Has anyone yet tested the new SL-P fast focus on moving subjects capabilities (action, athletes, wildlife, etc.)? The SL3-S was a slight improvement in focusing speed & accuracy over the SL3, but still lags behind my Canons. Thank, Mark W.
Can't answer that from experience but a couple of the folks I follow that tested it say it's much improved, but not enough to be considered a wildlife camera. For casual images with people moving around at normal speeds were where the improvements really showed i.e. speed of focus, subject detection, ability to hold focus, etc.
It might be a spell before someone here grabs one and gives it a go....errr, except Gordon. Gordon will have one and report about it
I guess it depends on what kind of wildlife and sports you are interested in. Small, fast BIF, the SL3-P is not a good choice. I think it will be fine for large mammals like you get on an African Safari. Same kind of thing with sports.
I am testing it side by side with my A1ii and R5ii. We’ve had rain here so I’m a bit behind but so far.
I have the Sigma 300-600 in both mounts and a ful set of Sony GM super teles and tele zooms. Mostly I’m comparing the 300-600 on the SL3-P and A1ii.
1. The acquisition time of the Sony is still slightly faster than the Leica. The SL3-P does show a box around subjects that are slightly out of focus prior to pushing the focus button which is nice. But the Sony gets there slightly faster.
2. Once on the subject both are tenacious. I haven’t got to anything moving super quick yet and the birds in my yard are laying so are somewhat grounded. The plovers are defending their nests though and running around erratically. Plus a few BiF shots but nothing I’d consider really challenging. For this I’m seeing no difference at all. This is a massive improvement for a Leica camera. But I’m not at the point where I’d say I’ve gotten to the limit of either system.
3. The Leica does have a stutter in the EVF, linked to its readout speed. A fully stacked sensor barely does this at all. Also the Leica has no pre-capture.
4. There are native TC’s for the Leica that work well. For the 300-600 on the Sony you’ll need to use the Viltrox 2x or adapt the lens to a Nikon body. You’re also limited to 15fps on the Sony so wit any adapted lens the Leica actually has a higher frame rate. Native Sony lenses are no issue.
5. Read speed is limited and it’s possible to get some rolling shutter effect on the Leica when panning, especially in 14 bit. So far I’ve only seen it in a few shots at 14bit read speed.
6. There are more accessible buttons on the Sony. While I normally get annoyed by crowded cameras they’re really useful for sports and wildlife. You also can’t assign any quick setting to a button on the Leica.
7. You need to be careful with lens selection on the Leica. Not all the glass can keep up. Notably the stunning 90-280. You’re better off with one of the newer Sigmas or Leica/Sigma clones. Leica originally designed the SL system around IQ not speed and now they have to play catchup with focus motor etc. But we do have a fine selection of longer fast AF glass from Sigme.
More to come but my initial impressions are…. If you’re building a dedicated wildlife/sports system from scratch you’re still better off with one of the big three. The 300-600 is sensational on the A1ii as long as you’re OK with 15fps and limited TC support. But you have acces to all Sonys sensational longer lenses. I’m really liking the new 100-400 f4.5. If you’re already a Leica shooter and want a capable wildlife/sports lens than you’re going to be VERY happy with the SL3-P. It’s a leap up from the SL3’s already improved AF performance.
Anyone familiar with Canon will understand this. The SL3-P is like a R5mk1. Maybe a bit better.. Lots of good photographers shot birds and action with that camera for years with great results. But it can’t keep up with the R5mk2. If that makes sense.
