SL3-S Focusing Thread

[simon_hsn]

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I upgraded to the SL3-S from the SL2-S, which I had been using since 2021. Like many others, I’m generally disappointed with this release. In essence, it’s just an S5IIX with a faster CFexpress card, enabling internal ProRes recording.

The main reasons for my upgrade were the improved autofocus, faster Wi-Fi, and the color rendering of the RAW files, which I find closer to the SL Typ 601. The autofocus is outstanding for video—finally, a Leica that can keep up with my two-year-old son!

However, there are some drawbacks. The lighter body feels cheaper, and I actually preferred the SL2’s design with its superior shutter sound, better IBIS (yes, it was better!), and the overall premium feel that came with the extra weight.

I also agree with those saying the SL3-S won’t be a commercial success. It’s obvious that this camera is built on outdated tech. That said, it still performs significantly better than the SL2-S.

For me, the future of the SL line is becoming clear. With the SL4 generation, it no longer makes sense to have separate high-resolution and lower-resolution models for video and fast action—stacked sensor technology eliminates that need. Just look at the Nikon Z8, and you’ll see what I mean.

[Erwin74]

Am 31.1.2025 um 21:56 schrieb jaapv:

Tip for BIF: Olympus Dot Sight EE-1 

https://focus-review.com/en/review-olympus-ee-1-dot-sight/?amp=1

Does the EE-1 really work with SL2-S/SL3-S?

Has anyone tried?

=> I have the impression that the base of the EE-1 doesn't fit completely into the SL2-S flash holder.

[Jan1985]

Am 18.2.2025 um 10:03 schrieb 吉拉德:

I just got my SL3S after having used a SL2S since 2021. The tilt screen, handled multishot, improved AF are worth the upgrade to me. I am also a Nikon Z9 wildlife shooter, and I plan to try the Sigma 500 F5.6 on the SL3S for wildlife. 

From your POV. Is the AF of the SL3-S that much better compared to the SL2-S? I photograph weddings and I am thinking whether an SL2-S is enough or the SL3-S? Sometimes I have couples walking towards me during a shoot or kids moving and running.. 

[steinknies]

Beside my Q-P, M8.2 and M11P I own(ed) a Nikon Z8 for my sports photography (mainly football and equestrian sport) - for anything else I take the M and Q. Tried to replace it by an SL (601) a few years ago and sold the 601 again after just a few weeks, because the autofocus was so (!) annoying, especially in low light, but already fell in love with the viewfinder. I could (should🙄) have known before, of course, by reading here and there and watching youtube but wanted to give it a try, anyway.

Then, e few years later, I heard that the SL2-S was a major step forward in terms of af. Long story short: same outcome. No way to get satisfying results with my limited skills. 

This time I took a different path and did not keep the Z8 but sold it straight away to enable the purchase of a new SL3-S Kit with the brandnew 28-70 (however, serial number starting with 4 🤔). A Sigma 70-200 DG DN L is on order. Picked up the cam and 28-70 today and am so super happy, just by the feel of it (I know that many people prefer the SL2-S for that special reason but for me it’s a huge step forward). I will try it out the next weeks and give you an update here. Sorry for the teaser and that I can’t give you more details right now - just wanted to share my story so far (and joy). 

Hope I will not regret selling all of my Nikon stuff… 🙏

 

[hoolyproductions]

On 7/11/2025 at 10:19 AM, Jan1985 said:

From your POV. Is the AF of the SL3-S that much better compared to the SL2-S? I photograph weddings and I am thinking whether an SL2-S is enough or the SL3-S? Sometimes I have couples walking towards me during a shoot or kids moving and running.. 

I do find a noticeable difference with my SL3-S compared to my SL2-S, but I would not necessarily say it is a game changer. The difference is irrelevant for things like landscape or cityscapes. When doing music photography, particularly in lower light the 3-S is a little less laggy, quicker to lock onto the subject (and AF-C even works quite well if there is sufficient light). I'm not sure it would be worth an upgrade for that reason alone but you would likely notice a difference in a wedding situation. If you really want state of the art autofocus on moving humans it is probably not the best system for that.

[Jan1985]

I am referring to the difference between the M11 with Visoflex 2 and the EVF of SL3-S or SL2-S. The EVF of the SL to me is another league. 

[LeicaRFan]

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I have had the SL2 since Dec. 2019, the SL3 since March 2024 and the SL3s since Feb. 2025. I traded in the SL3 for the SL3s. I can't say anything about the SL2s.
The autofocus of the SL3s in AFC mode is the best I have found on these cameras. It's still a long way from Canon, Sony and Nikon level (I don't have any experience with them myself, but if you believe the tests and reports), but for me it's perfectly usable.
I do a lot of wildlife photography, so the SL3's and SL3s' animal detection is a big help, even though it's the beta version. It works quite well. However, the SL3's viewfinder has the problem of lagging during continuous shooting, so that tracking does not work well. The sensor is also very susceptible to rolling shutter effects with moving subjects when using the electronic shutter.
I also like the higher continuous shooting rate of the SL3s.

Best regards

Christian

[steinknies]

vor 3 Stunden schrieb Jan1985:

I am referring to the difference between the M11 with Visoflex 2 and the EVF of SL3-S or SL2-S. The EVF of the SL to me is another league. 

I use the Visoflex on the M11-P and can tell you the VF of the SL3-S is a whole different animal. 

[Jan1985]

vor einer Stunde schrieb steinknies:

I use the Visoflex on the M11-P and can tell you the VF of the SL3-S is a whole different animal. 

So in the positive direction?

[steinknies]

Yes