Why This $6000 Camera is STILL Worth Buying in 2024 | Leica SL2 Review

[@benjhaisch]

Top 5 most underrated channels on the platform.

[@lukasvanderlende]

Thank you Benj!

[@justcallmesando]

I got mine this year. I switched from Fuji XH2 and I am absolutely happy. I shoot with SL, R and M lenses and just love it.

[@MemoriesofAmore]

I used this camera when second shooting for a wedding. In an industry where wedding films are getting bigger and bolder it was refreshing to simplify the process with a camera such as this

[@117775EM]

Lukas...couldn't agree with you more. I came to Leica 7 years ago from Canon, Nikon and Fuji. Fuji cameras are the closest I've come to the engaging enjoyment and understanding the ethos of Leica minus the deep deep menu system. Sure other camera systems of faster, more accurate face/eye tracking and autofocus performance, but for me the pure enjoyment factor and image creation process is missing. I will always have a Leica...not for. the bling but for the amazing images they make and the inspiration for me to take more photos. I have several sigma lenses 35mm f2 and 65mmf2; Leica 24-70 f2.8 and Leica 50mm f2.5 Summarit M. Keep us updated and keep creating memories through images.

[@lukasvanderlende]

You get it brother!! Glad you enjoyed the video and I’ll keep making more!!

[@lasse.bergqvist]

💯 agree - I love shooting with m lenses on my SL2 but the 24-70 with AF is a beast on this camera.

[@noisetin]

Absolutely beautiful images, both photos and videos!

[@lukasvanderlende]

Thank you so much!

[@Godsplan617]

Thanks so much for this review. I’ve been a professional wedding photographer for 10 years now shooting Canon R as well. I just purchased the SL2 for personal projects. I used the original SL and a Q2 and really enjoyed both. I loved the “Leica look” I got from both. You have a beautiful family and home and I like your laid back and honest attitude. Would you possibly be available for a paid FaceTime once my camera arrives to teach me the basics of shooting video? This is something I’d really like to learn. Thanks so much man! 📸🌅✌️

[@Deetroiter]

Hey buddy, glad to see the content going well! I’ve still been using my TL2 and didn’t go with the M cameras (yet). I’ve been looking at those used SL2s with an M adapter and seems like it could be a great setup for a great price, especially if using voigtlander lenses, etc. I still need to get over to w. mi to relax and shoot some pics sometime, been a long time since I’ve been over there. Keep up the great work!

[@lukasvanderlende]

Hey, thank you! The sl2s is an incredible camera, I don’t think you’d be disappointed with it and voigtlander m lenses! Take a little vacation this summer and enjoy the west side!

[@cyberla]

Great review and great sample pics! Thanks!

[@GamachePhoto]

I’m very happy with my SL2, for auto focus with a Sigma 28-70mm f2.8, Sigma 35mm f2, and manual focus with Voigtlander M lenses. I just returned from a 5 week vacation in Portugal and I used my SL2 90% and M10R 10%. I dropped in the Leica Store in Porto and had the opportunity to trade my SL2 for a new SL3 ( yes they had one in stock!) but I didn’t have time to leave my SL2 for inspection and return for exchange, as I was only in Porto for 2 more days. I’ve had my SL2 for 1 year now and I really enjoy using it. I do have some issues when trying to auto focus in backlighting situations, often have to switch to manual focus to get a proper picture.

[@lukasvanderlende]

That would have been one heck of a night cap to your trip to Portugal! You’re right, I have the same issue with backlighting!

[@caffeinatedcameras]

Great review once again. I don't have an SL2 but I have the SL2S and the SL3, and they are phenomenal cameras. The SL2/s line is (I think) a better built, more robust camera that is actually more enjoyable to handle and the SL2S is still the better video camera compared to the SL3, but the SL3 image is absolutely incredible and definitely the better camera in basically every other way. And still pretty good at video.

[@nilojuaneza]

Great video Man! Bought my SL2 used and it got me all my paid jobs .. paid it off and made enough to buy the 90-280. Can’t speak enough about pairing the SL2 and the SL2-s. Very underrated cameras! The image quality is very close to medium format once you put one of those APO lenses on it.. you can only tell the difference in post when you push the colors and work the files.

[@lukasvanderlende]

Thank you so much! Oh yeah those APO lenses are insanely good!!

[@nilojuaneza]

Definitely give them a try! If you’re in LA hit me up man, could be cool to do a shoot with you!

[@lukasvanderlende]

@nilojuaneza I had a 35 and 50 for last summer, they were incredible! Next time I’m in LA I’ll hit you up!

[@laurapodrasky9687]

I have the SL3 and I love it. I kept my SL2 as back up and for some of my vintage M lenses and R lenses. I found the vintage lenses render better on the SL2 than the SL3. I use all the SL APO lenses on the SL3 and you finally really see what they can do. The overall improvements of the SL3 are much bigger when in actual use. Need to use the SL3 more than 1-2 weeks like most of the reviewers did. They just needed to get content out and did not really learn how much it can do. Great review of the wonderful SL2. Keep up the great work.

[@lukasvanderlende]

That’s the thing holding me back from the grabbing a sl3 for review, I want to have it for a while before I make my opinions on it! Interesting that the sl2 renders vintage and r lenses better!

[@laurapodrasky9687]

@@lukasvanderlende The little lower resolution of the SL2 sensor is why I think they look better. The original vintage lenses are not really designed for the higher resolution sensors. The reissue vintage designs are fine on the SL#

[@jonathandegard]

Hi. When you set your SL3 on lower resolution, how are your vintage lens on it ? SL2 > SL3 ?

[@andrewporfyri559]

Dido Lukas,I also made the switch from Canon.I also get what you mean by how the Leica feels & looks better in the hands than all the other brands. Should have made the move years ago

[@lukasvanderlende]

I wish I had made the move years ago as well!

[@chrismeetschris]

I just got into the SL system with an SL2s, I bought it used from Camerawest. I’ve also got an M6/M10. At first I thought it was going to be too big and bulky, but I’m pleasantly surprised how much I enjoy using it. Everything you said in this video I agree with - the camera build and ergos are second to none. I’ve always been an “M” guy, but I can’t believe how much I enjoy using the SL system. They really are nice companion cameras to M as well. Would you consider adding a Q2 into the mix? I’m thinking about that maybe in place of the M10 as I really do prefer the m6.

[@lukasvanderlende]

I’ve looked at the q2 many times! And I think it’s a camera that I want to try but test out for a while. I love 28mm so on paper the q line would be perfect for me 🤷‍♂️

[@DirectRegister]

Coming from the M10, my SL2 has pretty much replaced it for all uses. With the SL2 I can simply know that I’ll get the shot…between the image stabilization and the EVF preview, I know that the camera will do its part if I do mine. In other words, the image will be technically correct, and the rest is up to me.

[@lukasvanderlende]

Feel that! There’s something really nice about using the sl2, very intuitive

[@bruceleventhal3292]

Hey Lukas... Just discovered your channel and subscribed after this video... 😀 Your review was very interesting to me, as is your "retro" photographic vibe. While photography is so very different than my own, your perpective is refreshing. I also watched your video on starting a KZbin Channel... something I did 5 years ago but have ignored like an ugly weed. Your thoughts are inspirational and have thinking about putting time into the channe again. Regarding your one year reflection on the SL system, I think you are spot on. I'm a nature photographer with a huge investment in Nikon... 30K on 2 bodies and 3 lenses.... and people think Leicas are expensive... As a longtime shooter from the 80's to present, my nostalgia for my prior Contax and Leica gear had me longing for a Leica again. After playing with an SL2-S in a shop, I was bit by the bug and have added an SL2, SL2-S, SL14-24, SL24-70, and SL100-400 as an alternative to my Nikon kit. While the Nikon is a high performance machine that "just works," the SL's offer charasmatic tactile experience that the NIkon's lack. The SL system is where I turn when I want to stop time, slow down, and wander through the woods. With the introduction of the SL3, it has never been easier to experience the simplicity of the SL UI and rugged yet comfortable design that only Leica offers... Excellent work.... bruce

[@lukasvanderlende]

Hey Bruce! Thank you for the support! Get after that channel brother! And haha yes, I always find it funny when people complain about leicas prices when the average flagship camera is a bit more expensive than the SL camera! That’s a heck of a kit you’ve got there! I’m excited to check out your nature work!

[@f.kieranfinney457]

I’m looking for an upgrade from my 5D Mk IV. I shoot studio and environmental portraiture. I am torn between the Fuji GFX 100sII and this. The SL3 is a bit too much for me. I also own a Rolleiflex 6008 AF MF camera and a TLR. I think this camera will just be more fun than a Fuji and fit into my other camera’s ’feel’. The GFX is So many menus! Is a Profoto my only option for a HSS light for a Leica? What am I going to miss from my Canon besides access to a jillion accessories?

[@HenningOlsinski]

Hi Lukas, I am from Germany and just found your Channel, really good work. No big company tells you what to Say, honest opinion. Stay as you are and hopefully in future you can earn good money with your channel. Keep on goin‘

[@lukasvanderlende]

Thank you so much, appreciate the encouragement!

[@carlomac]

@lukas van der lende thanks for the video. If you had to choose between the sl2 and the sl2s for just purely colours, which one would you choose? I do mostly slow paced documentary work and use a canon 5dmk3. My main concern is autofocus with the sl2, even for slow or still objects. I don’t really do a lot of video.

[@lukasvanderlende]

I’d do the sl2 if you have control over lighting. The files are absolutely gorgeous in great to decent lighting. The autofocus will definitely be a step up from the 5dmk3. Most of the slow autofocus in my review is in reference to video

[@AL-cu5gi]

what would you use for macro shots (other than sigma 105mm).. - love SL2!

[@lukasvanderlende]

I use the Leica Macro-Elmarit-APO 100mm for my macro, it’s an incredible lens if you can find one in good condition.

[@Dan_photo]

Great video! Really considering making this my next big digital purchase over an M or other brands.

[@lukasvanderlende]

I haven’t been disappointed! Glad you liked the video!

[@dannyhsu8372]

Great video! I have heard many people talking about color rendering in SL2 and SL2-s are different. Just wonder to know your experience. Thank you!

[@lukasvanderlende]

I have noticed a bit of a difference, but in practice it’s not been very significant. But it would be fun to do a deep dive into the differences

[@S.Creations1]

Thank you for this video. Have you had any issues with glitches or repairs on the camera? I keep seeing online stories of people having to wait months to get their camera’s back from the repair centers. This is the only thing that has me hesitant about purchasing one.

[@lukasvanderlende]

I have had a few issues with glitches, nothing major, generally popping the battery out and back in fixes the more critical glitches. As for repair, I do know Leica has longer lead times, but I haven’t sent mine in for a repair yet

[@FoxyFQ300]

Lovely video thanks dude! What presets are you using for the colour images?

[@lukasvanderlende]

I use a few, but I’ve been really liking very good presets lately

[@riche90210]

Instant subscribe. Trying to make a decision on the sl2 and found your website and this video. Thanks!

[@lukasvanderlende]

So glad you found value in it!

[@shy-guy5544]

Nice video. How do you rate the JPEGs straight out of the camera? Thanks

[@lukasvanderlende]

Thank you, I don’t rate them because I don’t use them. I only shoot raw with these cameras

[@shy-guy5544]

@@lukasvanderlende OK. Thanks

[@tombube49]

Great Video. Im dreaming about a used SL2 in silver. I have actually a GFX100s and i the AF works also for me it should be not slower.

[@lukasvanderlende]

The SL2 is silver is absolutely gorgeous, great dream

[@davidsossna80]

Do you have Luts for the sl2 cameras? You videos looks great! Would be super interested in buying Luts created by you

[@lukasvanderlende]

Thank you so much! I don’t have luts (yet) but I should start developing some!

[@geoffreybassett6741]

One of the best pieces of advice I can give people shooting video on this camera is shooting in HLG instead of L-log. You lose a tiny bit of dynamic range but gain better color (less magenta$

[@lukasvanderlende]

Ehh I prefer L-log and teaching how to actually edit it correctly

[@alexradsby]

These have gone down a ton now with the SL3 on the market. Beautiful cameras. I debated long and hard about selling my SL2-s to jump over to the Q2. I might actually pick up an original SL at some point too if I miss the SL cameras. Just amazing. Beautiful shots and video examples too man, just perfect!

[@lukasvanderlende]

Went lower than I was expecting tbh 😅 but I may pick up an original SL at some point as well. The system just clicks with me! Appreciate you Alex!

[@alexradsby]

@@lukasvanderlende Appreciate you too Lukas. Your work is top notch! Very happy to watch your videos and your work as always 👌🔥

[@BrandonTalbot]

I just returned my SL3 and picked up a damn near perfect SL2 for $2600.

[@alexradsby]

@@BrandonTalbot damn. That's a good price. The SL cameras go waay down in price when a new one arrives. Basically same as any other manufacturer.

[@BrandonTalbot]

@@alexradsby Yeah I've been seeing them go for around $3100-3500 so this was a steal. Too good to pass up.

[@lifeofphys]

Well done my friend and I agree 100% with Benj. Way under rated

[@lukasvanderlende]

Thank you brother!! Appreciate you!

[@cammackey]

Subbed.

[@lukasvanderlende]

Thank you brother!!

[@adamstorm1984]

So you shot this video on the SL2-S and which lens?

[@lukasvanderlende]

Leica 24-70

[@adamstorm1984]

@@lukasvanderlende LOL you said that somewhere in the video around the 4 minute mark, I just forgot by the end of the video sorry!

[@Reportageandart]

The SL is such a sleeper camera. Amazing

[@lukasvanderlende]

It absolutely is

[@rickseigh460]

I wouldn't say the SL3 is available as you have to wait a long long time to get it. I currently have the Panasonic S1r and S5iix and use them in the same way you use the Leicas although I never shoot video on the S1r. I've owned the M10P and M11 but sold them as I needed a new roof. I'm an old fart and wanted to have a camera to pass down to my grandkids after I'm done so got on the SL3 list. After three months I gave up and got on the Q3 list and to my surprise the Q3 arrived after only a month wait. Love it for family stuff as it works great with the Leica Fotos app as I'm too old to hit the shutter and then run to get in the shot. I still have a bunch of M lenses so if the SL3 becomes available I may jump on it. There's something special about the photos taken on Leica cameras.

[@lukasvanderlende]

I’ve been shooting with a S5IIX recently and it’s great. And you’re dead on about the Leica fotos app. Best camera app I’ve ever used! My daughter calls my M6 her camera, and regularly asked when she gets it

[@mvinity216]

Great Job I’m getting one tomorrow Can’t wait to have it Also what is your lens your are using? 🫶🏽

[@lukasvanderlende]

Congratulations! You’ll love it! I have a Leica 24-70 that’s basically glued to mine

[@JMPerona]

The KZbin part was the part I was more interested in! Oh well :(

[@lukasvanderlende]

It’s an incredibly capable camera for video, I can do a follow up video to this talking through how I’ve set it up to optimize for KZbin filming if that would be of value

[@JMPerona]

@@lukasvanderlende That would be of a great great value. I have been looking around all KZbin for this information, but there is little to none. I was thinking to get the camera for my studio and KZbin channel (talking heads and filming while painting), so for me a superfast autofocus is not so important, but a reliable camera with good specs is more important, specially if it takes wonderful pictures too!

[@lukasvanderlende]

@JMPerona I’ll add it to my queue of videos to make!

[@JMPerona]

@@lukasvanderlendecan’t wait!

[@scottkukla]

👌🏽

[@lukasvanderlende]

🫶

[@Old-School-Liberal]

Under $3k used

[@lukasvanderlende]

Prices have decreased since I made the video 😅

[@Abonnen]

[@lukasvanderlende]

🫶

[@angellondian7628]

This is getting exhausting. You’re weak. Phase is only for keeping lock on moving subjects. The contrast works most fine for your beach seascapes. You get better

[@lukasvanderlende]

You must be new here. I'm perfectly fine with my camera system or I would have switched. If you watched the video you would know that I didn't complain about the lack of phase detect auto focus and only reported that it isn't available on this camera but is available on the SL3. As for your attitude, you get ✨better✨