p.3 #2 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
I still have an SL3 that replaced an SL2. Never had the original SL. I have been using M cameras and lenses for 35+ years. My reason for having the SL2 and the SL3 was to have an autofocus camera but also have the ability to use my M lenses on that same body. My first lens for the SL2 was a 24-90 which I still use. I eventually added a 50 Summilux SL and 4 APO SL lenses. The APO SL lenses are second to none but the 24-90 is so ridiculously close to the APOs that it is THE SL lens I will not give up. While I amassed a very spectacular SL kit after a couple years the harsh reality was that I didn't have the desire to schlepp around all the APO-SL lenses for the practically indistinguishable image quality benefit over the 24-90. I sold off all the primes, well, actually have the 21 currently in the buy/sell forum despite it being the only focal length not covered by the 24-90. As spectacular as the Super APO 21 is--I just don't use it enough and have a 21 Summilux-M which is simply technically inferior (yet fits on my M and my SL). I also have a Leica 28-70 which makes for a lighter combo than an SL3 and an APO prime. I've realized if the gear is too heavy or bulky I tend to not use it. The SL3 w/28-70 is my all purpose AF kit for time when photography is not the primary focus and I want one camera and one lens (with some range)
p.3 #3 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
Fred Miranda wrote:
For those in the know, is the latest firmware v6.2 for the SL2 and v3.0 for the SL 24–90?
"latest firmware v6.2 for the SL2" ✅
I don't know about the SL 24-90 maybe someone else who owns that lens will respond. Either way as soon as you mount the lens on the SL2 w/ v6.2.0 it should indicate if there is a firmware update available for the lens.
p.3 #4 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
LBJ2 wrote:
"latest firmware v6.2 for the SL2" ✅
I don't know about the SL 24-90 maybe someone else who owns that lens will respond. Either way as soon as you mount the lens on the SL2 w/ v6.2.0 it should indicate if there is a firmware update available for the lens.
Cool, thanks for confirming. I have v3 on the 24-90 which seems to be right, but it is odd that Leica does not list the actual version on their official firmware page.
p.3 #5 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
I’ve just bought a SL3 reporter with second hand 24-90 having only used an M10P for a few years. Prior to that was shooting Nikon, D850 then Z7. In terms of size and weight it’s around the same as a D850 and 24-70e VR, a bit of a shock after lighter cameras! Having said that the sensor and lens combination are producing gorgeous results after just a few test shots, although not a combination for a casual walk for me! The lens was bought in preparation for a holiday we’re planning and I’m thinking of adding a Leica 35 f2 aspheric to make it more of a tubby Q43 which will give me a weatherproof option instead of my M. Looking forward to trying my M lenses on it which should be fun.
p.3 #6 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
Beagle64 wrote:
I’ve just bought a SL3 reporter with second hand 24-90 having only used an M10P for a few years. Prior to that was shooting Nikon, D850 then Z7. In terms of size and weight it’s around the same as a D850 and 24-70e VR, a bit of a shock after lighter cameras! Having said that the sensor and lens combination are producing gorgeous results after just a few test shots, although not a combination for a casual walk for me! The lens was bought in preparation for a holiday we’re planning and I’m thinking of adding a Leica 35 f2 aspheric to make it more of a tubby Q43 which will give me a weatherproof option instead of my M. Looking forward to trying my M lenses on it which should be fun. ...Show more →
I owned the SL and SL2 in the past and shot with them for many years. About two years ago I let my SL2 go, but I missed it enough that I recently picked one up again. There is something about the EVF, the battery life, and the overall robustness of the camera that just feels right and makes the whole shooting experience better (Than my Sony A7CR Kolari). Right now I do not have many L mount lenses, so I am adapting my M mount lenses to it. (which perform very well without any modification)
Most of the L-mount AF lenses on the market have a very modern look. That includes the Sigma lenses and even the Leica APO SL lenses. I was looking for something with a bit more character in the rendering, but there are not many options. Perhaps adapting older Canon EF prime lenses?
For my AF needs I went back to the 24-90 SL zoom. It is really all I need. I love the image quality and still think it is one of the best zooms ever made.
p.3 #8 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
stgrove wrote:
Yes, the 24-90 is the ONLY reason I have not sold my SL bodies since getting the X2DII.
It's expensive and heavy, but its optical formula with 4 asph. and 11 low-dispersion elements in an 18-element design delivers very low CA and high resolution at any distance even MFD. At 90 mm it provides a very high 1:3.8 reproduction ratio, which is impressive for a non-macro zoom. What I find it special in use is the weather sealing and how fast it focuses, since only one light element moves internally to focus. Compared to the Sigma 24‑70 mm f/2.8 "Leica barrel" version I had, the Leica 24‑90's corners and micro-contrast are noticeably better especially at the end of the range. It's perhaps the best zoom ever made and that is not just hype.
p.3 #9 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
stgrove wrote:
Yes, the 24-90 is the ONLY reason I have not sold my SL bodies since getting the X2DII.
For me it’s the opposite. While I agree about how good the 24-90 is I haven’t used it since getting my X2D. Sure the range is better but the 35-75 and now 35-100 are as good and have better IQ when combined with the HB. sensor.
I shot the Sigma 24-70ii for a bit and am now (on my second copy after an issue with the first) using the 28-70 2.8. I’ve decided that there’s no point having my SL3’s being the same weight or more than the HB. I have the excellent 14-24 for wider and a selection for longer so I’m not missing the few mm at either end.
The issue with the 24-90 is that now other brands do have lenses as good and potentially more interesting. Sony’s 28-70 f2 for example, is brilliant. Nikon’s new 24-70 f2.8 is astoundingly sharp. I think Leica needs a new 24-90 in a lighter housing that matches the OG image quality. The current one is 10 years old.
How long s it since Leica released an original design for the SL system?
p.3 #10 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
flash wrote:
How long s it since Leica released an original design for the SL system?
Gordon
Two years ago, Leica introduced an original SL design with the Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2. Since then, new SL lenses have mostly been non-Leica designs in Leica barrels. (Maybe a smart way to keep prices down and stay more competitive with other brands)
2 years isn't too long, and honestly, they've covered most of the prime focal lengths with their APO lenses. A 135mm APO might be a nice addition. Their original zooms are already outstanding, so maybe they don't feel the need to update those yet. I don't think the SL system has been as successful as many people assume, which is probably why Leica doesn't put too many resources into it.
p.3 #11 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
Fred Miranda wrote:
Two years ago, Leica introduced an original SL design with the Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2. Since then, new SL lenses have mostly been non-Leica designs in Leica barrels. (Maybe a smart way to keep prices down and stay more competitive with other brands)
2 years isn't too long, and honestly, they've covered most of the prime focal lengths with their APO lenses. A 135mm APO might be a nice addition. Their original zooms are already outstanding, so maybe they don't feel the need to update those yet. I don't think the SL system has been as successful as many people assume, which is probably why Leica doesn't put too many resources into it....Show more →
p.3 #12 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
Fred Miranda wrote:
Two years ago, Leica released an original design for the SL system with the Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2. Since then, any new SL lenses have been based on non-Leica designs in Leica barrels.
The existing set of Leica designed and manufactured APO-SL lenses are probably the best opticaly, build quality, and weather sealed lenses ever produced for a Full Frame camera system. The currently available set is comprehensive covering pretty much all focal lengths this type of lens is used for. They are optcaly capable for resolutions much much higher than are likely possible for some time to come. I don't think Leica can realistically improve on these meaningfully except in AF motors and software. So, little point in making new versions.
On the zoom side of things the situation is much different. The original zoom lenses were opticaly excellent. But form factor makes them a difficult choice for many including me. Leica's reliance on expensive versions of third party designed and manufactured zoom lenses is honestly a bit disappointing for me. I don't feel that they offer a value over just buying the third party options. Now that the AF in the SL line has improved to a meaningful useful level I think the SL system would benefit from a new set of true Leica zooms. I shoot Leica because I want a full Leica experience and image quality. I am not fully satisfied with third party lenses no matter the logo on the barrel.
The speed and accuracy the new SL AF capabilities also provides opportunity for some new primes. I would like to see some really fast (0.95, 1.0, 1.2) uniquely character rich primes for the SL system from Leica. Leica knows how to do this as they have shown with decades of M lenses.
I think Leica's latest efforts in the cinema lenses shows that SL video glass will be well served.
p.3 #14 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
Leica is probably the only company who can make completely electronic compact manual focus lenses and be successful with it. I had hopes for m ev1, but if it would be nice if they make something like this for L mount together with a more compact camera.
p.3 #15 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
flash wrote:
For me it’s the opposite. While I agree about how good the 24-90 is I haven’t used it since getting my X2D. Sure the range is better but the 35-75 and now 35-100 are as good and have better IQ when combined with the HB. sensor.
I shot the Sigma 24-70ii for a bit and am now (on my second copy after an issue with the first) using the 28-70 2.8. I’ve decided that there’s no point having my SL3’s being the same weight or more than the HB. I have the excellent 14-24 for wider and a selection for longer so I’m not missing the few mm at either end.
The issue with the 24-90 is that now other brands do have lenses as good and potentially more interesting. Sony’s 28-70 f2 for example, is brilliant. Nikon’s new 24-70 f2.8 is astoundingly sharp. I think Leica needs a new 24-90 in a lighter housing that matches the OG image quality. The current one is 10 years old.
How long s it since Leica released an original design for the SL system?
Gorden, if you have/had the Leica 24-90, how would you say it compared at the wide, mid and longer focal length range against the current Sigma 24-70 f2.8 II (version II)...especially wide open? Thanks very much!
p.3 #16 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
The SL3’s autofocus may not be as good as some other brands, but if you’re not shooting fast-moving subjects, it’s more than sufficient. I really love the images it produces. Compared to my previous Sony camera, I prefer Leica—but before I bought Leica, I liked Sony just as much. So in everyday life, it’s better not to compare too much, and not to try out friends’ cameras either—otherwise your wallet will definitely take a hit.
The question raised by the writer is the same one I have. How would a new 135mm f/2 APO SL compare to the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 L? I believe the Sigma f/1.8 was discontinued once the new 135mm f/1.4 L was released, but in my opinion the f/1.8 was an outstanding portrait lens. It was my go to when I was shooting portraits with the SL2. Focus was just as fast as the Leica APO lenses, and it was very well corrected for CA, almost APO like in practice.
The Sigma 135/1.8 Art L-mount was already too sharp for portraits:
Leica SL2135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art 017 lens135mmf/1.81/160s1250 ISO0.0 EV
LEICA SL2135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art 017 lens135mmf/2.01/500s100 ISO0.0 EV
p.3 #20 · Do You Still Use the Leica SL System? (Poll)
Fred Miranda wrote:
I strongly doubt that, but I'm open to being convinced if I see solid proof.
I do agree on the 50/1.4 Lux SL. One of the best lenses every produced.
FWIW, for portraits (and humans in general) I prefer the rendering of the 24-90mm over the APO Summicrons. No experience with the 50mm f1.4.
And again for portraits I will happily put the Canon 28-70 f2 alongside the Leica 24-90mm. No experience with the 24-105 f2.8 (I do own the f4).
Besides that, the 135 APO came up recently in an interview with somebody from Leica. Don't recall exactly where/when.
