Leica SL2-S vs Leica SL2 in 5 Minutes | End of 2022

[@michaell9708]

other reviewers take note, this is how it's done. Clear, specific, and relevant data points under 10 minutes. Thanks for this review

[@Evrce]

Are the colors rendered the same? If not which produces better tonality

[@gumdocga]

Beautiful images and great content. Thank you.

[@LucyS565]

Incredible photos Math! Very impressive! Great comparison....very educational.

[@mathphotographer]

Many thanks Lucy!

[@stuartdorman7125]

I’ve had an SL2-S in my hands for just a few days now, shooting so far only with my M lenses using the adapter. What I noticed was how easy it is to focus with intention and complete accuracy. The body felt oversized but quickly becomes reassuring. Unlike my Sony A7Rx experiences, my pinky finger actually has part of the grip to hold onto. Now the mission is to complement my M system without duplicating it.

[@mathphotographer]

Spot-on comment, Stuart. The M-lens shooting experience on the SL2-S is fantastic because of the bright and easy to control viewfinder.

[@andtothewestamerica]

I think I'll have to give in and try one soon. I keep an m-mount lens on my sony most of the time and I love the evf quality, color science and simple design of the sl2-s.

[@hartmut-wilms]

Great video, thanks. I decided to buy and use both. One handling experience and two different sensors for different use cases. Perfect!

[@mathphotographer]

Great the video helped, thanks Hartmut. For Pro Photographers who travel with two camera bodies your approach is ideal since menu, settings, features, handling are the same on both cameras but the SL2-S has the quicker focus system and will perform better in low light whereas the SL2 brings the high resolution in. Perfect combo.

[@KeeeeenW]

Great comparison!

[@ahmeddaghriri4180]

The Samples photos in the beginning of the video is so so beautiful. I like it so much 😍😍😍.

[@mathphotographer]

Thank you so much!

[@lightloving683]

I’m quite enamored with my SL2S. While it’s fantastic with M lenses, my main use for it is for R lenses. These lenses are so well balanced, ergonomically, with this system. Although I’ve not used R lenses with the higher mp SL2, 24mp seem to be ideal with the type of shooting I do. Handheld, available light and (predominantly) monochrome.

[@mathphotographer]

Agree - 24MP is ideal for these type of applications.

[@tresey208]

Whats the screen protector on your SL2? Looking for something with a matt finish. thank you

[@frand6822]

Thank you for another very interesting video. I very much appreciate your approach to presenting information to us. I own an SL2. I decided to purchase it over the SL2-S because I shoot with other Leica cameras, a Q, a Q2 Monochrom, and applicable to this video, a Leica CL. Because I have a significant investment in TL lenses for the CL, I determined that the SL2 was my best choice to use the TL lenses with it and still get a 20MP file from the APS-C crop. An SL2-S would have yielded only a 10MP file. Since I already have that very good TL glass, it made sense to invest the extra money in the SL2. Additionally, using full frame lenses, I also have the option to crop significantly, or have beautiful large files,

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Fran - your point is spot-on: when shooting APS-C crop mode the SL2-S resolution goes down by too much, here the SL2 is the better choice.

[@davidroth7138]

Right on - used a TL 55-135 on my SL2… with plenty of light: loved it. Surprisingly sharp!

[@arielelijah1282]

How can we get the theory when not tested in real life situations like applying (X^2+Y^2) image quality.

[@naduncan100]

Again, many thanks, greatly appreciated. Cheers Neil

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Neil.

[@sebastianotrovato8922]

Great video!!! Consulting...I am thinking to make an upgrade from Leica SL, to Leica SL2, or SL2s. use for wedding photography. SL colors are excellent!!! is it necessary in your opinion? If yes, which kind of model you suggest! Thanks in advance Sebastiano from Italy

[@ronaldsand3000]

Thanks for the comprehensive comparison At this point in the life cycle of the current models I think the choice is to wait for the next SL3 where hopefully it will have all the attributes of the current two cameras combined, just like all the big Japanese manufacturers are able to achieve The image output and build quality of the Leica’s is without question, but weight, obsolete auto focus, fixed back screen & slow memory cards etc are issues that need to be addressed in the next model for such a premium camera All the very best

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Ronald, I am sure the next generation of SL cameras brings lots of improvements many people waited for. We likely also get a medium format revised S3 coming year - which could potentially be a game changer in the Leica camera portfolio.

[@Funktrainer]

They should bring internal memory and the GPS unit of the SL (Typ 601) back. Memory cards are a thing of the nineties.

[@michaelacedeno]

Unless you’re a professional that can’t tether on the day, memory cards will always be needed in some form by active professionals.

[@Funktrainer]

@@michaelacedeno If there is a working wi-fi solution like the SL app (not the stupid „Fotos“ app) there‘s absolutely no reason for memory cards anymore. A standard file sharing solution for the internal memory would be the perfect solution with no need for nonsense apps that don‘t work at all.

[@bychrisjones]

@@Funktrainer that doesn’t make sense for a professional solution, there’s always something that can go wrong with any wireless solution you can’t anticipate interference. Also even if they had internal memory for a pro focused camera you’re going to want away to back up so SD card would be that.

[@runzizhu3099]

Great video! I wonder if the 4k video on SL2 has any crop? I need to shoot architectural video and can't accept any frame crop

[@mathphotographer]

The SL2 will be fine, just give it a shot on your architecture and you will see that it delivers!

[@Funktrainer]

24MP is enough for a „Kleinbild“-sensor. With medium format I would go 50MP. I use my M lenses mostly on my M bodies because of the size benefit. There is no need for IBIS in a solid, hefty camera with good ergonomics like the SL. I love adapting the great manual focus lenses made by Angénieux, Canon, Leica (R), minolta, Nikon, PENTAX and Zeiss because the size of a SL body is made for SLR lenses and the viewfinder is class leading for manual focusing. I will keep the SL (Typ 601). It is the perfect camera for quick focusing the classics. Together with the vertical grip it is an ergonomic wonder. No nonsense buttons on the body like with so many other brands.

[@mathphotographer]

Good comment, many thanks!

[@slythecatproductions]

Nice review. I've tried sl2 and sl. Not 2 yet. Which one for studio with kit and beach shooting (with model natural light).

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Kevin, both cameras are good for studio and beach, the SL2 and the SL2-S. Depends on what resolution you need. If you do not need 47MP for beach, for instance, the SL2-S is a bit better in focus tracking a model's face so would go for that.

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Very nice synopsis. I will check out the full length one now that my interest is piqued. I keep saying I am done with Leica and then you do another review.

[@erospenatti4558]

Thanks Math for your review... I love using my SL2s with my M lenses but…which prime sigma lens would you recommend ?

[@mathphotographer]

The one I showed in the video, Sigma 35mm f/1.2 ART, its a great lens for L-Mount full frame cameras and a 35mm focal length is quite flexible for landscape, portraits, street, etc. And with a widest open aperture of f/1.2 in combination with the IBIS you can shoot nicely long exposures hand-hold without a tripod.

[@erospenatti4558]

@@mathphotographer Thanks Math, you're right it's a beautiful prime lens. What do you think of the small series I for the SL2s ?

[@johnpeterka8355]

Thank you for your video! I have questions... 1) Would you purchase used SL2 (mint condition), 35mm f/2, (mint), 70-200 f/2.8 (mint) , two extra batteries, and a strap for the current retail price of a new SL2 ($6995)? Or, would you wait for the SL3? 2) I currently use a Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z7 II, both with back-button autofocus. Can I set up back-button focus (continuous and single) with the SL2? How reliable is back-button focus on the Sl2? 3) Are there any EVF distortions between focusing and shooting? 4) How often does Leica release new firmware? 5) Is the Leica SL2 still a good product and value? Would I be better served with a Sony A1? 6) What are the best lenses to use on a SL2? Can I use something like the Sony FE 200-600 lens on the SL2 (for wildlife and sports)? 7) I rented a SL2 with a 50mm lens from Lens Rentals. I really like the colors straight out of camera. The dynamic range was incredible. Will I need to change any settings to get the best results? Thank you. JP

[@thanyawong]

Nice video. What are L Mount lenses in your arsenal now? I would appreciate for your advice.

[@mathphotographer]

I have almost every Leica L-Mount lens and can recommend them all. The Apo-Summicron-SL prime lenses are in particular my recommendation. But also from Sigma you get some fast very sharp prime lenses like the one I showed at the beginning of the video, the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 ART.

[@mohsiny2638]

Please do a 50mm apo summicron-m vs a 50mm summilux-m asph

[@BrandonTalbot]

The reporter, wish I could find one, but at this point maybe it's better to wait for the SL3-S.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

So why should one buy a SL2 besides telling other noobs how much you can zoom in before it becomes "bitty", which has totally no use in real life. People who have never ever seen a 24 MP print from over a meter x a meter would say, it is better when you print large, well my answer is, are you going to print that size, well I did ? Because 24 MP prints larger than 1 meter (on the short side) is still great cause you always take more distance to the photo to look at when you talking bigger size. Pro is always low light capabilities as mentioned and believe me you need low light capabilities 1000 x more than 48 MP. Then the price ... almost 2000 euro's/dollar more. For that price you can buy a nice Leica SL/M adapter and a great Voigtlander 50 mm F1.2 lens and clouds will disappear and pure beauty will reveals it to you ! Great video, thanks for sharing and as always a great weekend !

[@michaelm4804]

Really? While I agree 24mp is enough for most people. More resolution is great anyone who wants more detail in their files.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

@@michaelm4804 Because ? Cause they are looking at them with a magnifier ! It's not about what you want but what you need and can see, the rest is marketing.

[@RS-Amsterdam]

@@daviddb4858 And lick them 😛

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks RS, agree that 24MP is good enough for the majority of applications and well suitable for larger prints. Have a nice weekend too!

[@MrHero1976]

Looking forward to your review on the sigma 35 1.2 on the SL2S

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Bruce, will take the camera with me on travel next weeks with the Sigma 35 f/1.2.

[@JBurtonTenor]

thank you for this!

[@bmwohl]

Congraatulations. I just noticed the Leica SL-2 & SL-2S viewfinder lens. I'll search about that in your videos. I'm curious.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Barry. What exactly did you notice and search for? I didn't get it from your comment, apologies.

[@daviddb4858]

So what you are essentially saying is that an ideal camera kit would be an SL2-S with vario lenses AND an SL2 with prime lenses 😁 An even nicer kit would be the SL2-S with an SL3. I'm looking forward to the SL3 with higher resolution and a BSI sensor.

[@mathphotographer]

Agreed. Looking forward to next years Leica cameras. For sure we will see an upgrade for the SL2 and likely also a new medium format Leica S3.

[@harryburnett7086]

What type autofocus does Sl2 and s models

[@mathphotographer]

They have body and face recognition but based on contrast detection. There is no phase detection implemented in the SL system at this point in time. And this makes autofocus a bit slower.

[@mathphotographer]

To be precise, the autofocus system uses contrast-detect autofocus with depth prediction :)

[@ctmdarkonestm]

have you had a chance to test the SL2-S with astrophotography?

[@mathphotographer]

Not yet. I tested it on the SL2 when I was on Sardinia Island, really cool images. The SL2-S will be even better due to larger pixels and lower resolution plus BSI sensor. Will try to shoot some good night sky photos with the SL2-S over the winter holidays and then get back.

[@fraserhalscheid7777]

Great video. Thanks.

[@mathphotographer]

Great you liked it, thanks Fraser.

[@dell-tone6472]

Very interesting as always Math. Thank you! I am considering the SL2-S as a second body to my M10-P. I have heard mixed reports about using M ultra-wides on the SL system. I often use 18 and 21mm lenses for interior and architectural photography. Have you tried this?

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks, I have shot the Super-Elmar-M 1:3.4/21 ASPH on my Leica SL2 in NYC, worked very well and gave me nice images.

[@mathphotographer]

Actually, some of the NYC images you see in the quick slideshow at the beginning of the video are from this combo, Leica SL2 plus Super-Elmar-M 1:3.4/21 ASPH.

[@slimnics]

how many batteries do you need with the sl2s for a full day of shooting stills?

[@mathphotographer]

Not more than two batteries.

[@FART-REPELLENT]

300

[@slimnics]

@@FART-REPELLENT 300 Farts?

[@FART-REPELLENT]

@@slimnics I meant that the SL-2 requires 300 batteries per day; alternatively it can be fart-powered 🤣

[@slimnics]

@@FART-REPELLENT you sure you don't mean the soon to be released sl3F may be fart powered !!

[@AlexKroke]

You went to San Teodoro - Sardinia!

[@mathphotographer]

Well spotted, yes :)

[@BackFocus11]

Great video. Like you I have both. I feel the SL2S performs better overall as well. The SL2 has some shutter lag when using a flash I have observed. I think in the next 3-6 months we might see an SL3 which I hope is a blend of these two. High rez and better low light with a BSI sensor. We’ll see

[@mathphotographer]

Agree - a new SL3 is kind of in the air and will combine the best worlds of both :)

[@internetz3.0]

Let me guess... Your German? Nice Video!

[@borisgalos6967]

So it's similar to the differences between the Nikon Z 6II and Z 7II.

[@mathphotographer]

I only have the Z7II, not the Z6II, but from specs perspective, yes agree.

[@deejayiwan7]

24 mpix is wayyyy enough... BSI is much more important than higher res

[@Funktrainer]

it depends.

[@mathphotographer]

24MP will do the trick for most shootings and prints, agree.

[@FatCokMcgee]

Stupid naming nomenclature.

[@angellondian7628]

Ok. Eye auto focus. If canon r5 is a 10. Then sl2 / sl2s is a _?

[@VuBui]

As someone who had the R5 for two years and now shoots with the SL2-S, I’d say it’s an 8 in photos, and a 4 in video. For photos, shooting portraits, I hardly notice the difference, but it’s there. The Canon was better at detecting a face at an angle. For video the SL2-S fave tracking is hardly usable for me unless really stopped down. I could reliably shoot interviews on the R5 even at f/1.2, relying completely on face tracking autofocus. I haven’t been able to make that work on the SL2-S even at f/2 or 2.8. It’s just too slow to lock on and respond to changes in distance from normal movement while sitting still but talking. That’s even with the autofocus speed and responsiveness settings maxed out.

[@mathphotographer]

I agree with Vu. When I shoot with the Canon R5, autofocus on the eye is more sticky and more reliable. I would actually rate the SL2-S with an 8 and the SL2 with a 7 on your proposed score for the R5. Applies to photos. In video its probably a 6 for the SL2-S and a 5 for the SL2.