p.1 #1 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
I'm curious to get a real-world sense of how popular the Leica SL system actually is among FM members.
How many of you actively use and truly enjoy the SL system today, whether with native SL lenses or adapted M-mount lenses, and how many have tried it but ultimately decided to stick with other mirrorless systems instead?
p.1 #2 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
I tried it with my M mount lenses and one Sigma lens. Loved the interface and the viewfinder. Hated the weight and size, but mostly find it ridiculously expensive compared to other more capable systems.
p.1 #3 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
I sold my Z system and kept the L mount despite it’s mediocre Af system, the reason being the Apo lenses over the huge 1.2 Nikon counterparts. I still use and enjoy my M lenses and cameras and recently added a Hasselblad X2D II.
Back to the point, I wish Leica hires a solid software team, catches its rivals in AF, tries to design (and sell) new lenses for the L line that are not just copies from Sigma or Panasonic and, please, shows the same magic that they still provide for the M mount. A good example is the last 50mm reissue: a jewel of a lens. Why did they take for granted that the SL line has to be boring and static?
p.1 #4 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
I voted yes but I fluctuate and I’ve not used a single system in more than a decade.
My X2D/X2D2 is my primary system, when its limited focal length availability suffices. It’s my main travel system. I mix in a little bit of GFX as well, mostly for the 100-200 and 500mm. I REALLY want a 100-2xx zoom for the X2D2.
I use Sony A1ii’s for wildlife. Blackout free and silent shooting are revolutionary for wildlife. Also Sony’s pre-capture is top of the pile. Wish they’d get rid of the daft TC restrictions for third party lenses.
I have an Olympus EM1-3 Astro for my *serious* astro camera but I’m just starting with it (after owning it for a year).
As for the SL system… I’ve shot it since the 601 launch date. Shot it for work and play. Travelled with it. It’s the best small format camera system, I own as far as user enjoyment goes. But it was getting surpassed by the Hasselblad and Sony systems. Sony lenses like the 28-70 f2 and 50-150 f2 are like crack. So desirable. But the A7R5, while making stunning files and incredible tech has always been *meh* for me. Kind of like a Tesla. Great tech. Lousy drive. Some people don’t like driving. I do. I wanted to use the Leicas but the Sonys just made more sense if the Hasselblad wasn’t right.
I’ve spent the last week playing with version 4 firmware for my SL3’s. The Af performance update is simply massive. I am fortunate to have a few of Sigma lenses for both systems including the Sigma 70-200 2.8 and a bunch of the DGDN primes and the SL3 is really close to the A7R5 in performance, much of the time. For general shooting like portraits or your cat or dog running in a park the Leica is now competitive with the Sony. Even my, formally slow focusing but brilliant, 90-280 Sl keeps up with my dogs. It’s a revelation after years of *beta* AF. The Sl3 has kept ahead of any Fujifilm camera I own (XT-5, XH-2 etc). The A7R5 does have better initial acquisition by a little bit and is better for really fast small things like birds.
I’m still not keen on the small resolution drop in the EVF for AFC and the camera doesn’t revert to general tracking if it can’t find a subject. There’s still no EFCS (although I swear the shutter shock has improved in the latest update, I just don’t know why). I am really pleased with how accurate the eye AF is now. I’m getting almost no missed shots for moderate moving targets. And I like EVERYTHING else about the camera more than my A7R5. Don’t get me wrong. This is no A1ii/R5ii competitor but it’s definitively competitive, even for casual wildlife. I’m sure I could take this to Kenya next month and come home with plenty of great shots although it’ll struggle with birds because of the shutter blackout. On my May trip to North West Oz I’ll take the SL3 and a 60-600 as I’m sure it’s now up to some casual wildlife shooting. I’m really really tempted to but a reporter now. I wasn’t a few weeks ago.
Then there’s the SL APO’s. If you’ve used them you know.
I wish a 24mm and 180mm would be announced. And we deserve a lighter V2 of the 24-90.
A month ago I would have chosen no. But after V4 it’s a big fat yes from me.
p.1 #5 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
I recently purchased a Leica SL3-S and overall really enjoying it so far despite my initial skepticism that it's basically an overpriced and oversized Panasonic S5II. Previously cycled through Fuji, Nikon and Sony a few times. I've also had a Leica Q3 43mm APO a few times where I loved the lens but really got frustrated over its systems limitations (lack of IBIS and slowness) that prompted me to give the SL3-S a try.
The body size is very comfortable to use, great color science, good menus, operations are fast and autofocus is competent (much better than Fuji) but not as good as Nikon or Sony. The key differentiator for me are the APO SL lenses and they are the reason to own this camera. I've also used it with a couple of Panasonic and Sigma lenses - it's alright but the real magic is with the APO SL lenses. I've also adapted some Leica M lenses as well but I prefer using the M11 over SL body.
I'll probably hang on to this camera until Leica brings out a stacked sensor version at some point in the future.
p.1 #7 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
The primary reason I own and love my SL3 are the APO-SL lenses. Coupled with the Leica SL3 sensor I get image quality unavailable in any other FF system.
Shooting M lenses is a bonus feature. The build quality, weather resistance, menu system, Leica workflow, triple resolution without a crop, and 250 mpx multishot mode are also big pluses.
Since I don't shoot sports or small BIF the 4.0 firmware means that I can confidently shoot everything I am interested in with the SL3. I am now content to have the SL3 as my only EVF driven camera system. It is a very compelling camera system at this point.
p.1 #8 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
Yes, my SL system is what I consider to be the best level of quality and image excellence that I can afford. I stopped looking at (and using) other systems. I know it's a matter of some personal bias based on my experience with other systems and lenses, but my APO-SL-35 and APO-SL-75 primes are the best lenses I've ever used. I do have the Panasonic 16-35/4 and the Sigma 100-400, but rarely use them anymore.
I'm focusing on studio photography these days, so the 35 and 75 serve me well, but I'd still like a 24-90.
p.1 #9 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
I briefly evaluated the original SL and a couple things turned me off of the system:
- AF subject tracking performance was poor, meaning, it couldn't consistently keep anything moving at a moderately fast speed in focus.
- some edge smearing of certain M lenses I tried, compared to use on a digital M.
Admittedly, the SL series AF situation appears to been recently improved, about 10 years later. Yet meanwhile everyone else hasn't been sitting still either and I opted to transition from DSLR to mirrorless within the Canon system instead of leaving for another one. And if I had, Sony or Nikon would have ranked more highly than Leica for AF capability.
Naturally, it depends on what you want out of a mirrorless system. In my case, I want AF that is highly effective for sports and other forms of action, along with lens options that suit this type of coverage, combined with usable e-shutter capabilities inherent in stacked sensors.
Lastly, because I don't have the deep pockets to obtain a fully redundant, duplicated kit, I need reliable equipment that when it requires servicing, is well supported with fast turnaround and loaner availability. Unfortunately for me, Leica servicing means a cross-border shipment hassle on top of weeks to months turnaround. Simply a no-go situation. Canon on the other hand, is a 45 minute drive away.
IMO the most compelling reason for the SL system is the SL APO primes. There is also the inherent Leica refinement. Realistically though, as amazing as some of this is, it doesn't really make a real world difference for the vast majority of people consuming my images. How many will recognize the extra nth degree of image quality extracted by an SL APO prime over a run of the mill Canikony equivalent?
For personal Leica indulgence I still prefer the M system in part because of its uniqueness.
p.1 #11 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
ZdevilH1 wrote:
Yup, very much enjoying my SL 601 with adaptive M and or vintage glass. Even today, wonderful EFV.
I, too, enjoy my SL601. It is used primarily for landscape and urban building photography. Cons for me are the expensive system pricing and unintuitive menu system, IMO. Favorite lens used are the Lumix S50/1.8 and the Voigtlander 35/2,
Ultron, adapted.
p.1 #12 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
SL2-S ... alive and well. SL3 likely in the future.
SL isn't going anywhere for me ... I've got my Siggy 500/5.6 in L mount and my M lenses. Those are bookends of diametric opposition (tele AF vs. wide manual). Additional versatility gets filled in by other Siggy / Panny options, should I so desire.
Versatility is in my DNA ... the SL platform (while not the class leader in AF) scratches my versatility in a successful way that another platform cannot (also known as M lenses on MILC issues).
If I had to live with ONLY ONE BODY ... forever ... SL3.
But, I do have other bodies, to pair with my SL, so when I want something different (mono, M, Q, MF, etc.), I can. But, the SL would be "last man standing" ... even if it is blasphemy to the M.
I'm trying to pare down my bodies, the SL isn't up for consideration to let go. Even though I demo'd a Sony (quicker AF response, certainly), I'm still sticking with the SL as my most versatile body.
p.1 #13 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
tzhang4284 wrote:
I recently purchased a Leica SL3-S and overall really enjoying it so far despite my initial skepticism that it's basically an overpriced and oversized Panasonic S5II. Previously cycled through Fuji, Nikon and Sony a few times. I've also had a Leica Q3 43mm APO a few times where I loved the lens but really got frustrated over its systems limitations (lack of IBIS and slowness) that prompted me to give the SL3-S a try.
The body size is very comfortable to use, great color science, good menus, operations are fast and autofocus is competent (much better than Fuji) but not as good as Nikon or Sony. The key differentiator for me are the APO SL lenses and they are the reason to own this camera. I've also used it with a couple of Panasonic and Sigma lenses - it's alright but the real magic is with the APO SL lenses. I've also adapted some Leica M lenses as well but I prefer using the M11 over SL body.
I'll probably hang on to this camera until Leica brings out a stacked sensor version at some point in the future....Show more →
p.1 #14 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
I'm shooting both a SL (type 601) and a SL2. Love them to no end for sure. They have limitations but man do they also produce.
I have shot adapted lenses for decades on my Canon DSLRs but using the same old M.F. glass on the SL bodies has been a game changer. Also, the SL APO zooms are the best zooms I have ever used in my 40+ years shooting. Even with a ton of really good Leica R, CY Zeiss and other stellar primes I am totally tempted to try some of the SL primes. Even at their crazy price.
Now to be honest I'm not one that changes things much. I added both SL's just this year. For the past ten years or more I've shot four Canon DSLR's that I still have. A 5D, a 5DsR, a 7D and a 7D MK II. Since getting the SL's the Canon bodies have seen very little use. Mainly just wildlife work. In fact I have decided to add a R5 MK II for my wildlife work also.
Anyway, back to the SL's, I just love using them and find the menu's and such so much easier to manage than the Canon ones. The SL's are heavy for sure and that has caused me some issues. I'm still recovering from rotator cuff surgery and the weight can aggravate and cause pain. But the results are so worth it. I don't see any reason to move away from them. With the way I tend to keep gear for a long time I don't see them going anywhere for a long time. I even used the SL2 with my Canon EF 600/4.0 and a 1.4x and got stellar results shooting eagles. Not that they were flying, I am realistic as to though limitations.
p.1 #15 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
jstrawman wrote:
I, too, enjoy my SL601. It is used primarily for landscape and urban building photography. Cons for me are the expensive system pricing and unintuitive menu system, IMO. Favorite lens used are the Lumix S50/1.8 and the Voigtlander 35/2,
Ultron, adapted.
That Lumix 50mm f1.8 is such an undervalued lens. Beautifully when paired with the SL.
p.1 #17 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
tzhang4284 wrote:
Yup and It’s lousy for video compared to ibis. Rolling shutter is also lousy from that 61mp sensor.
That's because the camera isn't really optimised for video use. Not because of OIS.
In every brand IBIS only works until 400mm and lots of OIS lenses work great for video. Even past 150mm OIS is more effective, generally than IBIS. Video on the Q3 is a side load feature basically. The sensor, lack of mic inputs and video codecs really show that it's for some casual B roll and not much else.
p.1 #18 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
At my peak of SL-system ownership, I had an SL2, SL2s, and Leica 14-24, 24-70, 100-400, and Sigma 70-200 2.8 that would have been replaced with the Leica had I stuck with it. I bought this stuff for landscape and travel, but also had my Nikon system which was a Z9, Z8, 24-120, 100-400, 180-600, and 400mm f2.8TC. I am mostly a nature photographer and moving wildlife (fast or slow) are an important subset of my subjects. Had the Leica's tracked movement as well as my former Nikon D850 and D500, I would have lived with the limitations and invested in the SL3 (and S) as well as Sigma's new 300-600mm f/4. Unfortunately, I found that the Leica AF could track subjects reliably and often focused on the wrong thing even when the AF spot was on target.
I actually preferred the build and menus of the SL2/2S to my Z9 and Z8, but the AF was not competitive for what I like to shoot. I sold my SL System off. I'll stick with Nikon for nature and use my M body of cities, street, and travel... bummer, but that's my "real world" opinion.
If you look at my many image posts, you'll see that most of what I should is dependent on reliable AF.
p.1 #19 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
flash wrote:
That's because the camera isn't really optimised for video use. Not because of OIS.
In every brand IBIS only works until 400mm and lots of OIS lenses work great for video. Even past 150mm OIS is more effective, generally than IBIS. Video on the Q3 is a side load feature basically. The sensor, lack of mic inputs and video codecs really show that it's for some casual B roll and not much else.
Why not crop a bit and stabilise in post?
Gordon
Candidly - more work than I wanted to invest to crop and stabilize video in post. Everything you said makes sense on the video on the Q3 being a side load feature. I find everything is much more complete and competent on the SL3-S at the expense of size and weight.
For my setup, I have the M11 still for when I want something compact so for me I also simplified my setup to M for compactness and SL3-S for video, AF, and anything that requires a more robust camera. I would say video is a 20 to 30% activity for me but when I wanted an AF interchangeable lens camera again, having competent IBIS and good video were determining critieras for me hence the SL3s vs say the SL3 or one of the medium format cameras.
I probably could've gotten a Panasonic body but I didn't like using them at all when I tried it. I gave Nikon/Sony/Fuji a spin again but similarly didn't love the cameras and/or the rendering from their lenses. I was mostly curious about the SL3-S and gave it a try thinking I would not like it but surprisingly enjoyed it and ended up buying one - go figure...
p.1 #20 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
I've been shooting with the SL system for a few years now. Currently have the SL2 and SL3 as well as a selection of SL lenses. While this system is not what I use when photographing wildlife, I really enjoy it for everything else. While the APO primes are known for being excellent (I have the APO 35 and it produces truly beautiful images), some of the zooms are incredible as well - the 24-90 and the 90-280 are remarkable in my opinion.
When I travel for non-wildlife photography, I take the SL system with me. The downsides are the weight and size. And while it can be cumbersome to haul this equipment around, I have never regretted it. The system is easy to use and I appreciate the uncomplicated operation. I also find manual focus to be easy as well. Interestingly, I can't stand manual focus on my Sony cameras as it is incredibly difficult for me to nail critical focus. The SL bodies make manual focus a whole lot easier and can readily get the focus where I want it, which of course is super helpful for using M lenses.
