Leica Q2 after One Month - Full Review and Samples Photos
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- Опубліковано 30 бер 2022
- I've had this camera for a while now and I'm ready to share my full review and tons of sample photos. Let's talk about the Leica Q2 and whether this is my new daily carry camera.
My Gear
Cameras:
Leica Q2: amzn.to/33rF7se
Sony A7RIV: amzn.to/3yFxfgi
Sony Alpha FX3 : amzn.to/2V8shLx
Sony ZV-1: amzn.to/3zyfL6S
Insta360 One X2: amzn.to/38wtb7x
Lenses:
Sigma Art 24-70 f2.8: amzn.to/2WJgbsQ
Zeiss Batis 85mm f1.8: amzn.to/3DH9MPs
Sony 35mm f1.4 G Master: amzn.to/3jzPlMo
Sony 20mm f1.8 G: amzn.to/3DD9M30
Audio:
Rode Videomic NTG: amzn.to/3BpyHp0
Rode Wireless Go II: amzn.to/2Yd6PWF
Tripods:
Peak Design Travel Tripod: amzn.to/3yw9iIo
Ulanzi M11 Vlogging Tripod: amzn.to/3BxDK6H
Ulanzi Ballhead: amzn.to/3zEmxbd
PGYTech Mantis Pod: amzn.to/3t4Ulfj - Навчання та стиль
I have been a professional videographer for 30 years, and decided to return to my roots by bringing photography more to the forefront (the Canon 5Diii has been my video and stills workhorse, and most recently the C70). I don’t expect the Q2 to be a video kit, but it isn’t a slouch either. I have been using the Q2 for a week, and it is exceeding my expectations. I have plenty of lenses for Canons, but unless I am intentionally out on a job, I don’t like to carry all that stuff. Q2 outings are so light and spontaneous. Lovely camera that weirdly reminds me of the magical Konica Autoreflex/40mm my dad had in the 80s.
Thanks for watching! Love the perspective. Agree completely about the size and performance of the Q2 really exceeding expectations. I’ve been able to get some great video out of it as well.
If you drop somewhere in the neighborhood of $6k you have no choice but to justify your purchase. I honestly think this is just the Rolex of the camera world. Are pictures nice? better be for that price, but ultimately you buy this just to be in a specific social/artistic group. The rest is nonsense.
I’ve watched a lot of camera reviews in my day and I just wanted to say thank you for making a very thorough video.
Photography is my hobby since about 20 years now and I was with Nikon all the time, started with the F65, bought in 2001 until the Z6 bought in 2019. In November 2022 I purchased the Q2 with which I immediately fell in love ;)
It brought me back to the essentials of photography with it's simple interface and direct access to aperture, shutter, focus and ISO.
I'm taking more attention to every photo I take, which also got me to revive my Nikon F80.
This really slows me down and makes me see the world with different eyes (or lenses ;)
Great review! One of the best out there!
Great review
Thanks, great and honest review. I have a Nikon Z for landscape and any action where I need a solid AF experience. And an older Leica rangefinder for the full on tactile experience with amazing primes. I just ordered this for everything in between and I suspect that it will end up being more of my primary based on what friends have told me about their experiences. I understand Leica just released a firmware update a week or so ago supposedly dealing with the AF complaints you and others have spoken about, hopefully they made it better. Can't wait to get out with it soon.
That great! I think you’ll love it. Also the firmware update was great. Honestly a very noticeable improvement in how fast the face detect has been. And it also sounds like the Leica Q3 won’t be announced until next year… so not something worth waiting for if you want to get right to shooting. This has been my daily carry camera for 90% of occasions
Been researching this camera loads...thinking of taking the plunge today!
I have the exact same experience -- except my Q2 is a mono. I carry a A7RIII with Tamron 28-75 everywhere important -- especially when I need reach. I bought mono for the experience of learning to take only BW pics and seeing the world that way -- I happen to love BW images more than color. But, my next purchase will be a Q3 color (when it comes out), an A7RIV and I will be up to date. I agree the form factor and ease of use with Q2 is amazing compared with all the options with a Sony. I dont like the focus speed and more so, I hate the lack of a d-pad to move around the focus target easy... Please Leica -- add a proper and valuable D-Pad.
Thanks for the review. I like two things about you - your Q2 and your Moonwatch Omega Speedmaster :-)
Love this
Thanks, Ali. Huge fan of your channel!
Loved this, thanks. Been lusting after a Q2 for a while. Currently I have an a7 iii with almost all the primes from 20 to 85 and a single 70~200 zoom. But $9000 in Australia. Or add a A7iv to my kit for $3200. I like the better cropping from the iv. Hmmmmm.
This was honest and subjective. I don't regret my purchase, and am enjoying it a lot. My only beef is when it switches to video sometimes while carrying. That is annoying.
Like it !
The Leica new Q 2 is very unique and outstanding tools.
Nice! Beautiful pictures. 😉
Really appreciate the honest cons of the camera. I recently bought at Leica Q the first day of 2022 and after a few months realized, although I love the slow pace of it at times, it’s a bit too slow for documenting my kids and whatnot. They don’t exactly sit still.
Completely agree. The autofocus is okay on the Leica but worlds apart from the autofocus and overall speed is not built for kids 🤣
Great Choice. It's a luxury purchase, but that's part of why its fun to use. I purchased the Q2 in Spring 2021, and it's still a versatile shooter. It can crop down to 35mm in a pinch, and It also works well for video and macro, but I've since added an SL2-S for video/ macro, and an M11 for additional focal lengths.
I would encourage you to try out manual focusing on the Q2, since it's fun and, with practice, it may be even faster than auto-focus in certain situations (zone-focusing).
For accessories, Match Technical make a nice soft lens cap, and the Leica handgrip can add comfort to the grip.
Love the recommendations here. Definitely need to dig into that manual focus more. Probably my biggest reservation around getting into the M11 - but eventually I think I’ll make the plunge.
@@ItsDesmond That was my biggest fear about the Leica Rangefinder system, so I put it off buying for a long time. But after purchasing the M11, my concerns proved to be over-blown. With minimal practice, it's very easy to obtain quick focus with most of the common lens focal lengths, and you don't need perfect eyesight. I regret listening to all the videos warning about focusing issues, and wish I would have bought the M sooner. Its very compact, and superb quality. (and super luxiurious build quality)
@@ItsDesmond hahaha M11, yes as many have said: the Q2 seems to be an entry drug into Leica route, I was one who said, Leica couldn´t be better than my GMaster or Nikkor Nano Fluorite coating lenses until I´ve tried out a Leica SL2 with a Summicron L35/L75mm a year ago. Now I have a Q2, SL2s, M10R and many crons-luxes and a noct. There are less cameras and lenses in my dry cabinet and bank account balance is less too 😅
Very nice video, well explain
Great review! I’m going for Q2 or wait for Q3..
Hey that’s my place in Yountville! So cool to see it on your video! Awesome camera review! Thanks!
That’s awesome!! We stopped by for some coffee that morning. Will definitely have to stop by and spend more time in the tasting room! Beautiful space. Can’t wait to check it out
Thanks for the honest review! I have been looking at the Q2 and A7R for my new camera, so if you had to have just one camera which would you pick? Or would there be another camera, if you just had to have one?
That’s a great question. If I could just have one - it would likely be the A7RIV or even an A7IV. The auto focus, lens options and overall performance is in a different category. But assuming you’d want a camera that can shoot high speed professional work, has versatile and advanced auto focus, 4k video features and audio inputs + hdmi outputs, etc.
The Leica is absolutely a piece of art. But it’s really more of a luxury item than it is all in one photo/video work horse.
@@ItsDesmond I think you pot-on! Appreciate the honest videos, thanks!
Thanks Im a newbie but I just wanted one camera to be all do all and travel with and I havent regretted it...I hate the fact that the leica q2 reporter came out a few weeks after I purschased the regular one
Hey des big fan . What sd do you use or recommend ? Ty
good reivew!
Thank you! Appreciate the comment
Love my q2. Are your camera settings stock or have you adjusted them? I love the pictures your getting from the q2
Hey! I use standard settings on the Q2 - but I always shoot raw and do my own editing in post. Adds an extra step vs going straight to JPEG - but coming from Sony, I’m used to editing everything.
i am really trying hard to hold out for the q3 and the m11 mono... sigh... want my Leica now, presently using the CL, amazing little camera.
Would the q2 work well with cosplay pictures
Hi Desmond, would like your honest opinion on how the Leica Q2 compares to Sony 7RIV paired with 35mm F/1.8 lens? Greatly appreciated!
Hey! If you only had one camera to choose - it should be the A7IV. It’s versatile, packed with all the features you want for both photo and video + the fact that you can use Sonys entire line up of full frame lenses. I use the 35mm 1.4 GM as my main everyday lens.
The Q2 is an amazing camera - but it’s biggest benefit is the fact that it brings a full frame sensor and an incredible 28mm 1.7mm lens to one of the smallest form factors. BUT - auto focus isn’t as fast or smart as A7IV. No flip out screen for video. Minimal button config - which is great - but not if you’re a big custom buttons person that wants a super fast workflow.
When it comes to picture quality - both are going to be great - but doesn’t really make sense to compare side by side. The Q2 produces higher resolution images - great for cropping - but the A7IV also has more than enough resolution for almost any use case. Video - A7IV all the way.
I wouldn’t recommend the Q2 to most people - especially if you haven’t got a reliable main camera that can do everything you need. The Q2 is an amazing everyday/travel camera - BUT I always lean on my A7RIV when I need a versatile and fast camera.
Good and fair review. I bought a used Q2 that came with an extra battery, the thumb grip, etc. and saved a good deal of money, but it still wasn’t cheap. The camera is very good and a joy to use, including the manual focus. I have a GRii and love the 28mm focal length. The images that come out of this are gorgeous. All that being said, it annoys me how expensive an extra battery is, or a thumb grip. Just stupid expensive, but it is what it is. The plus side is these seem to hold their value fairly well so if you decide to sell, you should be able to recoup most of your investment.
How much did it cost?
I’m using my gears with much less care and I rarely sell them due to their condition. I’m really interested in the q2, but not sure if I should get one.
Yes looking at the Leica and the history and quality is tempting!
But for some of the major reasons you mentioned I opted for Fuji. The XT4, 18 1.4, 33 1.4, 90 F2 for street photography, the faster auto focus made it the choice in my purchasing decision. And even with a thumb grip, extra battery I’m still under 6K. 🖖
The RRS L-bracket does not obstruct the battery or SD card.
Great video! I am a hobbyist and have been using Sony for years, most recently A7IV. I just feel a little overwhelmed and uninspired with the feature heavy Sony system, so I ordered a Leica q2. I hope I can enjoy photography as an experience, and maybe get better photos straight out of the camera.
You’ll love it. And it’s perfect that you’ve also got the A7IV - those two are a perfect combo for any use case. I tend to leave the Sony at home most of the time unless I’m shooting a situation that needs the amazing auto focus.
Be interested to hear how your Q2 experience has gone.
@@kenn6592 I love my Leica q2! The camera is amazing. It’s my go to camera now and I have taken so many excellent photos with it.
Thanks for the great review. I've been sitting on the fence about buying the Q2 (new or used) or waiting a bit longer until the next version - since the Q2 has already been around for three years and typically the life-cycle is around 4 years for Leica. Did you have any thoughts/considerations about holding off a bit longer for a potential Q3 - or any advice for someone that is thinking of getting one? Leica just further increased the price of the Q2 on April 1 which also makes me wonder if the Q3 is a longer wait.
I'm finding currently I'm unmotivated to pull out my larger camera around since its so heavy and big to sometimes take pictures, which is why the Q series is interesting given the compact size. From your review sounds like the small form factor really helped here!
May 2022 update - bought the Q2 and am absolutely loving it. No regrets at all even though I bought it after the price increase. Good to have it now rather than waiting for the next version as I'm already taking breaktaking photos!
Hey Kevin! Thanks for watching. Good question. Honestly when I was doing my research, I hadn’t really considered the option of the Q3 coming out. I knew the Q2 was a couple years old at the time and I knew the it was released roughly 3 years after the original Q1. I did however notice that the price of the Q2 has gone up as well since it’s release.
With that information, here’s my overall thought on camera tech - if the camera you want is available today, and it solves the problems you need it to solve, then get it. The issue with camera gear and tech in general is that there’s always going to be something newer and better coming. The Q2 for me, has totally been worth it. I use it constantly and in places I normally don’t bring my larger A7RIV. I just take more photos and those memories to me are worth more than the camera.
Leicas also tend to hold their value really well. Knowing me, if the Leica Q3 is announced - I might sell my Q2 and get it. Again because of my hobby and I just love making videos about camera gear.
Have you considered renting the Q2 just to get a feel for it. That might make a big difference in your decision.
Thanks@@ItsDesmond! That's really good to hear and good point about saving memories being worth more than the price - one that I also didn't really think about. I'm actually a fairly novice level photographer currently using a Sony 6100 + Sigma 24-70 lens. I’ve noticed that I don’t take my camera out so often given the size/weight and lack of tactile controls on the camera body - which then is really impeding the learning journey, even if its just trial and error to take photos to learn how different combinations/settings impact the shots. I think that was where your comment about day-to-day activities being photo moments caught my attention and not being as trigger happy (since sorting those photos after can be a bit exhausting too). Most UA-cam videos comment on how fun it is shooting with the camera, or even using at as point and shoot as a fall back.
What holds me back a bit is the potential for a new model very soon where I’m guessing the AF might be even faster/better, higher resolutions and/or new ports added - though I’m guessing 47 megapixels is probably more than enough and the rumored 60 megapixel might be overkill for my needs. And I’m sure the price would jump also even further.
I played with one at the Leica store, seems to check the boxes for helping me take the camera out more often and learn - but always a bit difficult to tell when in the store vs out in the world usage - especially how the AF being not as good as Sony would impact travel photography. But like you said, sounds like this could be seen as a “positive” by slowing down to send the seconds to focus on the task to improve my photography skills.
@@kevinkhu5 hey. Great points. Glad you’re starting to explore a bit more around your photographer style. So knowing you’re newer to photography and you’re currently using the 6100. You might want to consider shooting with a full frame body to get an idea of how you like that experience. The 24-70 sigma is going to look vastly different in terms of usable focal length on a full frame body.
My recommendation might be to check out the A7C - which is a pretty compact hybrid full frame option for Sony lenses. You could pair that with a great compact prime lens (55mm Zeis, 35mm 1.8) for much less than the Leica. I’d recommend shooting with a variety of primes before buying the Q2. Although it’s small and amazing - some people don’t like the 28mm focal length.
As for the Q3 - I would definitely expect a better autofocus system. Unlikely to find additional ports though - considering the biggest upgrade from Q1 to Q2 was the dust and rain sealing.
@@ItsDesmond Thanks for the tips and feedback! Really appreciate it and helpful for my decision making process :)
@@ItsDesmond A7C is amazing. There are tons of great lenses for it like Zeiss 35mm 2.8 , Zeiss 55mm 1.8, Batis 25, 40, 85 etc. Get whole system for price of Q2. Or just buy a bunch of vintage Leica and adapt it to Sony. I love my old Leica 90mm 2.0 which I got B for around 800. While the Q2 might have that Wow factor, these choices does also. After all this, In the end you got to just go out and shoot. There will always be cameras and lenses to lust after. But it’s the experience and love of creating new images that one should pursue
Did you take some of these pics at the Aquarium of the Sea in Long Beach?
Thinking of picking this up for travel cause i dont like bringing big cameras when traveling is it good straight out of the box with its included lens?
Hey! Solid option. It’s amazing out of box - the 28mm lens is classic Leica quality. Just pop in the battery after a full charge and you can get going right away.
Straight out of box - camera, leather strap, battery, lens hood, lens cover, thread cover (it conceals the threads for the lens hood if you want to go hood free), manual, and a few other items. I would check out my Leica Q2 unboxing video to see what that looks like.
It’s not an included lens, it’s a fixed lens. You can however also crop in the camera to 35,50 and 75mm. This does affect how many pixels of the sensor it use but as the crop only alters the in camera jpeg that’s no problem. If you put the RAW into Lr or similar the full 28mm and full sensor is still there for you to crop as you wish.
great, can you do more with the q2 please
Sure! Just filmed a new video on my favorite Q2 accessories actually.
i’m currently deciding on selling my M6 to fund the Q2. Hope you can shae your thoughts on this. I do have a M10 with a 50Lux
I can’t speak too much to the M6. But I will say - youve already got the M10, a q2 is the perfect companion. The auto focus and the video features make it distinct enough and is a completely different shooting experience. And both cameras are small enough to carry together. Honestly a dream set up in my mind. I’d love to eventually add an M10 or M11 to my set up
@@ItsDesmond thank you very much. Appreciate it
Hey, thanks for the review. I am considering the Q2 Monochrom as I do already have an Fuji X-T4 with the 16-55mm. Have you thought about getting the monochrom version? Thanks for your reply :)
Hey! Thanks for watching. Hmm I personally haven’t considered the monochrom yet - I think for my style and use case, monochrom might be a nice to have but not a necessity. Since I shoot a lot of travel and family photography- the classic Q2 has been perfect.
But if you’re considering a monochrom - I might recommend waiting for the Q3 monochrom. Since youve already got a camera for daily use - it could be worth waiting for. But I heard nothing will be announced until next year 🤷🏻♂️
Is it too late to buy a Q2 now when Q3 is coming up shortly?
Honestly that’s a tough one - it really depends on how bad you want the camera. There hasn’t been an official announcement of the Q3 - just rumors so far. And with the supply chain issues and how hard it’s been to get popular cameras…there’s really no telling when you might actually get a Q3 if and when they make it available.
So if you don’t own a camera or really want to start using a Q2 and it fits yours needs - I would say get one and start enjoying it!
If you don’t mind waiting or have another camera to capture moments with - you could wait it out another couple months to see where the Q3 ends up. I’m assuming it may have the new M11 sensor and improve autofocus and video features. But can’t really imagine much more they can pack into something already so small and awesome.
good salesman for Leica.
Whats abt lenses Can change it.....??
This is a fixed lens camera. You can’t change the 28mm lens.
No!!! Don't tell me i have to buy this hahaha. I just got a 24gm 1.4 lens for my a7c and then i saw this one. Thinking getting it or just get an x100 hah. Of course used.
Haha it’s honestly an amazing camera. But I keep hearing that the Leica Q3 might be coming out. It’s also pretty expensive for what it is - a full frame, fixed 28mm. But I personally use it all the time when I travel and go out now. I would probably hold off on buying this for a while and enjoy that 24mm GM. If you really fall in love with the 24mm focal length - the Leica Q3 might be worth a look when it comes out.
Leica q2'..... .right! .great .good camera ' but , .....cl 's !ok .....sl2 super ...M11 well spend ...and S3 ! I want it ....all...
I’m told Panasonic uses the exact same battery at a much better price point.
Listen buddy, price of this camera - this is completely NOT a downside! This is Leica. And this camera is worth every coin you pay for it.
like a leica!
Leica should make a "Q"-styled Camera with a 9.5+ mega dots EVF and Leica M mount. I do NOT like the optical viewfinder on the Leica M cameras !
Love that idea! Honestly they would have my money 🤣
@@ItsDesmond I think there will be many thousands of buyers if the price was lower than the Leica M cameras. I just adapt Lenses to my Sony A7RIV ("Leica") Camera ☺
So you habe tested the camera? Or have you read about the camera?
@@peterlund4501 Which Camera ?
@ camera Prepper : Have you tested the q2 or the sl2 or the Sl2s. Have you taken pictures with it? Or do you own a camera that uses a 9,5+ EvF?
Price 2.8M😱😳
Leica just an expensive Name!
And that's the nature of luxury goods. A BMW is a car - just like a Civic is a car. Do you need a BMW to get from point A to B? Unlikely. Does that stop people from buying them? Also unlikely. It's hard explaining the appeal of premium/luxury goods to consumers that think purely about or are constrained by price.
Like I said before - different experiences, different users, different budgets. It sounds like your ideal scenario is the X100V.
@@ItsDesmond this camera 28mm lens isn't 28mm it is like 24 or 25mm, the auto white balance is useless, 5g c'mon Leica
@@braaji listen, I get it man. Honestly not the right camera for everyone. It’s the first thing I call out at the beginning of my video. If price is a big factor - it’s not the right camera for you.
That because you never owned nor ever will own a Leica
@@Chris-ey7zy shame, owned M9 and M6, now u know
Nice 😂😂😂
Yeah, I don’t think that camera will make it to your children, let alone your grandchildren. Maybe the M6, but not a digital camera.
All the Leica digital cams are not worth it's price, solely for die hard fans with lots of money to burn
Depends on how you see it mate . It's expensive as compared to plastic computers from others
Hey sir, could you please tell me your emails for collabs? Thanks! Look forward to collab with you!