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 p.1 #13 · Reasons to LIKE the Leica SL system? | |
There is much I love about my Sl3 system:
Number 1 of course is image quality. The APO-SL Summicron primes are unmatched in the industry for optical performance in FF cameras. This high optical performance has been tested, documented, and is visible in results. The 28mm/50mm/90mm set provide me a focal length range that covers my intended use cases. The fact that they are all identical in form factor means that a single set of filters and accessories covers all lenses. The goes a good way towards mitigating the size and weight of an SL system. It actually becomes reasonably compact when configured this way. Between all the lenses available from Leica and in the L Mount Alliance you can find lenses that optimize for almost any use case. Zooms, low size, weather resistance, deep image character, or optical perfection, and price. In fact, if you choose the right lenses the SL3 (smaller lighter SL body) provides a Leica AF system whose form factor and performance is very close to a Leica Q with the added benefit of flexible focal length choices.
The build is also unmatched in the industry. This is a durable, designed to last, and survive adverse conditions system. I have no concern using this system in bad weather and a harsh environments. true for both the camera body, and Leica SL lenses.
The system is ergonomically fantastic. Just the right amount of controls, with the right control types and positions to provide full control of needed image making options. The controls have the required configurability to suit just about and situation. The simple and powerful menu system provides all the needed options that are useful because they are so easy to use. The system of profiles is very powerful and can be used rapidly switch between photographic genre requirements. Used creatively profiles have the capability of effectively multiplying the number of physical controls. It is a very well thought out ergonomic and haptic system.
I really like using my M lenses on the SL3. The EVF, and ergonomics provide and exceptional shooting and manual focusing experience. When shooting M on SL the only requirement is the small adapter. I recommend using the Leica version it is worth the price premium. Between the 6 bit encoding and the sensor design working perfectly with the M glass it is a far better system for M than adapting M lenses to other systems. It behaves more like a native system than an adapted one.
Surprisingly there is an opportunity to arbitrage price with the SL system. It doesn't hold value in the resale market like the M system does. I was able to assemble a like new condition pre-owned SL3/APO lens system at prices competitive with other systems new. I have confidence buying leica equipment used. One reason is that there are no issues with grey market. Leica honors its warranty globally. These warranties are also fully transferable to buyers of pre-owned equipment. Leica warranties the equipment, not the purchaser. The 3 year term means that most of the pre-owned equipment I have purchased have warranty as long as new equipment would from other manufactures. I keep this goal in mind when selecting which used equipment I purchase. It has value for me.
I guess we should also recognize the SL systems' shortcomings. First is the AF system and sensor speed. This system is very limited when it comes to fast action. But in the genres where I chose it for it is excellent in both. There are limited choices in accessories, and they tend to be more expensive. Since studio and portraits are one of my prime uses for my SL3 this shows up in lighting. If you want a fully integrated TTL lighting experience you are basically limited to ProFoto gear. The best, but very expensive stuff. Since i shoot manually with lights I am able to use the same Godox equipment I use for my Sony cameras. To shoot manually all you need is a center pin flash or transmitter. So, I am fine with this limitation.
I am very kit size sensitive, which is what originally kept me away from the SL system. But with the smaller lighter size of the SL3 I took another look. Below is a picture of the bags I go out with for my M and SL system. Each lets me carry a the body, three lens kit (all APO for SL3), and the normal extra, battery, filters, cleaning and maintenance supplies. Yes, the SL3 bag is bigger, but not that much and there is actually extra room in the bag for a couple of M lenses too. The bag also holds my two lens Sigma zoom SL kit that gives me coverage from 21mm to 600mm (I usually throw in my 21mm SEM because who need AF at 21mm)in a relatively lightweight compact kit. Amazingly, the zooms use the 67mm filters as the APO primes. So cost effective and efficient.
So, yes for me I find lots to love about Leica SL in my photography. I still have my complete Sony A1 and GM lens kit. But am thinking of selling. I haven't shot the Sony in over a year now. Between M, D-Lux 8, and SL my needs are covered with amazing flexibility, and image quality with my Leicas.
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