o2mpx Posted May 23 Share #1 Posted May 23 Advertisement (gone after registration) Curious if anyone has moved to carrying the Q3 28 and 43 as main cameras? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 23 Posted May 23 Hi o2mpx, Take a look here Landscape Photographers - Q3 28/43 as Main Cameras?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Sandokan Posted May 23 Share #2 Posted May 23 Q2-28 and Q3-43 for photographing in town but not landscapes. The 28mm lens is not wide enough for me for landscapes and it is quite distorted compared to the wide angle zooms I use for landscapes. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen_C Posted May 23 Share #3 Posted May 23 4 hours ago, o2mpx said: Curious if anyone has moved to carrying the Q3 28 and 43 as main cameras? Yes—certainly. In 2018 I finally decided to stop carrying around heavy Canon kit (which had served me for years in one guise or another) and moved to the Leica Q. I now use a Q3 as my sole camera and my main love is landscape work. I find the Q3 superb for that. It is sheer pleasure to carry and to use. There are minor hassles but none detracts from its overall effectiveness for landscape work. I have posted many examples from time to time on these forums: here, here and here purely by way of some examples. You may take it I don't agree with the preceding comment—but, of course, everyone has his or her own view and preferred equipment. Stephen 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post JTLeica Posted May 23 Popular Post Share #4 Posted May 23 Whilst the SL3 is my 'main' camera, the 43mm Q3 and the 28mm Q3 are absolutely awesome for landscapes. Personally I like tighter framing for most pictures to the 43mm would be the one I would keep if I had to chose one only. But, the 28mm is a little more flexible. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 88 9 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/421467-landscape-photographers-q3-2843-as-main-cameras/?do=findComment&comment=5806060'>More sharing options...
JTLeica Posted May 23 Share #5 Posted May 23 6 hours ago, Sandokan said: Q2-28 and Q3-43 for photographing in town but not landscapes. The 28mm lens is not wide enough for me for landscapes and it is quite distorted compared to the wide angle zooms I use for landscapes. Landscapes are not shot with wide lenses exclusively. I shoot more with 28-75 than with any ultra wide option. With an ultra wide you lose your subject and the foreground or sky then becomes the prominent part of the image. 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted May 23 Share #6 Posted May 23 I tend to use longer lenses than 'standard' for landscape, but then I am not a dedicated landscaper. All lenses in my kit are potentially used for anything. I let the motif dictate my lens choice. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foto Pixx Posted May 23 Share #7 Posted May 23 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) My main project is landscape, and I'm trying for maximum detail, so shooting at or close to f/16, usually hand-held at 1/250 or higher — with an eye on the auto ISO setting. Close examination of the images, comparing to lower ISOs, I'm slowly becoming convinced of the sensor's capabilities at settings higher than I'd previously ever consider, approaching 2000. The 28mm lens with 3:2 ratio opens up more than enough for me, coming from a 35mm equivalent and 4:3 crop. I'd use a tripod, but it seems silly given the legacy of the brand and the form factor of the camera. I'm still working that out. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited May 23 by Foto Pixx 4 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/421467-landscape-photographers-q3-2843-as-main-cameras/?do=findComment&comment=5806133'>More sharing options...
JTLeica Posted May 23 Share #8 Posted May 23 (edited) 21 minutes ago, Foto Pixx said: My main project is landscape, and I'm trying for maximum detail, so shooting at or close to f/16, usually hand-held at 1/250 or higher — with an eye on the auto ISO setting. Close examination of the images, comparing to lower ISOs, I'm slowly becoming convinced of the sensor's capabilities at settings higher than I'd previously ever consider, approaching 2000. The 28mm lens with 3:2 ratio opens up more than enough for me, coming from a 35mm equivalent and 4:3 crop. I'd use a tripod, but it seems silly given the legacy of the brand and the form factor of the camera. I'm still working that out. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! I really like this image. When you say 'detail' do you mean sharpness and resolution or maximum depth of field? Edited May 23 by JTLeica Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foto Pixx Posted May 23 Share #9 Posted May 23 6 minutes ago, JTLeica said: I really like this image. When you say 'detail' do you mean sharpness and resolution or maximum depth of field? I'm aiming to include both max detail and depth, but the intricate nature of most of my subject matter seems to be bumping up against the capabilities of a sensor this size, so I haven't decided if max detail is working. I use manual focus to adjust focus to favor the front half of the depth, and can usually get a bit more. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/421467-landscape-photographers-q3-2843-as-main-cameras/?do=findComment&comment=5806142'>More sharing options...
Camaro5 Posted May 23 Share #10 Posted May 23 I do a lot of landscapes and use my Q3 28 in some situations, but it isn't my main camera or preferred focal length for that kind of photography. It just depends. On a recent trip to Yosemite National Park I did get some nice shots with my Q3 but used my Canon R5 and a 16-35 more often, along with a 24mm prime and a 24-70. Lately I've given some thought to going to medium format for landscapes, but I don't think it's really necessary given that the images & prints from both the Q3 and the R5 have come out looking very nice. It seems that today's higher megapixel full-frame cameras have really closed the gap between them and medium format. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTLeica Posted May 23 Share #11 Posted May 23 15 minutes ago, Foto Pixx said: I'm aiming to include both max detail and depth, but the intricate nature of most of my subject matter seems to be bumping up against the capabilities of a sensor this size, so I haven't decided if max detail is working. I use manual focus to adjust focus to favor the front half of the depth, and can usually get a bit more. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! So you will notice a huge difference between F8 and F16 in terms of sharpness and resolution. You would need to work out if F8 gives you enough DoF but at 28mm I think it would for most things. Personally I dont go above F11 unless I want a better sunstar. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravinj Posted May 24 Share #12 Posted May 24 (edited) On 5/22/2025 at 8:33 PM, o2mpx said: Curious if anyone has moved to carrying the Q3 28 and 43 as main cameras? For me, it depends. If I am going to a location which is a once in a lifetime trip or places I can't visit easily, X2D is the tool of choice with Q3 as a secondary. Other than that, I would not hesitate to take either the Q3 28 or Q3 43 as the main camera. I am not sure if I would carry both at the same time, my choice would be the Q3 43 if I had to choose between them. Edited May 24 by ravinj 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravinj Posted May 24 Share #13 Posted May 24 On 5/23/2025 at 1:11 AM, Stephen_C said: Yes—certainly. In 2018 I finally decided to stop carrying around heavy Canon kit (which had served me for years in one guise or another) and moved to the Leica Q. I now use a Q3 as my sole camera and my main love is landscape work. I find the Q3 superb for that. It is sheer pleasure to carry and to use. There are minor hassles but none detracts from its overall effectiveness for landscape work. I have posted many examples from time to time on these forums: here, here and here purely by way of some examples. You may take it I don't agree with the preceding comment—but, of course, everyone has his or her own view and preferred equipment. Stephen +1. You summed it up. Having a lightweight camera without sacrificing image quality is vastly underrated. And not having to deal with if-then-else combinations when carrying multiple cameras and lenses frees up the mind and body to focus on enjoying the process with one stellar camera. My only exception is for special trips where I carry the X2D with two lenses, though that may be coming to an end as I am appreciating smaller, lighter gear more and more. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarekith Posted May 24 Share #14 Posted May 24 Prior to getting my Q3 43, my main camera for landscape and nature was an A7CR and 20-70G. I’ve been using the Q3 almost exclusively since I got it back in January, and I very rare find myself pining for the A7CR I left at home. I can almost always find something else equally compelling to shoot in the same locations I used to carry the 20-70. Plus, Lightroom makes it pretty easy to stitch multiple photos for panos these days. I’ve only needed to do it twice, but it was nothing compared to how much easier it is to just carry the Q43 these days. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckern Posted May 24 Share #15 Posted May 24 I suspect the Fujifilm GFX 100RF would be a better option for landscape photography, not solely for its higher resolution but also because the Fuji has a well-implemented capability for stacking focus. This functionality presumably could be added to the Q3 series with a firmware update since all the necessary primitives for automated adjustment of focus already appear to be available in the current firmware, but Leica so far hasn’t attempted to do so. This would be an even more desirable option for macro shooters; it strikes me as rather odd that Leica invested so much effort in designing its clever macro mode into the hardware, but failed to implement focus-stacking in the software, which is an all-but-essential capability for macrophotography. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SrMi Posted May 25 Share #16 Posted May 25 (edited) 1 hour ago, ckern said: I suspect the Fujifilm GFX 100RF would be a better option for landscape photography, not solely for its higher resolution but also because the Fuji has a well-implemented capability for stacking focus. This functionality presumably could be added to the Q3 series with a firmware update since all the necessary primitives for automated adjustment of focus already appear to be available in the current firmware, but Leica so far hasn’t attempted to do so. This would be an even more desirable option for macro shooters; it strikes me as rather odd that Leica invested so much effort in designing its clever macro mode into the hardware, but failed to implement focus-stacking in the software, which is an all-but-essential capability for macrophotography. I find in-camera focus bracketing useful with very static scene, so not for typical landscape photography where wind is often present. Also, it is mostly useful with narrow DOF, which is rarely the case for landscape, unless shooting with long lenses. I'll pick Q3 over RF for landscape and general shooting. I like RF's XPan crop, though. P.S. I wish Leica would implement focus bracketing in its cameras. Edited May 25 by SrMi 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
o2mpx Posted May 25 Author Share #17 Posted May 25 It’s interesting many have Q3 28, Q3 43, X2D, and the GfX100RF all as options. Personally, really not excited to acquire another piece of gear (the Fuji), and in looking for the simplest approach, it’s down to adding the Q3 43 to an existing Q2 as the kit, or perhaps just take the X2D (despite its bulk) with 1 lens (closest is the 28p). With most landscapes taken at mid aperture, having a 100mp sensor and the 28p (22mm FF) for crops may be close, or perhaps better IQ than the Q3 43 and its digital zoom crops to 90mm equivalent. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianforber Posted May 26 Share #18 Posted May 26 I’ve moved to only using my Q2, including for landscapes which are about 70% of my photography. When using zooms in my previous systems, I tended to use only a standard zoom and then only the widest (24 or 28) or longest (70 or 80) focal length. I bought the Q2 precisely because it gave me the wide option and the ability to crop to the longer focal lengths while still keeping enough pixels should I want to print. I find I’m quite happy to crop to 100mm-ish equivalent. I do use a tripod occasionally, mainly when I’m taking infrared or other slow shutter speed images. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post RichardHurst Posted May 27 Popular Post Share #19 Posted May 27 The Q3 28mm is an excellent choice for Landscape photography. I sold up all my heavy Sony gear and now just carry this and it has proven an excellent choice. Here is a recent image: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 29 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/421467-landscape-photographers-q3-2843-as-main-cameras/?do=findComment&comment=5807910'>More sharing options...
JTLeica Posted May 27 Share #20 Posted May 27 23 minutes ago, RichardHurst said: The Q3 28mm is an excellent choice for Landscape photography. I sold up all my heavy Sony gear and now just carry this and it has proven an excellent choice. Here is a recent image: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Ohhh Tryfan, love this place. Lovely sunset image. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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