Leica SL2 Hands On: Leica Didn’t Hold Back

[@ricardorgomez]

Great preview video! I'm so happy that the L-Alliance crew is knocking it out of the park! I mean, what camera has gotten a review that someone says "Well, it's a nice camera...." No, everyone has been super excited! I love Leica glass. Even with my compact Panasonic Lumix LX3 10 years ago, the glass was awesome. I've used only Leica glass for my professional work with my m43 Panasonic G9. The results I've gotten have been nothing but amazing. Especially with this combination. Absolutely love Leica glass. But I've only known wealthy, camera snobs to buy Leicas cameras. I know there are serious enthusiast. But that's what I know. And that's always been off-putting to me. Even owners of expensive cars aren't nearly as obnoxious. So I've never really considered the brand. Even with that crowd, the SL2 looks too good to dismiss. I also think the alliance with Panasonic & Sigma sort of lessens the snob aspect a bit. They aren't above mixing with systems that aren't absolute premiums. What I like about the SL2 that I've seen: tank-like build quality, finally great and current tech as they've always seemed a step or two behind and finally, that great Leica image quality and look. The only issue I see is the lack of 3rd party support for lighting systems. Though I would only use a Leica with lighting systems in the studio. And non-brand specific transceivers would work just fine. You most likely won't use $6k Leicas for event photography.... Yes, the camera this is going to be instantly compared to is the S1R. With the Leica, you're paying for more than specs. It's also a different market. Would I get one? My Panasonic G9 is the most perfect camera for my needs I've ever used and the S1(R) are just big brothers to it. And I love the things that make a Lumix. The biggest draw of the SL2 over the S1R is the tank-like build. But my gear tends to last forever anyway. The images between the two are really like the difference between apple and blueberry pie... But damn. That SL2 is nice. Well done Leica.

[@fellowcitizen]

Yay, the L Mount Alliance advances. At the end of the day, I'll probably get the S1 as it has the most bang for your buck in terms of simple photography, but so far every single Alliance camera is interesting and class-leading in some way (well, I guess the S1 isn't class-leading, but it's the affordable all-rounder). So far in full frame since the Alliance was announced we have: SL2, S1, S1R, S1H, fp, and the Foveon FF due in 2020 (can't wait to try the ZM/VMs with this). And the lens line-up is fleshing out fast. Fuji is still gonna be my main kit for agility and immediate output, but I'm looking forward to the huge envelope which the L mount provides (including extraordinary CINE capabilities from Sigma and Panasonic). Roger Cicala just measured the ART40mm and ART105mm as suitable for 200mpx sensors...

[@TECH360TV]

Yes the advancements only benefits us the users in the end. All make fantastic lenses and will compliment any camera we choose to get

[@jasonhedgesphotos]

Thank you for the review. I found your initial first look review on the SL2 the best yet and the most helpful of all the ones I've seen so please keep up the good work :-)

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks Jason, appreciate the kind words

[@DennisLimCY]

I heard there are super high res 187MP mode - is it possible to do a comparison between Leica's version and Panasonic's version? also... do you guys think there is a chance to pair the SL2 with the Sigma 35 f1.2 and the 14-24 f2.8 for a test shoot? I am very curious to see how that fairs against the same lenses on the S1R. Thank you very much - first SL2 video i saw... and this is probably the fastest decision i never made to part with so much money. LOL.

[@TECH360TV]

Super High megapixel mode won’t be available till early next year. Yes we will test with all the Lenses. I did test it compared to the S1R. The Leica images are definitely sharper and the colors are fantastic.

[@fellowcitizen]

Gotta get the ART40mm into any comparisons ;)

[@BenelliMr]

don't compare Leica with Panasonic :( Don't compare a Rolex with a Smart Watch. Don't compare a Ferrari with a Nissan. Buy the Leica; put it on a shelf, collect it. Like a Ferrari. My friend has a 50 year old Ferrari, with about 50 km, manual gear box. He gets an offer for sale at least once a month from a millionaire. He also owns a few Leicas and a few Hasselblads. His wife owns equivalent jewelry, and never wears it. But they all have one point in common: the less they use it, the more valuable they become. You want to shoot photos? Buy a Panasonic. Or any other new camera that will look old in two years.

[@NetvoTV]

Why Leica don’t invite you to their launch ads?! It would be amazing to see you in the ads!

[@MestreMur]

All I need... This camera with Leica 24-90mm f/.2.8-4 By the way, the best photos from this camera at this time...

[@DiscsNapatfilms]

Thank you too much for review!! U think in the future Leica SL2 can shooting raw video external? , Leica color science it’s so good!

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks for watching. Would be nice but will see if an update like that comes

[@frankberlin8084]

Welcome to Germany - nice to hear you from here and not only from Singapore.

[@TECH360TV]

Actually I’m American, live in Singapore and went to Germany to test the camera

[@frankberlin8084]

@@TECH360TV This is called International. Warm welcome.

[@TECH360TV]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@rraphamonkey8312]

Great video. Have you done a full review? I really want to buy the camera, but first after your review. heard some rumors about AF issues...please do a review!!! THANKS

[@TECH360TV]

Haven’t done a full review yet. Supposedly there will be a big firmware update coming soon to address a number of issues plus add more functionality to the camera.

[@socialkonstruct5397]

Definitely considering this camera to replace my long lost R8 which I used to own a long time ago.

[@TECH360TV]

You won’t be disappointed

[@mathewmccarthy9848]

Good video. I just purchased one for my professional work. Unfortunately, finding a trigger/receiver system to support HSS for the Leica SL is nearly impossible. Expensive camera w great quality but w.out HSS really limits its use for exterior fashion shoots.....So, I guess my HD5 stays in the field kit.......

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks for watching. Yes this is the downside with Leica and HSS is there aren’t any companies that support it. Panasonic has partnered with Profoto though so that’s an option.

[@gentleman0678]

Many of us (owners) have been sending in requests for compatibility with Profoto and maybe Broncolor.Send in a request and now that they have acknowledged the many requests for this, hopefully they provide a firmware update.

[@TECH360TV]

Understand. I hope they listen

[@gentleman0678]

@@TECH360TV It's only a matter of time. Their offerings don't compare with what is available from Broncolor or profoto. I finally saved enough to get a Broncolor para and even though the triggers are not compatible , I'm not letting go of the Leica SL2. colors, ergo, those lenses are breath taking!! thanks again for your honest reviews. If you have any connections at Leica, please let them know compatibility with Profoto, Broncolor and the DJI gimbals ( I have your review queued up) would be splendid. :)

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks Charles. I have let them know as well. Unfortunately for the lighting companies, they have said the demand isn’t strong enough for them to develop a trigger compatible with Leica. Reality is as much as we like these cameras, they are niche and as a result these lighting companies don’t want to spend unnecessarily

[@darshanex110]

hi bobby....nice review, i always see your reviews .. i brought sl2 camera ..but i have notilux 0 .95 l ..but want one auto lens ..which should i buy ..please tell me , thanks from- darshan india

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks Darshan. Actually check out my latest review. It’s on the SL2 and a number of lenses. Will prob help answer your question.

[@rayxu2046]

Awesome video!! So what's the difference between this sensor and the one used in q2? Does the q2 sensor also have 1 less layer of glass?

[@TECH360TV]

I don’t have all the technical info yet. Will talk more about it in the full review

[@rafaelkamaltdinov]

I bought this camera! Thank you Bobby. This's a really great camera

[@TECH360TV]

Glad you like it!

[@mechpade]

Hello! Can you give insight as to your camera set-up for this review? Very good focus on the eyes and face throughout!

[@TECH360TV]

Sure, I was using the S1R, 4K 24p, face tracking. Atomos Ninja v as the monitor and Leica SL 35 f2 as the lens.

[@mechpade]

@@TECH360TV ok, that 35mm summicron is gorgeous!

[@TECH360TV]

This will be one of those lenses years from now many will still talk about.

[@csaba5415]

Great video! Could you please include the Fotos app v2.0 in your full review of the SL2? I wonder how different it is.

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks! There are a number of differences. Will cover all that in the full review

[@ivanjortiz8]

Hey Bobby! Help me with this... I really want to buy the Summilux-M 35 FLE because of the size but I’m not sure if I should get a M body or SL/SL2. What would you do?

[@TECH360TV]

Honestly and I’m not saying this because of this video, the SL2 was also designed with M lenses in mind and because of the resolution and ergonomics along with the EVF the SL2 would be the better buy

[@weskohler]

Would it be possible to make a video comparing it to the Sony A7RIV, possibly when the SL2 is out and ready in its entirety?

[@TECH360TV]

Yes it is. From my initial testing I would say the SL2 renders as much detail as the A7RIV even at less megapixels. I find the Summicron lenses superior to Sony’s as well. Also note that only three lenses in Sony’s lineup from what I understand have the resolving power to handle the 60 MP. 135, 24 and 70-200

[@weskohler]

TECH360.TV thank you so much! In terms of low light performance, I’ve been apprehensive about the RIV with its extra megapixels over the SL2, but good to know that Leica will continue to update the firmware as you said. Thanks for mentioning the lenses as well, I’m hoping that Leica can bring out a longer telephoto than what they have. Subscribed to your channel :)

[@TL-vt8uk]

Excellent! Oh man, let the saving begin.....

[@RickMentore]

Hey BT, what is the connection between LEICA and Panasonic, is it more than the lens alliance. If I use Leica lens on my S1R would the image quality be just about the same? Thanks for the heads-up on the SL2.

[@TECH360TV]

They do share some of the technology but it’s not a copy and paste camera from the S1R. Sensor is designed differently, focusing system is based on Panasonic’s but also different. EVF is similar but they use different glass from what I understand. Rear display is better on the SL2.

[@RickMentore]

@@TECH360TV Thanks for answering my query. It dose the sole good be responded to from the experts, thanks.

[@TECH360TV]

Glad we could help

[@rvbsoundfactory]

B&W looks Great.

[@TECH360TV]

Yes it does. Great tones

[@DennisLimCY]

Oh Bobby... what are you doing to my wallet!!! There goes all the money i saved since i watched your video on Q2...

[@TECH360TV]

Sorry 😂😂

[@raksh9]

How would you SAVE money after watching a video about the Leica Q2? 😅

[@bodythetan]

This camera is US$6000, but in Australia they are asking 9900 which is about US$6900. Thanks Leica

[@aboutphotography]

Great video!

[@TECH360TV]

Thank you!

[@Bryan-lu4du]

Whew. Leica’s best image quality to date. I want one now. On a side note, what is that 29mm lens?

[@TECH360TV]

It’s the cine lens. Leitz summilux C

[@Bryan-lu4du]

TECH360.TV looks great as a photography lens. any chance of a review on this? hard to find many impressions on these cinema lenses.

[@TECH360TV]

It’s a hard lens to get a hold of. Especially when it’s priced around 46k

[@Bryan-lu4du]

TECH360.TV oh wow

[@AcidicDelusion]

How does it compare to the Fuji gfx r , would love to see a comparison.

[@TECH360TV]

Different cameras as one is medium format and one is full frame.

[@AcidicDelusion]

@@TECH360TV and the medium format costs much less than the full frame for body and lenses so I reckon the comparison would be valid.

[@TECH360TV]

Leica is Leica. Premium build quality excellent optics. Fujifilm makes really nice cameras but if you put them together the Leica feel much more premium. Also Leica lenses are better than the Fujifilm lenses that I’ve tested currently.

[@anhtran9111]

Is this video straight out of camera? Because the contrast is a lil high

[@TECH360TV]

Yes. Slightly high but when you shoot in log it’s fine.

[@joaquinstein5427]

Does it work with the DJI Ronin-S?

[@BenelliMr]

You want this high class Leica? You have to buy it with high class. You have to go to Paris. To the famous boulevard Haussmann. To the probably most beautiful store in the world: Galeries Lafayette. To the very small Leica store at the ground floor. You then have to cue for a few hours, surrounded by Chinese millionaires. You have to pay that time to become a member of a very restricted club of Leica owners and Leica collectors. You also get an absolutely gorgeous packaging. Double packaging: from Leica and from Galeries Lafayette. But never shoot photos with that Leica; it then is no longer a collector’s item. You put it on a shelf, next to your other Leicas and your 50 years old Ferrari, with a manual gear box. And keep the pacakging. Then you go to the Champs Elysées, to a "normal" photo store. You buy a “normal” camera - the best of the latest reviews- to shoot photos. And in two years you upgrade for the next generation of that camera, while you remove the dust of the of your Leica (of the body, not the sensor) But never buy a Leica with low class.

[@rolandrickphotography]

Cool, you have also been invited to Wetzlar like many others KZbinrs also. What about some real world shoots? Photojournalism, sports, action and so? It’s kinda only reading specs here. Please don’t take it personal, same on all other “review” channels. Leica does unfortunately not give it to real working pros, the ad videos does not count and Steve MacCurries images are all well planned set up - as also the green eye Afghan girl has already been set up, please don’t misunderstand, it’s a great image of course.

[@TECH360TV]

Thanks for the comment. Not taking it personal at all, because as a viewer myself I would think the same thing. We had about 2 and a half days with the camera in Wetzlar and there isn’t a lot of options to shoot there in that time frame. I will be getting the camera back in Dec for a full review and shoot in a variety of locations. Actually there are real world pros using it out there currently and have been for some time. Only a handful were Photographers in who also do KZbin that were invited. Since I interviewed Steve I can say that he genuinely likes the system and regardless of what one thinks about his photos, we could only be so lucky to have a career like his.

[@rolandrickphotography]

TECH360.TV thanks for reply, can’t wait for it 👍. Please don’t misunderstand me, I admire Steve’s images and career of course also. - Just desperately searching info on things like low light capability of AF, how does AF turn out in true photojournalism (set up persons 2 seconds, taking picture 0.5 seconds). Shooting (real) football ⚽️ games with 90-280, AF accuracy runners 🏃‍♀️, bicycle races. A pdf manual I couldn’t find on the Leica pages

[@rolandrickphotography]

TECH360.TV ...PS: or do I better stick on D5, D850, D500 for my needs. I am tempted by the 24-90, this would cover 95% of my photojournalist work. Nikon has no equivalent to Canon’s 24-105 F4 L lens and Nikon’s 24-120 F4 is low optical quality. The 24-70 is exactly 20 mm too short for most of my needs, ergo, I must carry a 2nd body with 70-200 to cover the range 70 to 100 mm

[@TECH360TV]

Roland Rick Photography a couple things to the camera not mentioned in other reviews. Autofocus has tracking settings like the 1DX etc. for sports, running etc. We did some tests with champion Wu Shu fighters and the results were impressive even in low light. You will find that the ability to capture fast action is quite impressive. Is it as good as a D5 or 1DX? Hard to say unless I test these cameras back to back but it’s definitely better than the SL. The 24-90 is a phenomenal lens if you are okay with the weight. This is the biggest complaint with that lens. Optically it’s fantastic and build quality it’s the best, but weight is an issue for some. One of the reasons why many of us haven’t dug deep into the camera just yet is the firmware is still not final. Leica was adamant about this when we discussed the camera. Even while we were there the camera had updates from one day to the next. They want to get the focusing down as they know this is important.

[@rolandrickphotography]

TECH360.TV I had it already in hands in the Leica store in Zürich with the 24-90. The weight is no issue to me. Unfortunately I could only do some “snapshots” in front of the door. But that was kinda fair for the next 50 people want to get hands on. No chance to reliant test everything I am interested in within 5 to 10 minutes. Btw: D5 plus 24-70 plus 70-200 is about same price like SL2 plus 24-90. Just to put the price point into some sort of relation.

[@hakurou2170]

Buy m10p in august with summilux 35 asph fle... and now they came with this magic. God my money will run dry by now. And please Bobby review it with noctilux 75 😆

[@TECH360TV]

Tried it with a 50 Noct. Stunning

[@hakurou2170]

TECH360.TV yes i love nocti 50 as well. You should review it too Bobby. But sl2 pair with nocti 75 make me curious too.

[@TECH360TV]

Will try to get that combo

[@jklphoto]

Ah Sa. That was the best!

[@TECH360TV]

Thank you

[@johntang4608]

according to this video The photos he took more likely Panasonic S1r sensor but not the Leica Q2 sensor

[@TECH360TV]

It’s different than the S1R and Q2 sensor. While the same megapixels there are design differences

[@johntang4608]

@@TECH360TV I think Q2 image quality is better than SL2, all I found out SL2 the image is similar Panasonic S1R. I would buy Panasonic S1r but not SL2 because the price

[@TECH360TV]

Having shot with all the cameras I would disagree. The SL2 image is good and paired with the new Summicron lenses it’s on another level. The Q2 is good but the SL2 is better. The S1R produces nice images, but the SL2 is better

[@Random415510]

Needs to tether to capture one natively

[@TECH360TV]

In time. Camera was just released

[@Random415510]

​@@TECH360TV None of the leicas tether to capture natively there are work arounds but when you have clients in the studio with you work arounds aren't good enough. Awesome camera & the best glass you can buy but if it doesn't work with the industry standard capture software..........

[@TECH360TV]

They have taken tethering more serious on this one. I think once the camera is released you will have some options

[@bryguy9159]

Damn he talks fast

[@Goriza]

Where is M11😰😰😰so sad about Leica

[@TECH360TV]

I tried this with the M lenses. I didn’t miss the M series

[@kuntosemeru1240]

The Boss said M will be there always in their line up. Be sober.

[@fellowcitizen]

Also sad about Fuji; now that they've released the XF200mmF2 we know forcertain that they will exclusively release ever-lengthening telephoto primes - next an XF300mmF1.4, then an XF 450mmF/1.0, and a 675mmF/0.7. If only it were possible for companies to make more than one product; oh well.

[@ms-pp9kf]

Only have money to buy Just Body 😭

[@TECH360TV]

I understand. Buy body then get Sigma Lenses

[@andrewporfyri559]

Same price as the new canon 1dx iii, for me it's a no brainer

[@TECH360TV]

Which one would you prefer?

[@andrewporfyri559]

TECH360.TV Leica all day 👍

[@andrewporfyri559]

Since I stopped using my Hasselblads & converted to digital I lost that passion & enthusiasm I once had,it's hard to explain but the run of the mill Canon,Nikon etc feels like I'm just holding a tool rather than a camera.I personally think Canon & Nikon have lost their way & are over designing & overloading their cameras with too many buttons and gadgets.I held an SL 2 for the first time recently and my heart started pumping with excitement once again so it's time to reach deep into these pockets & bring back the passion.

[@TECH360TV]

Very nice!

[@paulmiles9388]

Why don't you wait until you have more time? What is the hurry? You should wait till you spend a lot more time then give us the full review. or why bother?

[@markterrin8673]

What about picture quality?) P.S. video ... not good.

[@TECH360TV]

Picture quality is good. It’s in the video

[@maxbarko8717]

Oh my god, you are talking way too fast. Had to stop watching.

[@TECH360TV]

Well thanks for watching

[@gentleman0678]

you can always slow it down. Give him a chance. He is a great reviewer. I bought the Leica sl2 based on his and a few other reviews. No regrets!! Ah those SL lenses are out of this world good!!! It took some saving, but I now have the 16-35, 24-90 and the sl35mm. It's near medium format image quality!!

[@BenelliMr]

You want this high class Leica? You have to buy it with high class. You have to go to Paris. To the famous boulevard Haussmann. To the probably most beautiful store in the world: Galeries Lafayette. To the very small Leica store at the ground floor. You then have to cue for a few hours, surrounded by Chinese millionaires. You have to pay that time to become a member of a very restricted club of Leica owners and Leica collectors. You also get an absolutely gorgeous packaging. Double packaging: from Leica and from Galeries Lafayette. But never shoot photos with that Leica; it then is no longer a collector’s item. You put it on a shelf, next to your other Leicas and your 50 years old Ferrari, with a manual gear box. And keep the pacakging. Then you go to the Champs Elysées, to a "normal" photo store. You buy a “normal” camera - the best of the latest reviews- to shoot photos. And in two years you upgrade for the next generation of that camera, while you remove the dust of the of your Leica (of the body, not the sensor) But never buy a Leica with low class.