The Best Pro LEICA Wedding Photography Kit in 2022 for Under $10,000?

[@santiagoadonis5926]

man I’m in love with this series. Can u do a Hasselblad under $100k wedding kit next?

[@arbolifestyle]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA

[@krazyk57]

Hahahahahahahahaha

[@c141charlie]

Wait, after the Hasselblad $100K video, can you do a Phase One/Rodenstock wedding kit for less than $1MM?

[@edgarwoo]

lmaooooo

[@MonsieurZine]

Like you did in the past, i just got 2 x M240, and i have 2 voigtlander lens (used too), 35mm/1.4 and 28mm/2.0. Looks like the perfect kit for me, and for less than 10000/2 👌

[@camsmith4633]

Would be neat to see you do a new M mount only kit with the M-A, a new M10 and Voigtlander glass. I think you could really have something there.

[@peterlyndon-james8765]

I’m shooting on an SL2s, Leica APO 35mm, LUMIX 85mm 1.4 and a voightlander 21mm. And my second body is the Q2.

[@stefantotev]

Q2 28/1.7 + SL2-S with 50 APO (if a third lens is needed - Sigma 85 1.4 or Panasonic 85 1.8). Both bodies use the same batteries. Another solutions is to just get the kit SL2-S 24-70 2.8. It's under 10k and covers all the necessary focal lengths. And you can always get a cheap-ish 50/85 Panasonic f 1.8.

[@benjhaisch]

totally fits the bill and I'm fine with it, just had to be consistent with the rules of the experiment that I had setup with dual card slots being a prerequisite

[@d.idowuolutosin4250]

Hey Benj, great series. I know this particular one is about building a Leica kit but I'd like to switch that up a bit and make it an L mount Wedding Kit instead. And while the SL2-S is a great camera I think the LUMIX S5, which is an extremely similar camera is a better value and you can keep it well under $10K USD with room to spare for some additional lenses. Mind you, I'm not a wedding photographer but I do a LOT of portrait work and I shoot with an S5 and Leica CL, both L mount cameras. LUMIX-based Kit w/ Sigma Lenses: (B&H Retail Prices) - S5 @ $1,698 x 2 = $3,396 - Sigma 24mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary @ 639 - Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art @ $899 - Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art @ $849 - Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art @ $1,069 - Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary @ $639 Grand Total: $7,491 *** Optional Additions *** - Voigtländer Nokton Classic 35mm f/1.4 II MC VM @ $599 - Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical II MC VM @ $849 - Voigtländer 90mm f/2.8 Apo-Skopar VM @ $799 Grand Total: $2,247 This entire kit with ALL the lenses is $9,738. In the right hands, this is a powerful kit for any style of photography, especially wedding and portrait work. And before anyone starts talking about Panasonics autofocus, the SL2-S, if memory serves me right uses the same system. So it's not a real issue.

[@williamthatcher9560]

Thanks Benj! Best photography channel out there... Legit

[@PiotrPavlov]

Would be fun to see an M version of this video with voigtlander lenses.

[@frozenf8]

Get the Q m, comes with its own 28mm lens and is a lot cheaper than SL2s+28mm.Then you’ll need the 90 apo and SL2s and you can get a cheap lumix 50mm f1.8 if needed

[@BrandonTalbot]

Just picked up a used (like new) SL2 for $2,500. Two of these bad boys and 3 primes from Voigtlander and you're out the door for less than $8k. We've come a long way with used prices.

[@RamonBrito]

Ayeeee thanks for sharing sir. I am currently waiting for the Leica sl 2s. Looking forward to the new journey!! Cheers thank you for sharing again.

[@rdog77]

It's more like a dream system, But definitely would love to have it or any of the other kits from the other brands. 📸🔥

[@Fleet42]

I sold one of my two SL2S bodies and copped an R 5 because man as much as I love Leica the focus system for moving subjects is iffy at best. My kit was Sigma 105mm Macro, 85mm. 1.4 Sigma DGDN 50mm Lumix 50mm1.4 and Leica 24-70Elmerit 2.8. Now I have R5 RF 70-200 2.8 15-35RF 2.8 and just got 35mm 1.8 macro. Love these and being new to canon I’d love to see more canon stuff👏🏿✊🏿👏🏿

[@Narsuitus]

When I decided to build my Leica wedding kit, I already had my three lenses from my Leica M6 film days. 90mm f/2 Leitz 35mm f/1.4 Zeiss 21mm f/1.4 Leitz Therefore, all I had to do was buy two Leica M10 bodies. The new black body cost me $6,500 and the used chrome body cost $4,500. Regretfully, I was never able to use them for weddings because they spent too much time in the repair shop.

[@jklphoto]

Good thoughts Benj. When I bought the original Nikon D1($5k) back in 2000, my backup was a Nikon F100 and Propack of Portra 135-36. Each subsequent release became my primary shooter, while the older model became backup. To wit, if one really wanted to use the Leica SL Sytem for weddings, the OG SL at 24MP is plenty. 2) Leica SL (601) $2k each Sigma 24mm f/2 DG DN $639 Sigma 45mm f/2 DG DN $549 Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN $1199 Or, the Panasonic S line of primes: 24mm f1.8 $898 50mm f1.8 $448 85mm f1.8 $598 But honestly, I would NEVER suggest this system for a budding wedding photographer. Either be cool like you and commit to the M-system (gradually) maybe with Zeiss glass or go Nikon, Canon or Sony. Their systems are far more complete, offer f/2 or f/2.8 zooms and excellent flash integration which is sorely lacking in the Leica system.

[@Bryan-lu4du]

Leica ain't cheap thats for sure. The best Leica "value" is probably a Leica Q2 used, but of course that is impossible or unrealistic to do a wedding on that alone lol. I invested in the SL2 with several lenses but its taken me working my butt off for 3 years to pay for it, while I think I would rather have the SL2-S the files from the SL2 at lower ISOs are to die for. That 90 Summicron APO SL is the best lens I've ever used.

[@The_onthemoons_wedding]

I really liked your serie, I’m still waiting for your final video 😂

[@benjhaisch]

Hahahaha oh man. Oops

[@FranckChevallereau]

You may also replace 1 sl2s + 28mm by a Q2 ?

[@damienphotographe]

1 year after my take: 1/ a used MP240, MP for the increased buffer, I used to have a M240 but reached too often the damn buffer limit 3,5k Lens 28mm --> 28f2 voigt or 28f1.4 7artisan or 28f2.8 Zeiss Lens 35mm --> 35f1.5 voigt or 35f1.4 7artisan Lens 50mm --> 50f1.5 sonnar or 50f2.0 (any) 2/ either a used SL2-S 3,5k for longer lenses or ultrawide or a cheaper Typ601 for 2k (almost as good) --> 50mm autofocus panasonic or sigma --> maybe 75mm M lens with l2M adapter --> maybe a 21mm 2/ or a used M240 (not P) 2,5k if you like light and efficient with a complementary lens

[@AaronAnalog1]

Sony A7iv x 2= $5,000 Sony 24mm F1.4 GM = $1,400 Sony Planar T* 50mm f1.4 ZA = $1,500 Sony 135mm f1.8 GM = $2,000 Total = $9,900 Or 2 A7iii bodies used with all used lenses would be between $6,000 - $7,000

[@haroldlauhoyan]

heard a lot of good thing about the panasonic f1.8 set though

[@MarcS4R]

i would get one used SL 601 , that should do the trick. Still a great camera.

[@benjhaisch]

I really was disappointed with the autofocus on that camera when I used it :(

[@MarcS4R]

@@benjhaisch it's not amazing, but the AF of the SL2s is not that much better imo ;)

[@Memento_HiFi]

My close to $10k Leica kit would probably be an Camera A: Leica SL2-S ($4995), Camera: B Leica SL($2500ish used), Lenses: Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 Art ($1069 at the moment) Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art ($849 at the moment) and that brings the total to about $9413 before taxes and shipping.

[@benjhaisch]

Nice!

[@noenken]

SL2s body used is about 3500,- so x2 is about 7k. New 35 and 65 f/2 Sigma i-series lenses and a 135 1.8 art should fit into the rest of the budget.

[@williaminbody205]

Two Leica SL (601) bodies, a Zeiss distigon 35mmf1.4, a Voigtländer 50mm F1.2, and a Voigtländer 75mm f 1.8. Done.

[@DangLeProject92]

do you think Lumix & Sigma DGDN lens, which brand work better with Leica camera? Using AFC ?

[@camsmith4633]

Just watched this while drinking my morning coffee and your background music had me jamming. Unfortunately, being a member of the so-called “red dot club” comes with a hefty barrier of entry. However, once you’re in it’s pretty hard to argue your way out! 😅

[@Someonecalledluiz]

I know you covered them in the fujifilm video, but I'd love to see one kit exclusively on medium format. Both for gfx and Hasselblad

[@richball3260]

I was half expecting you to propose the Leica CL for this series. Although they only have one memory card slot the camera seem quite capable looking at the specifications. A photographer would appear a little silly doing a wedding with these it would work. A proposal for one more in this series. How about a wedding kit using either the OM systems or Panasonic micro four thirds gear. They are fine cameras and produce great results.

[@bngr_bngr]

Is micro 4/3 a trend?

[@richball3260]

@@bngr_bngr A trend? Pundits have been predicting its demise for a long time - It's still around. Pansonic is on the verge of releasing the GH6. If you do video it certainly could fill that roll. Om Digital Solutions is promising a new WOW! camera. There are wedding photographers out there using micro 4/3. A couple are Lumix Ambassadors. I have an OMD-EM1X and more lenses than is rational for an enthusiast. It is a very competent camera and a lot of features I haven't even begun to explore yet.

[@marcograpples669]

Micro 4/3 is dying because you can’t get as much bokeh as the one you get with full frame. Also, because of the sensor size, they have worse low light performance when compared to their full frame counterparts. Having said that, micro 4/3 systems are waaay cheaper (specially in the used market since a lot of people are moving away from them). Since the sensor is smaller, the lenses require less glass, making them lighter, smaller, cheaper and just as capable as full frame lenses. It is ridiculous how small the zoom lenses are on micro 4/3 when compared to full frame

[@richball3260]

@@marcograpples669 You raise valid points. Granted that the depth of field is somewhat of an issue with micro 4/3. There are some really fine fast aperture lenses from both Panasonic and OM Digital Solutions that can mitigate this to some extent and help with the low light performance. But I will submit that these are issues that concern the blogging photographic community more than the general public. Also there are solution in post processing that can address the depth of field and low light performance. I doubt if the customer for wedding photos would notice the difference in the presented work. Unless the customer happens to be a photographer and then probably nothing would be quite good enough. As a side note: I attended two weddings last summer. The camera of choice for both was the Canon 5DmkIV. At one wedding the video was shot in part with a SONY A7. At one of the weddings the second shooter was using the Canon 50mm f1.2. Otherwise The Main lens was the 24-70. I carried my Leica Q2 and just took miscellaneous candids and tried to stay out of the way of the working pros.

[@bngr_bngr]

@@marcograpples669 do professionals use 4/3?

[@小文王-f6h]

Leica M11 with 3 lenses. Leica Summliux 35/1.4, Leica Summliux 50/1.4 and NOCTILUX 50/1.0

[@Ken-yu7vv]

I picked up a SL2-S & SL601 2 bodys with Sigma 24-70&16-28&35 1.2&85 1.4 4 lenses for my job, total cost under $9,000, yeah, they are all 2nd hands. Which is not that expensive for what you get since the canon RF body and lens goes more and more expensive these days.

[@brandonburridge]

Would love to see an A7IV vs Leica Sl2-s video! Probably wildly divisive but I want to know what's up haha

[@benjhaisch]

Short story, Ergo: SL2-S Viewfinder: SL2-S Autofocus: A7IV Cost: A7IV Those are the main spots off the top of my head that have a significant difference

[@brandonburridge]

@@benjhaisch oh thank you! Do you think the colors/IQ justify the price? Only considering using Sigma lenses not APOs

[@youngum78]

Gotta add a grand for batteries too!

[@matthewkutz3649]

We need a Leica M system based on used M10 bodies after the M11 is released.

[@RobertFalconer1967]

What happed to Nikon? Probably the best option of all. Unrivaled combination of color science, low light performance, and spectacular optical quality with the new Z-Series lenses. So, using the two bodies, three prime lenses as the criteria: Nikon Z9* > $5496.95 Nikon Z6II > $1996.95 Z 24mm f/1.8 > $996.95 Z 50mm f/1.8 > $596.95 Z 85mm f/1.8 > $796.95 Total > $9884.75 * I didn't mention that the Z9 is nearly impossible to get right now, but that aside. ;)

[@benjhaisch]

I haven't followed Nikon's releases close enough to give it a fair shake. I could easily tell you all of the main specs of things from Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Leica, but I didn't feel like I could do Nikon justice with any real authority.

[@RobertFalconer1967]

@@benjhaisch Could be worth re-visiting. You might be in for a shock.

[@adamrobb27]

Wow, caught this right as it uploaded! Stoked to see your wedding Leica ideas!

[@ChalrieD]

Sl2-s reporter with a 24-70 zoom with 35 mm f1.7 and 50mm f2

[@Old-School-Liberal]

You could do an updated version the price have come down now.

[@mikhail2901]

Ben, ever try the 24-90mm?

[@benjhaisch]

I filmed a review on it that I still need to edit, but yes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWnCeatqe6eSptU

[@SpiritLifeMinistriesInt]

Also the SL

[@fededuran2523]

Ben, always love your shirts... what brand is it?

[@benjhaisch]

haha! thanks. I believe it's just from H&M. nothing fancy

[@Agedwheel]

Did you ever do a review on the SL2S camera?

[@benjhaisch]

Yep! Just have to finish editing it haha

[@Agedwheel]

@@benjhaisch awesome!!! Can’t wait to see it!!

[@pawpaw324]

The only possibility ways I can think of getting a Leica kit with autofocus for under 10k is to buy 2 used Leica SL bodies for $2400 each and Panasonic Lumix S PRO 50mm f/1.4 Lens for $1900 (Used), Panasonic Lumix S 24mm f/1.8 Lens for $900 and a Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens for Leica L for $1200.

[@Renzsu]

Why no Nikon though? Z7ii: $2997 x 2 = $5994 Nikkor Z 24mm f/1.8 S: $997 Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S: $2097 Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro: $997 (or save $200 and go for the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S: $797) Total: $10,085 Those lenses are amazingly sharp and will outperform most, if not all of the f-mount f/1.4 primes.

[@RobertFalconer1967]

Not only that, those Z-Series lenses will outperform most of the other brands, too.

[@jimb2500]

That’s crazy my 75 Noctilux was 15k

[@superbigsigh]

I don't believe the Sigma L non-DG DN lenses support AF-C. I have an Pan S1R and only AF-S is supported by Sigma for User Experience reasons. Since the SL and Pan are basically the same I doubt it.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Two wedding equipment sets, one to stay within the budget and the other to compete with the full Leica option. Under $10k * Nikon Z6II [$2000, x2 = $4000] * Nikon-F 35mm f/1.4G [$1700; used: $980] * Nikon-F 58mm f/1.4G [$1600; used: $1150]] * Nikon-F 105mm f/1.4E [$2100; used: $1570] * Total: $9400 [with used lenses: $7700] Over $20k * Nikon Z9 [$5500, x2 = $11000] * * Alternative: Nikon Z7II + vertical grip [$3000 + $400, x2 = $6800] * Zeiss Otus 28mm f/1.4 Z.F2 [$4000, used: $2800] * Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 Z.F2 [$3200, used: $2000] * Zeiss Otus 100mm f/1.4 Z.F2 [$4000] * * Alternative: Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 Z.F2 [$3600, used: $2250] * Total: $22200 * * Alternative total: $17600 [with used lenses: $13850] [the vertical grip is required to make the lenses manageable]

[@RandomLifeProductions]

Leica 24-70 lens, 50mm f2… do we need a 1.4…

[@gordoncahill1170]

You're doing this backwards. It's all about the lenses. 2x Panasonic S5 bodies is $4K with the same sensor as the SL2-S. Pick your favorite SL Summicron and two Panasonic 1.8's. There's even a special with a S5 body, 20-60 and a prime for 2700 plus a second body for 2K. Which leave 5300 for a Summicron all under 10K.

[@benjhaisch]

sure, but then it'd be a Panasonic based kit, no?

[@benjhaisch]

@Daniel Davis Jr haha ok. You can make that one though!

[@ionluv]

I don’t think many actual wedding photographers are watching this.

[@sols9449]

I mean in theory “only” this works. I can’t understand anyone who would choose this system over let’s say the GFX 100s or 50s system. Or even the Canon R5 etc. never understood the appeal of Leica in the digital age.

[@benjhaisch]

All depends on need/preference, really. I like the experience of using an SL2/SL2-S better than my R6 and 50S for sure. Plus the video features are fantastic.

[@sols9449]

@@benjhaisch Hi Benj. I’m not a fan of the R6 to be honest I don’t love the look of the files. I really should not talk as I never shot with these before they do have AF though it’s contrast detect. Do you think the appeal is more the ascetic of the camera? When I shoot an event I look for two things the best colors and skin tones (for the customer) and the most reliable autofocus system for me. I love the R5 and the GFX 100s is prob the best quality files I have ever seen before the colors are beyond amazing and the medium format “look” is special.

[@benjhaisch]

@@sols9449 yeah, I personally love the Leica files so color and tonality are top notch, as are the lenses obviously. The AF is absolutely lacking but I don’t think anyone using these cameras should expect them to be top notch there.

[@sols9449]

@@benjhaisch I agree about the Leica tone and colors def top notch.

[@peterivarsson9267]

I dont get how leica can be justified, compared to can, nik, son or even fuji gfx or hbl. I would love to understand that.

[@AlexKroke]

Hey Benj, thanks for the video.. what about Lights, SL2 batteries, Insurance. It is all more expensive too. I find the Flash offering below Leica quality, I understand you may like shooting without one, but sometimes you need to use a flash!

[@benjhaisch]

oh for sure, I pack both constant lights and strobes for weddings. there was just no way to make a series of videos be concise if I added all of the extras.

[@JTobiason]

But, what is the "money is no option, drooling option?"

[@JTobiason]

Ah. there it is. ;)

[@LeonardoFalsini]

Where's Nikon tho? :

[@lameaim]

No Nikon wedding shooter kit?

[@benjhaisch]

I haven't followed Nikon's releases close enough to give it a fair shake. I could easily tell you all of the main specs of things from Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Leica, but I didn't feel like I could do Nikon justice with any real authority.

[@lameaim]

Fair enough, I appreciate the honesty! For what it’s worth, you could get a pair of Z6iis with the 24-70 f2.8 and the 70-200 f2.8 zooms (both fantastic zooms in most respects) for under $10K and still have enough money for a couple of CFExpress cards. Or if you want a high res camera in the mix, you could sub out one of the Z6iis for a Z7ii… that would probably be slightly north of $10k on its own. Or if you’re really looking to spend, there’s always the Z9 flagship if you don’t mind the wait for the hardware… they’re severely backordered at the moment.

[@WatertownFilms]

Are you listening to your self in your airpod?

[@benjhaisch]

Haha because the audio is terrible?

[@c141charlie]

I think you missed a zero in the $10K number. It’s more like a $100K.

[@CryoftheProphet]

I feel like Ben is a Christian, or at least a future Christian.

[@benjhaisch]

I don’t know who Ben is, but I’m curious about their outcome ;)

[@likeris2]

I don't understand weddings photographers who can't invest money in gear. two bodies must and two lenses is minimum.

[@benjhaisch]

2 bodies and 3 lenses imo, right?

[@joetrent4753]

Leica wedding kit for $10,000...er nope.

[@GKhanKutar]

Putting a Sigma lens to a Leica body is a joke. Nonsense.

[@benjhaisch]

I'm surprised that it took this long for someone to comment this ;)

[@gagavacha8060]

Totally agree with you! Just like putting cheap filters on their Leica lens:)

[@CMCairo]

I love Leica and shoot a M10P in my wedding kit. But 27K when you could easily do more than half that with other competing brands? When arguably the competing brands are better cameras overall? Did you just completely pass over Nikon? A video about deals on gear you passed over Nikon? As arguably the best deals in the industry come from them, seems like a massive oversight. I agree that the Z series has basically sucked and I have stuck with my D850s until the Z9 now. But dude talking about deals in camera gear, completly passing on Nikon and making a video about Leica for a wedding kit seems a little crazy as most people will not be shooting Leica as their systems simply do not hold up AF wise compared to Canon/Sony/Nikon.

[@benjhaisch]

Tbh I didn’t think I could give Nikon a fair shake as I just haven’t followed their releases. I could tell you the top specs of the brands I’ve done by heart but I don’t know nearly enough about Nikon to add anything of value.

[@CMCairo]

@@benjhaisch Thats fair, I just think they are great cameras and the Z9s price point is absolutely insane in the industry right now and is definitely worth a look. Nikons got themselves back in the game with the release.

[@bngr_bngr]

@@CMCairo but getting two Z9’s is $11k. Plus they won’t be available til October.

[@CMCairo]

@@bngr_bngr for two flagship bodies that’s pretty much unheard of. Plus I don’t think you’d need two, I’d go one z9 and a z6 or something. Also my z9 will be here next week, I’m not an NPS member.

[@bngr_bngr]

@@CMCairo that’s great for you.