90-280 is spectacular. It's only real rivals are the Olympus 40-150 and the Canon 100-300 f2.8L. Apart from it's size and weight it has no weaknesses except it's not as fast focusing as the other two lenses I mentioned. Optically it's sublime. Focus on the Sl3 and firmware upgrades have improved it's AF speed though and I find it fine for everything except extreme sports and birds in flight.

You could look at the 100-400mm. Awesome travel lens and compliments the 24-90 well. Some sample variation so I'd only get this new so you can exchange. A good one is very good indeed. You can save weight/money by looking at the Sigma but you loose the weather sealing. Faster focusing than the 90-280.

Gordon

[MakinMemories]

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2 hours ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

The 24-90 is a monster. It's also possibly the best standard zoom ever made in 24x36mm. The 24-70 is also great but don't even look at a 24-90 if you go that way as you'll then have two standard zooms.

Gordon

 

 

 

Yup, I 100% agree with your assessment! My SL2 came bundled with the 24-70 and it is a very nice lens...then I happened to try the 24-90, my overall favorite zoom ever and love the way it handles with the SL3!

Now I guess its  time to find a new home for my beloved SL2 w/ 24-70...A really nice combo and a good value for someone!

[scott kirkpatrick]

There is a tariff on German photographic cameras exported to the US that was imposed for silly reasons during the Trump administration , and has never been rescinded.   Leica cameras with lenses attached do not trigger this tariff, and thus get a significant discount.  So pick your next lens before you invest in a lovely new SL3, if you are in the US, and save $$.

Edited March 29, 2024 by scott kirkpatrick

[ALScott]

From reading on here, seeing the pics and for my needs, I have definitely decided to get the 24-90.  I believe I will also get the 100-400 for our trip out west in the fall.  Pics on here with it look great and the AF is getting good marks also.  I just can't decide whether to get the 24-90 new or used.  KEH has it at about $2K savings for Like New- rating plus their extended warranties are cheap.  The 100-400 I will buy new as it's price seems very fair and not much savings on a used one.

[ALScott]

7 minutes ago, scott kirkpatrick said:

There is a tariff on German photographic exports to the US that was imposed for silly reasons during the Trump administration , and has never been rescinded.   Leica cameras with lenses attached do not trigger this tariff, and thus get a significant discount.  So pick your next lens before you invest in a lovely new SL3, if you are in the US, save $$.

So how would one save by doing this?  Are you saying to order together?

[scott kirkpatrick]

23 hours ago, ALScott said:

So how would one save by doing this?  Are you saying to order together?

Yes.  Together ==> no tarif.  Separately there is an extra tariff.  At least that is how I understood it a year or so ago. You can see examples of this kind of bundling in B&H's pricing.

Edited March 30, 2024 by scott kirkpatrick

[ALScott]

I see.  But those are bundles from, offered by Leica.  I assume those were only offered leading up to the SL3 launch.  I really don't know as I have just started down this Leica path the end of February.  There probably will not be such a bundle for quite some time on the SL3, again only guessing.

[algrove]

17 hours ago, scott kirkpatrick said:

Yes.  Together ==> no tarif.  Separately there is an extra tariff.  At least that is how I understood it a year or so ago. You can see examples of this kind of bundling in B&H's pricing.

No bundles with the SL3 for the time being.

[algrove]

6 hours ago, ALScott said:

I see.  But those are bundles from, offered by Leica.  I assume those were only offered leading up to the SL3 launch.  I really don't know as I have just started down this Leica path the end of February.  There probably will not be such a bundle for quite some time on the SL3, again only guessing.

I think you are correct in that they were pre-SL3 bundles.

KEH is not a bad company and they do take items back. The $2k savings could buy you the 100-400, the you can get the Leica 1.4x for it too.

[Jeff S]

I typically buy new, but years ago bought a used 90-280 from Leica Miami that included Leica and store warranty and return policy.  Their prices tend to be on the high side, but all items are thoroughly checked, and sent in for any service needs prior to sale.  I will likely trade the zoom at some point (Miami provides 80% return on trades based on their high side FMV) due to very infrequent use, despite stellar performance. Unfortunately I don’t see used SL inventory at Miami currently, but it couldn’t hurt to call and discuss.

In the meantime, Lensrentals has lots of SL and L-mount gear to try if you want to experiment in advance.  And they can also sell from their inventory.

Jeff

Edited March 31, 2024 by Jeff S