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Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

RustyBug
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

I've got the Panny 85/1.8 for my SL2-S. It was nearly a "throw in" when I did some gear trading to try out the SL.

Optics are nice enough, etc. ... but, there is no such thing as a free lunch, and I'm wondering if you "get what you pay for" in terms of AF responsiveness (not a complaint, just realistic expectation).

That said, I'm wondering about the Leica SL 75/2 ... and the build with dual motors, etc., as to what to expect. Wondering if anyone has any experience with it, and how they'd rate it, as ... meh, the extra $$$ spend isn't getting any AF performance gains to make it worth the spend ... vs. ... it's nice and quick (good light).

Optics, I've got my M 75/2.4, so unless there's a reason to spend for the SL 75 to get a bump in AF responsiveness, I could continue with the 85/1.8 or 75/2.4.

I might consider the SL 90 ... same question regarding AF build / performance.

Jul 30, 2024 at 09:57 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

RustyBug wrote:
I've got the Panny 85/1.8 for my SL2-S. It was nearly a "throw in" when I did some gear trading to try out the SL.

Optics are nice enough, etc. ... but, there is no such thing as a free lunch, and I'm wondering if you "get what you pay for" in terms of AF responsiveness (not a complaint, just realistic expectation).

That said, I'm wondering about the Leica SL 75/2 ... and the build with dual motors, etc., as to what to expect. Wondering if anyone has any experience with it, and how they'd rate it, as ... meh, the extra...Show more →

At one time, I owned both the SL 75mm and 90mm lenses and used them with the SL2 body. I found the autofocus to be fast but not always reliable, particularly with EyeAF. However, using the focus point in AF-S mode was very accurate. If you’re looking for optical excellence at every level, the SL 75mm f/2 is a great choice.

Jul 30, 2024 at 10:05 PM

flash
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

The 75 APO SL is spectacular, like the others. It's focus speed is *medium*.

Your Panny is video optimised. It's good and has basically no breathing but you can do better optically for stills. If you're OK with limited weather sealing the Sigma DG DN *i* primes are the way to go. 90% of the APOs optically. Same AF as the Panny's. Cheap. Light. Aperture rings. The 45mm is an exception. It's a character lens.

Gordon

Jul 31, 2024 at 12:54 AM

Malabito
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

Panasonic lenses focus faster than Leica ones; therefore, don't expect the 75mm Apo to be better in that department.

To me, the Panasonic lenses focus faster than the Sigma and Leica lenses, especially in AFC mode. They are more reliable tegstding focusing, and focus accuracy seems to be higher than Leica and Sigma lenses. I haven't had such a good experience with the Sigma DG DN lenses regarding autofocus. In AFS mode, they feel the same, but in AFC mode, the hit rate and wobbling effect seem worse.

Jul 31, 2024 at 05:57 AM

RustyBug
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

Okay, thanks guys.

Different question, same subject ... does the SL3 provide a (significant) increase in AF responsiveness?

Which begs the question of what is the most responsive AF combo in Leica's L mount (short tele) ecosystem?

Jul 31, 2024 at 07:14 AM

flash
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

In AFS not really. In AFC definitely although there’s still some work to be done.

Gordon

Jul 31, 2024 at 08:09 AM

flash
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

You could try the Panny 100mm. I like it a lot and it’s tiny.

Gordon

Jul 31, 2024 at 08:10 AM

saxguy
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

The best advice I can give you is to rent the 75 APO if you can. I have the APO 21/35/50/75 and the Summilux-SL as well as the Panasonic 100mm macro. The 75 is easily my favorite of all the lenses I have. I don't find the performance of the AF limiting for the type of photography I do and on the SL3 it performs well in both AF-C and AF-S.

Jul 31, 2024 at 09:34 AM

gregfountain
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

I just picked up the APO 75 SL myself. I'm not a lens "teckie" by any means, but for my use, the focus is quick and accurate. Compared to my 35 APO SL (all-time favorite lens), it seems comparable, but the edge goes to the 35, mainly I think, due to the shorter focal length. Ultimately, unless there is some sort of damage, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the APO SL lenses.

I think you can appreciate this Kent; I also bought the APO-Cron-M 90/2 and it pretty much lives on my SL2. I absolutely love using it and it renders beautifully. Never in a million years would I have thought a manual-focus lens would have a positive effect on me, but sure enough.....

Cheers and look forward to seeing what you produce should you pick up the 75SL!

Greg

Jul 31, 2024 at 10:03 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

Kent, one thing is for sure: it will render quite differently from your Leica 75/1.4 Summilux. The SL 75/2's character comes from its perfection, rather than any flaws.

Jul 31, 2024 at 12:32 PM

Matt Kerby
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

I think the SL 75 APO has the best bokeh of any lens I've ever used.
(At least, it's "my" favorite "look")

The AF was decent as i remember it. Not like an older portrait lens by any means.

***But, I just re-read your post, you have the 75/2.4 which is a brilliant and underrated lens itself. I'd just stick with that.

Jul 31, 2024 at 03:01 PM

RustyBug
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

Fred Miranda wrote:
Kent, one thing is for sure: it will render quite differently from your Leica 75/1.4 Summilux. The SL 75/2's character comes from its perfection, rather than any flaws.

Summilux ... not quite. Mine is the M 75/2.4 ... not 75/1.4.

Jul 31, 2024 at 07:31 PM

RustyBug
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

flash wrote:
You could try the Panny 100mm. I like it a lot and it’s tiny.

Gordon

100 Macro ... doesn't sound like it would be quick. Most macro's aren't built with responsiveness in mind.

Then, I read this:

https://www.thephoblographer.com/2024/01/08/panasonic-100mm-f2-8-macro-lumix-s-review-sell-your-sigma-lens-now/

Now I'm going, huh ... quick, macro, really

Jul 31, 2024 at 07:36 PM

Geoff CB
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

The fastest focusing L mount lenses are the Sigma 24-70 version II and Sigma 70-200. They are surprisingly fast on the SL2 & SL2s, better than the Leica 24-90 and 90-280 in any lighting condition.

I own the 35mm and 75mm APO's , they are optically flawless but don't focus that fast on the SL2/s. They are good on the the S5II. However the Panasonic 1.8 primes have faster motors.

Lens design is all about compromises, choosing is which sacrifices you are willing to make.

Jul 31, 2024 at 08:36 PM

flash
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

Geoff CB wrote:
The fastest focusing L mount lenses are the Sigma 24-70 version II and Sigma 70-200. They are surprisingly fast on the SL2 & SL2s, better than the Leica 24-90 and 90-280 in any lighting condition.

I own the 35mm and 75mm APO's , they are optically flawless but don't focus that fast on the SL2/s. They are good on the the S5II. However the Panasonic 1.8 primes have faster motors.

Lens design is all about compromises, choosing is which sacrifices you are willing to make.

Yes. The new Sigma zooms are very quick. So is the 500. I may have read the original intent wrong and just stuck with primes. The Panasonic 24-105 is snappy as well.

I would love the 90-280 to focus better. Optically it's brilliant but AFC is not great. The Sigma 70-200 does focus fast with the TC though so you can get very close.

Gordon

Aug 01, 2024 at 12:02 AM

johnvanr
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

To me the SL-line is better than other brands to use with M lenses, but inferior when using native lenses compared to other brands. That’s why I stick with Canon and their excellent RF lenses for model and portrait stuff. I can trust the eye AF and focus on composition.

Aug 01, 2024 at 01:36 AM

RustyBug
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

flash wrote:
Yes. The new Sigma zooms are very quick. So is the 500. I may have read the original intent wrong and just stuck with primes. The Panasonic 24-105 is snappy as well.

I would love the 90-280 to focus better. Optically it's brilliant but AFC is not great. The Sigma 70-200 does focus fast with the TC though so you can get very close.

Gordon

I've got the new Siggy 500/5.6 and it is nicely quick.

Your read on my intent ... yeah, looking for a prime in the short / portrait tele range. I hadn't really thought much about a macro, though. My original question was taking into account the dual motor focusing aspect of the SL 75/2. Seems as though the 100/2.8 Macro deploys a similar dual motor focusing arrangement, as well.

I figure my SL kit will have ONE Leica SL prime, but haven't decided on which one I want to invest in, rounding out other things with M glass and/or Panny / Siggy where Leica doesn't play much (i.e. the long prime). I reckon the 100/2.8 Macro would fill the Macro gap, and while not the fastest aperture, it's not any slower than a zoom (just trades close focus for zoom capability), so hmmm. That, and it's pretty much the same as my M75/2.4 (aperture), just a boost in mfd and FL. Rendering IQ diff's TBD.

Aug 01, 2024 at 08:48 PM

RustyBug
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

Geoff CB wrote:
Lens design is all about compromises, choosing is which sacrifices you are willing to make.

+1 for "choose your poison(s)"

Aug 01, 2024 at 08:48 PM

Matt Kerby
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

I just jumped back into the SL system...Been playing with my M-lenses on it all day. I forgot how nice it is shooting M on the SL2. Since you brought up the 75/2.4, I threw mine on and wow, forgot just how sharp it is. Focus throw is intensely short, almost impossible to get perfect focus on my m10r, but a joy on the SL2.

If I were going to buy just 1 SL prime for my kit, it would have to be the 35 APO. I just don't shoot portraits or tele landscapes as much as I do street and general walkaround, not to mention product photography. So, I'd just use my m for portraits.

That said...I just bought my 1st L mount lens for my current setup. Chose the Sigma 50/1.2...So I could use it as a general purpose and a portrait lens. Get it tomorrow.

Aug 01, 2024 at 09:09 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Focusing Performance of SL 75/2 ...

Another key advantage of the SL line over other brands is its exceptional performance at minimum focus distance. Typically, the SL series lenses offer a maximum magnification of 0.2x, delivering high resolution and contrast with virtually no color fringing or spherical aberration at this distance.

So, if you prioritize performance at wide apertures even at minimum focus distance, these lenses are definitely worth considering.

Aug 07, 2024 at 03:18 PM


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