Awesome video and great points As a Leica shooter, I’ve been trying to finding reasons to own one 😂 but because all the Leica M glad I own. But every time I see it at the store and play with it, a couple of things refrain me from doing so: - SL3 is around the corner and most likely is going to have - the new Maestro IV from Q3 and the 60MP BSI from the M11. - Phase detection will be coming to it as we have it in the Q3 already. My A7IV beats the SL2 in every sense. And like you say, needing to own several batteries for a camera with decent results is a hard sale to me. So I keep rocking my M11 which has a great sensor BSI and battery life is actually great. For everything else until the SL3 comes out I’ll use my A7RV specifically for video which is unbeatable with that multi tilt screen. One thing I want for the SL3 to be very versatile for both photo and video is a tilt screen. Then I’m all in
You said that very well! I do believe the SL3 is coming and will be one of Leica's best cameras ever. One reason I'm sticking to the ecosystem to some degree. I shoot Fuji along side my SL2s and that has worked well
I agree with you, I love my SL2S and SL2. I have a Canon R3 at my disposal and I shoot it almost weekly for my job, but I just do not enjoy using it, the SL cameras inspire me to go out and make photos. And a lot of times when I'm shooting for work I decide to use my SL cameras over the R3
That is so great to hear. I often wonder if I didnt give the R3 enough time but I honestly love my sl2s still. I need to decide on what lens i want to add. Love your reviews @lukasvanderlende
I’m right there with both of you. Most of my work right now has been social media content and I normally shoot with a Canon R6 Mark 2 for but lately I have been using the SL2S to shoot those gigs. I just love the files out of the Leica and it gets me excited to shoot. Canon has become boring as of late. Considering ditching my R6 2 and a few RF lenses and buying another SL2-S since I already have a pretty solid L mount kit. I do have a C70 that I use for the dedicated video jobs so if I need snappier AF, I have the C70
@@dlovisuals I get that too. Everytime I think " it's nicer than I need, and clients can't tell a difference" I remind myself that the work starts with me. So I also need to enjoy what I'm using. Thanks for watching!
Love my SL2-S. An updated version of the battery will be launched with the Q3 with 18% higher capacity. I'm hoping to pick up two of the new ones, then move my current two to backup duty.
@@jeremygouge Q3 is rumored to be released in a few days on May 26 but no telling when the new battery will actually be in stock for purchase. If you have a camera store or Leica dealer you work with, you could ask them to hold one for you.
Agreed on your two dislikes. I’ve had the Sl2s for some time and the battery life and AF speed has been my biggest issues with the cameras. It’s also unfortunate that the software updates over the years hasn’t fixed the focus issues yet. Other than that, this camera is a dream to shoot with. Also, the video capabilities of this camera are really reallly reallly good!
I own a Leica q2 and it’s my favorite camera. I have been shooting on a Canon R5 since it’s release and for the last month I have been trying to justify switching to an SL2-s. It uses the same battery as my Q2 so at least there’s that… I shoot landscape, architecture, and Astro. Although I can find anything on the SL2-s for astro use, the rave reviews about lowlight have me convinced it would have to be as good as the R5. Lenses in general are something I’d feel fine about making the switch. What has me the most worried is the autofocus. I don’t shoot people very often but when I do it’s so easy being able to pop into autofocus and never worry about it. I have so many RF lenses that I could sell everything and pick up any extra lenses I might need for the L mount. I’m just so worried about the autofocus and there’s not many videos about the technical aspects of these cameras. I may just wait until I can afford both systems.
I had the R5, and the R3. Its nowhere near as snappy in AF but for photos I think it's great. Its the video side that is lacking. I had a Leica Q for awhile too. Fantastic cameras!
@@jeremygouge Thanks for the reply. That is actually great to hear for me. I don’t shoot video at all really. I’ve been searching to find how it compares to the Q2 because honestly I am okay with its AF. Thanks again!
Nice 8) I have the same Voightlander but found myself not to be good in manual focus. So I added the Lumix 20-60. Not a standard zoom range, but because it is so light, it is easier to carry around than the 24-90 :S . Oh and it is cheap :)
Jeremy… I’m a shooter than has been with both Leica and canon for more than a decade. I have and R3 and I love using my Leica SL2-s more than anything else. So you’re not crazy 😊 In fact I’ve sold off most of my canon gear that I didn’t need… and using the SL2s almost exclusively now. It’s very well made and feels like a premium camera within seconds of picking it up. It’s built to last. I think the new SL3 (eventually) will have the new phase detect AF and a tilting screen. At that point it will be incredible and my SL2s will be my back up body instead of my canon. Regarding AF, for normal photography it’s not an issue at all… only if you’re tracking or doing pro sports… I’m used to shooting manually and selecting my AF points for the past 20 years so no issues there. I compared the R3 and SL2s files and I’m loving the Leica more. L mount glass is also incredible!!!! And if budget is a concern, the Sigma ART line are fantastic for the price.
I want one !! I’ve always thought about getting one, but haven’t had to find yet to get one, but we’ll get one soon. I hope they use the auto focus from the New Panasonic. In the new one
Jeremy - Leica just released a new battery for the Q3. It is called the BP-SCL6. It is higher capacity and is backwards compatible with the SL, SL2, SL2-S, Q2, etc. It retails for $170.00, but they're somewhat hard to find right now. Still, $170.00 is better than $285.00, right?
Using the brand for over 25 years but the sl2s is my least used body. So much potential but the AF is shocking especially when things start to move .Whoever decided that contrast detect was good enough needs sacking. I have three batteries so I`m ok but should I have to need three batteries ? Good review.
I got to try it out for a couple of hours and the lack of an articulable screen was painful. The viewfinder and screen were gorgeous, and the camera felt very premium, but b/c of the immovable screen, autofocus and battery life it just didn’t seem practical.
I get that but I'm a viewfinder shooter only so that hasn't been a problem for me personally. Like I mentioned in another comment. The AF is very useable in photo though
The next iteration of the Sl2s will have the autofocus that new Panasonic Lumix s5iix is using and if they update the battery that camera will tear down the walls… ❤
ok, interesting, and I do understand your point of view… I love to use Leica M cameras - film and sensor- as well as the SL cameras, but… why do people use third party lenses on these cameras. Did so and … am rather saving some money or use two lenses instead of …?? … just for the different results. Otherwise I could have kept my Fuji or Nikon cameras … 🤷🏼♂️
Inspiring one to want to pick up a camera matters. This is why I never shoot with my Fuji X cameras. They just feel shitty in my hands. I also love heavy ass cameras. My main workhorse is the Mamiya RB. I also enjoy shooting with the Nikon F5, which is not light, but I love the weight. Great review.
First off, thank you for being here and the comment! I shoot Fuji as well alongside my SL2s and if you like dense camera bodies, you would love the in hand feel of this body. It's only second to the Hasselblad X1dii and that's saying something!
I get that this camera is extremely well build, feels nice and looks great. But I’m interested even more about the image quality. Is it any better than Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony etc ? Any “Leica look” that helps justify its price a bit ?
I just picked up a used SL2s, I love love it however can feel it moving inside, is that normal?? It feels mechanical rather than that something might be loose.
I will agree to disagree lol. 24mp is plenty for most work I believe. I've owned the R5 as well and GFX. I like my Leica files more still, but to each their own!
That is a very strange and inaccurate comment. 24mp is more than enough for just about anything. There is a reason why the canon R3 is 24mp. If you do something that needs more there is 47mp in the standard SL2.
Those Sony grips are trash. Some people say the new grips are better seems like they tilted the grip a little out but they did not move the grip out more if that makes sense. Only way around those crapped Sony grips is to get a one of those cloth grips the ones you slip your hand into but you don't slip your hand into it you just grab it. This will make the outside of the grip bigger so your figures don't go inside too much.
I think useable is subjective to each user but to me, with a little time in the hand learning how this camera does or doesn't respond makes how you use it different. It's wonderful as a whole, but do I wish the battery life was better, sure. Better autofocus , please BUT that doesn't mean this camera isn't extremely capable :)
Awesome video and great points
As a Leica shooter, I’ve been trying to finding reasons to own one 😂 but because all the Leica M glad I own. But every time I see it at the store and play with it, a couple of things refrain me from doing so:
- SL3 is around the corner and most likely is going to have
- the new Maestro IV from Q3 and the 60MP BSI from the M11.
- Phase detection will be coming to it as we have it in the Q3 already.
My A7IV beats the SL2 in every sense. And like you say, needing to own several batteries for a camera with decent results is a hard sale to me.
So I keep rocking my M11 which has a great sensor BSI and battery life is actually great. For everything else until the SL3 comes out I’ll use my A7RV specifically for video which is unbeatable with that multi tilt screen.
One thing I want for the SL3 to be very versatile for both photo and video is a tilt screen. Then I’m all in
You said that very well! I do believe the SL3 is coming and will be one of Leica's best cameras ever. One reason I'm sticking to the ecosystem to some degree. I shoot Fuji along side my SL2s and that has worked well
@@jeremygouge the question will be: how do we one at lunch date !🙏
I agree with you, I love my SL2S and SL2. I have a Canon R3 at my disposal and I shoot it almost weekly for my job, but I just do not enjoy using it, the SL cameras inspire me to go out and make photos. And a lot of times when I'm shooting for work I decide to use my SL cameras over the R3
That is so great to hear. I often wonder if I didnt give the R3 enough time but I honestly love my sl2s still. I need to decide on what lens i want to add. Love your reviews @lukasvanderlende
I’m right there with both of you. Most of my work right now has been social media content and I normally shoot with a Canon R6 Mark 2 for but lately I have been using the SL2S to shoot those gigs. I just love the files out of the Leica and it gets me excited to shoot. Canon has become boring as of late. Considering ditching my R6 2 and a few RF lenses and buying another SL2-S since I already have a pretty solid L mount kit. I do have a C70 that I use for the dedicated video jobs so if I need snappier AF, I have the C70
@@dlovisuals I get that too. Everytime I think " it's nicer than I need, and clients can't tell a difference" I remind myself that the work starts with me. So I also need to enjoy what I'm using. Thanks for watching!
Inspiration over everything!!! Love it.
You know how we do bro
Love my SL2-S. An updated version of the battery will be launched with the Q3 with 18% higher capacity. I'm hoping to pick up two of the new ones, then move my current two to backup duty.
Oh really? Any release date yet? I'll do the same
@@jeremygouge Q3 is rumored to be released in a few days on May 26 but no telling when the new battery will actually be in stock for purchase. If you have a camera store or Leica dealer you work with, you could ask them to hold one for you.
Agreed on your two dislikes. I’ve had the Sl2s for some time and the battery life and AF speed has been my biggest issues with the cameras. It’s also unfortunate that the software updates over the years hasn’t fixed the focus issues yet. Other than that, this camera is a dream to shoot with. Also, the video capabilities of this camera are really reallly reallly good!
Im the odd ball here though. I only mention the AF because thats important to most people, but not for me. I love MF :)
Great video 🤙🏽 can’t wait for the flash video!!!
Its coming soon! Thank you
I own a Leica q2 and it’s my favorite camera. I have been shooting on a Canon R5 since it’s release and for the last month I have been trying to justify switching to an SL2-s. It uses the same battery as my Q2 so at least there’s that… I shoot landscape, architecture, and Astro. Although I can find anything on the SL2-s for astro use, the rave reviews about lowlight have me convinced it would have to be as good as the R5. Lenses in general are something I’d feel fine about making the switch. What has me the most worried is the autofocus. I don’t shoot people very often but when I do it’s so easy being able to pop into autofocus and never worry about it. I have so many RF lenses that I could sell everything and pick up any extra lenses I might need for the L mount. I’m just so worried about the autofocus and there’s not many videos about the technical aspects of these cameras. I may just wait until I can afford both systems.
I had the R5, and the R3. Its nowhere near as snappy in AF but for photos I think it's great. Its the video side that is lacking. I had a Leica Q for awhile too. Fantastic cameras!
@@jeremygouge Thanks for the reply. That is actually great to hear for me. I don’t shoot video at all really. I’ve been searching to find how it compares to the Q2 because honestly I am okay with its AF. Thanks again!
@@jiggyb21 happy to help! Thanks for watching
Nice choice 👍🏼
I have the SL2-S and the Canon R5
Love using the Leica the colors are fantastic
I'm glad I'm not the only one haha. I appreciate that!
I’m thinking of the same setup. R5+sl2.
Nice 8)
I have the same Voightlander but found myself not to be good in manual focus. So I added the Lumix 20-60. Not a standard zoom range, but because it is so light, it is easier to carry around than the 24-90 :S . Oh and it is cheap :)
I had that lens on my s5 and loved it. I use the Lumix 24-105 now. It's great too
Jeremy… I’m a shooter than has been with both Leica and canon for more than a decade. I have and R3 and I love using my Leica SL2-s more than anything else. So you’re not crazy 😊
In fact I’ve sold off most of my canon gear that I didn’t need… and using the SL2s almost exclusively now. It’s very well made and feels like a premium camera within seconds of picking it up. It’s built to last.
I think the new SL3 (eventually) will have the new phase detect AF and a tilting screen. At that point it will be incredible and my SL2s will be my back up body instead of my canon.
Regarding AF, for normal photography it’s not an issue at all… only if you’re tracking or doing pro sports… I’m used to shooting manually and selecting my AF points for the past 20 years so no issues there.
I compared the R3 and SL2s files and I’m loving the Leica more. L mount glass is also incredible!!!! And if budget is a concern, the Sigma ART line are fantastic for the price.
I am glad it's not just me lol. Using the SL2s puts me in a completely different head space to shoot for some reason
Just picked up one of these bad boy's, paired it with a Lumix 50mm prime lens and it's been fucking fantastic!
I'd love to see those images. How can I follow you?
I want one !! I’ve always thought about getting one, but haven’t had to find yet to get one, but we’ll get one soon. I hope they use the auto focus from the New Panasonic. In the new one
I agree. I hope to see a few new features on the SL3 or whatever they name it ;)
Sorry about the "Missing image in the middle" I missed that upon export..
Jeremy - Leica just released a new battery for the Q3. It is called the BP-SCL6. It is higher capacity and is backwards compatible with the SL, SL2, SL2-S, Q2, etc. It retails for $170.00, but they're somewhat hard to find right now. Still, $170.00 is better than $285.00, right?
Absolutely and I will be looking for one! Thank you so much
Using the brand for over 25 years but the sl2s is my least used body. So much potential but the AF is shocking especially when things start to move .Whoever decided that contrast detect was good enough needs sacking. I have three batteries so I`m ok but should I have to need three batteries ? Good review.
Thank you! I agree with you but they released the SL2 and SL2s before finalizing the newer AF sadly but I still love mine ;)
@@jeremygouge I must do too. Was trading it in today but backed out :). All the best for the new year.
@@absonus you as well and I'm glad we are still in it together lol
So how bad is the battery life for photography? Doesn't last a coupla hours?
It was pretty great honestly. I only ever owned 2
I agree with your assessment. I have one
Hey Eric! I appreciate that and hope you love yours as much as I do mine!
@@jeremygouge I was tempted to sell because it’s a lot of money for poor AF and it’s size … but I’m kind of attached to it
@@ericrjennings I can relate to that on a deep level lol
I got to try it out for a couple of hours and the lack of an articulable screen was painful. The viewfinder and screen were gorgeous, and the camera felt very premium, but b/c of the immovable screen, autofocus and battery life it just didn’t seem practical.
I get that but I'm a viewfinder shooter only so that hasn't been a problem for me personally. Like I mentioned in another comment. The AF is very useable in photo though
The next iteration of the Sl2s will have the autofocus that new Panasonic Lumix s5iix is using and if they update the battery that camera will tear down the walls… ❤
I can't agree more. I think it could be the best camera Leica has ever produced!
ok, interesting, and I do understand your point of view… I love to use Leica M cameras - film and sensor- as well as the SL cameras, but… why do people use third party lenses on these cameras. Did so and … am rather saving some money or use two lenses instead of …?? … just for the different results. Otherwise I could have kept my Fuji or Nikon cameras … 🤷🏼♂️
I had the glass before getting the SL2s and love them so haven't had the need to move to Leica glass yet :)
Inspiring one to want to pick up a camera matters. This is why I never shoot with my Fuji X cameras. They just feel shitty in my hands. I also love heavy ass cameras. My main workhorse is the Mamiya RB. I also enjoy shooting with the Nikon F5, which is not light, but I love the weight. Great review.
First off, thank you for being here and the comment! I shoot Fuji as well alongside my SL2s and if you like dense camera bodies, you would love the in hand feel of this body. It's only second to the Hasselblad X1dii and that's saying something!
I get that this camera is extremely well build, feels nice and looks great. But I’m interested even more about the image quality.
Is it any better than Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony etc ?
Any “Leica look” that helps justify its price a bit ?
Hey- its subjective like any other camera but I absolutely love the image quality. I think it's much better in low light as well
I just picked up a used SL2s, I love love it however can feel it moving inside, is that normal?? It feels mechanical rather than that something might be loose.
No I don't think that's normal. I'm sorry. I would let leica take a look at it.
It’s the IBIS. It’s normal.
Nice objective review. It is too bad that a third party battery manufacturer can’t duplicate the SL2s battery at a fraction of the price.
Yes!! That would be a huge improvement to the system overall in my opinion
Update: the Q3 battery is compatible, cheaper and more power!
I Leica this video
24mp is outdated for photography it would be good for video
I will agree to disagree lol. 24mp is plenty for most work I believe. I've owned the R5 as well and GFX. I like my Leica files more still, but to each their own!
I shot wedding photography and i do not need 42mp
That is a very strange and inaccurate comment. 24mp is more than enough for just about anything. There is a reason why the canon R3 is 24mp.
If you do something that needs more there is 47mp in the standard SL2.
😂😂😂funny!
missing footage at 2:52
Yes, I commented above apologizing for that. Final cut got me lol
@@jeremygouge I’ve missed em a few times. Keep it up. Happy to follow.
@@jkdrake1 I truly appreciate that and the follow!
Those Sony grips are trash. Some people say the new grips are better seems like they tilted the grip a little out but they did not move the grip out more if that makes sense.
Only way around those crapped Sony grips is to get a one of those cloth grips the ones you slip your hand into but you don't slip your hand into it you just grab it. This will make the outside of the grip bigger so your figures don't go inside too much.
Sadly that's too much work to make Sony work out lol. I didn't know about those though. Appreciate the info
I’m close to selling my r5 for a used sl2. Feel the same way. It doesn’t inspire me to shoot. Looking towards Leica
I hope to pick up an SL3 somehow now :)
down the rabbit hole @@jeremygouge
@@angellondian7628 it's the only place to be lol
@@jeremygouge👍🏼
Get down to brass tacks, define “usable “
I think useable is subjective to each user but to me, with a little time in the hand learning how this camera does or doesn't respond makes how you use it different. It's wonderful as a whole, but do I wish the battery life was better, sure. Better autofocus , please BUT that doesn't mean this camera isn't extremely capable :)