Camera upgrade or expansion question.

[midnhtsun]

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Hello all,

I've posted this in the general section, but I wanted to make sure I get some input from M11 users.

I currently use a Leica SL3 and M10-R, I'm happy with the lenses that I have 35mm Summilux-M, 50mm Summicron-M, and 24-90 SL. I came into a situation where I could either add a Q2 to my kit or upgrade the M10-R to an M11 (or M11P). I like the quality of life updates for the M11, including internal storage, USB-C charging, and better battery life. The extra megapixels are not necessary, but they are a nice-to-have. On the other hand, I've been looking into macro lenses for the SL (100mm APO R mainly), so that the Q2 would be nice for that occasional use. It's lighter than the other two, and having an autofocus camera would be great for more relaxed times when I want quick shots.

Part of me thinks it would be nice to round out the kit and have the three camera options, but more options do invite decision paralysis. So I am looking to the community to get some insights and perspectives. I am a serious hobbyist, and photography serves as my outlet; I primarily use it for documenting street, wildlife, and everyday life scenes.

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[Kiwimac]

After many years of photography - almost 50 - with a wide variety of systems, I concluded that absent specific paid uses (for example professional sports photography) any camera nowadays will deliver great images. 
 

Therefore the only honest approach is simply to allow yourself to choose what you like, then use it until you know it intimately and can use it quickly and accurately. 
 

The internet is a strange place in which people will debate at length what lens is sharpest, buy it regardless of cost even if it’s enormously expensive and then use it to photograph cats. As my mother in law used to say, there’s nowt so strange as folk. 
 

Honestly, if you want another camera, just buy it if you like it. 
 

If I had an SL3 and an M10-R (I did have one of the latter) I’d probably buy more glass. I toyed with the idea of the Q43 but I thought I’d prefer the M11-P more often. 
 

If they produced a Monochrom version of the Q43, maybe. 
 

It’s worth considering if you have lens needs/wants. The cost of Leica glass goes up every year and several of them are reaching price levels bordering on mad and will never be cheaper than they are today. 

[Tseg]

Mental gymnastics with hobbies is a funny thing.   If I decisively know what I want, I buy it.  If I’m on the fence between 2 items, then I really “need” neither, and do not buy either.

[justj]

I'd wait for the M12 to be honest. 

[JNK100]

29 minutes ago, justj said:

I'd wait for the M12 to be honest. 

Or the 14p ,😉

[justj]

48 minutes ago, JNK100 said:

Or the 14p ,😉

Even better. 

[midnhtsun]

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2 hours ago, JNK100 said:

Or the 14p ,😉

Safari edition!

[midnhtsun]

3 hours ago, Kiwimac said:

After many years of photography - almost 50 - with a wide variety of systems, I concluded that absent specific paid uses (for example professional sports photography) any camera nowadays will deliver great images. 
 

Therefore the only honest approach is simply to allow yourself to choose what you like, then use it until you know it intimately and can use it quickly and accurately. 
 

The internet is a strange place in which people will debate at length what lens is sharpest, buy it regardless of cost even if it’s enormously expensive and then use it to photograph cats. As my mother in law used to say, there’s nowt so strange as folk. 
 

Honestly, if you want another camera, just buy it if you like it. 
 

If I had an SL3 and an M10-R (I did have one of the latter) I’d probably buy more glass. I toyed with the idea of the Q43 but I thought I’d prefer the M11-P more often. 
 

If they produced a Monochrom version of the Q43, maybe. 
 

It’s worth considering if you have lens needs/wants. The cost of Leica glass goes up every year and several of them are reaching price levels bordering on mad and will never be cheaper than they are today. 

That’s very good point, I’ve been eyeing the 100mm Macro Elmarit-R and I have already seen that jump in price.

[Stef63]

On 7/11/2025 at 2:23 PM, midnhtsun said:

... On the other hand, I've been looking into macro lenses for the SL (100mm APO R mainly), so that the Q2 would be nice for that occasional use. It's lighter than the other two, and having an autofocus camera would be great for more relaxed times when I want quick shots.

For macro the 100mm APO-R is a fantastic lens—to me only the 120mm APO-S beats it, and that one also works on the SL3. It’s weather sealed (just like the S-to-L adapter), and while the autofocus is a bit slow, it’s there. You get 1:2 magnification, and honestly, it’s the best S lens Leica’s ever made. I own both, and you won’t regret getting either one. I lean toward the 120mm since I mostly shoot with the S3, but it works beautifully on the SL too.

[SudaliuS]

For me Q-series like a toy. I had previosly Q2 and sold it after 2 months. Like an expensive gadget, but not cool as M-system

[midnhtsun]

3 hours ago, Stef63 said:

For macro the 100mm APO-R is a fantastic lens—to me only the 120mm APO-S beats it, and that one also works on the SL3. It’s weather sealed (just like the S-to-L adapter), and while the autofocus is a bit slow, it’s there. You get 1:2 magnification, and honestly, it’s the best S lens Leica’s ever made. I own both, and you won’t regret getting either one. I lean toward the 120mm since I mostly shoot with the S3, but it works beautifully on the SL too.

Awesome thanks for that additional info!

 

[Stuart Richardson]

I would say as well that I have the SL2 and used to have an S3 and S2, and the R9 with and without the DMR. The 100mm APO Macro is wonderful. Stef is right that the 120mm APO Macro S is even better. But I also have to say that the macro lens I use currently is the Sigma 105mm Art for L mount. I did a direct comparison between it and the 120mm APO Macro S and they were extremely close in performance. The color balance and bokeh are slightly different between the two, but the sharpness and freedom from color aberration were comparable. The Sigma has a few very important and big differences in its favor though:

1. It is a native L mount lens with comparatively silent and quick AF.

2. It is a native 1 to 1 macro lens, so you can get much closer. 

3. You don't need any adapters, which are particularly expensive if you want the S adapter L.

4. It is much lighter and smaller than the 120mm APO Macro, without or without the adapter. 

5. It is the least expensive of all of them by a wide margin. 

I would consider giving it a try, it is spectacular. If you wait, I imagine it will be rebranded by Leica soon enough, as they have done with other Sigma lenses. 

 

[midnhtsun]

On 7/14/2025 at 11:25 AM, Stuart Richardson said:

I would say as well that I have the SL2 and used to have an S3 and S2, and the R9 with and without the DMR. The 100mm APO Macro is wonderful. Stef is right that the 120mm APO Macro S is even better. But I also have to say that the macro lens I use currently is the Sigma 105mm Art for L mount. I did a direct comparison between it and the 120mm APO Macro S and they were extremely close in performance. The color balance and bokeh are slightly different between the two, but the sharpness and freedom from color aberration were comparable. The Sigma has a few very important and big differences in its favor though:

1. It is a native L mount lens with comparatively silent and quick AF.

2. It is a native 1 to 1 macro lens, so you can get much closer. 

3. You don't need any adapters, which are particularly expensive if you want the S adapter L.

4. It is much lighter and smaller than the 120mm APO Macro, without or without the adapter. 

5. It is the least expensive of all of them by a wide margin. 

I would consider giving it a try, it is spectacular. If you wait, I imagine it will be rebranded by Leica soon enough, as they have done with other Sigma lenses. 

 

Thanks for that info I’ve been curious on how the Sigma stacks up against it!