Leica SL2 Reviews
Elegant and inspiring
By Matthew
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-08-09
A nearly perfect tool for the art focused photographer. It's never in the way and the files are rich.
Impressive !
By Robert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-02
There is an old expression that Everything look's better in your mind's eye than it will in your hand. That is definitely not true with this camera. Beautifully designed and built and a joy to use. Expensive but there are no disappointment's. It did not come with a real owners manual (there is a download), but if you call Leica they will mail you one. Outstanding quality , images, and color.
A++++
By Hector
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-07-06
Amazing..
Early Comments
By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-06-30
Compared to my Canon 5D4. Makes really good pictures. I am still finding the operating system less well thought out when compared to Canon.
My only real complaint is that in very bright sun I find the electronic viewfinder is not okay. I have to use one hand next to my eye to block out the sun and the rear panel LCD display is completely blocked by bright sun. In the film camera days, I purchased a rubber eye cup adapter that did great at blocking the sun, such an accessory would be welcome.
I find that holding the joystick down to lock focus like a back button focus function is not as convenient as the Canon system.
Complaints aside, it makes really good pictures and that was the point of purchasing the Leica.
Leica's Next Level Art Camera Will Inspire You!
By DANIEL S
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-13
My Leica SL2 with Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH lens combo is amongst the best camera systems I have ever had the privilege of photographing with. The SL2 and lens are not the lightest or smallest on the block, nor does the SL2 have the fastest autofocus or high-ISO capability. But like everything else in photography, there are always tradeoffs. What this camera does offer is image quality that is absolutely astonishing. The legendary Leica 3D pop and DOF separation (and wide-open lens sharpness) are breathtaking. The color science and micro contrast are simply exceptional. The tank-like weather sealing is robust. The menu systems are wonderfully organized, and the minimalist configuration of the camera makes shooting completely intuitive. I want my camera to get out of the way of my creativity, not hinder it.
When it comes to size and heft, everything is relative. Compared to my D850 with 24-70 VR lens, this set-up is roughly comparable, and I feel like the weight and proportions are perfectly counter-balanced for steady handholding. Throw in a fast prime lens combined with the camera's 5-axis in-body sensor-shift image stabilization that delivers approximately 5.5 stops of stabilization, and you have an extremely powerful low-light tool at your disposal. Yes, Leica is expensive, but no more so than many of the flagship models coming from other manufacturers like Sony or Nikon. I find it amusing when I read comments from people who claim that Leica is only for rich doctors and lawyers or that they can buy three cameras for the price of one SL2. When it comes to cameras, it's more important to focus on the value, not the cost. I was able to purchase because I saved up and sold off some of my unused equipment. Leica is a higher-price-point luxury brand just like you'd find in any other retail consumer category. But that doesn't diminish its worth or capability.
Some of the most iconic images throughout history have been taken with Leicas, and the hand-crafted philosophy Leica employs on the production line can only be admired. Like any other camera system, Leica is a creative tool and paintbrush. Each of us need to use what works best for our photographic goals. My SL2 with prime lens is my art camera, best used for slower, more thoughtful compositions. When I need blazing speed or focal length flexibility, I break out my very capable D850 with zoom.
Owning a Leica will never improve my photography or storytelling, that's always been in my hands. But owning a Leica will inspire you and reward you with some of the best-looking raw files your eyes have ever seen. I'm only getting started.
Beautiful Product as expected
By James
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-07
Added to my M collection in Camera and lens, this SL camera open a new horizon for me in using not only all Leica Lens, but my Nikon collection as well.
Stunning Camera & great B&H service
By christophe
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-12
I have received my SL2 over the SL2 S after I was kindly assisted by B&H who put up a video demo online for me to compare .
The SL2 is an amazing camera with a very intuitive interface. I am coming from the Fuji world and Leica Qi's as well and the learning curve was not steep at all. Kudos Leica fur the ease of use.
The sensor is stunning and offers very good recovery possibilities from over and under exposures.
I coupled mine with a Panasonic LUMIX Pro 50mm f1.4 and the AF is really fast.
Face tracking is good and for my type of photography, eye tracking is doing overall pretty good .
My friends have been amazed by the portrait I shot and they also love to shot with this camera.
Battery life is one of the little complaint I have, and weight also compared to my beloved Fuji X-H1.
However I think the weight contributes to the shooting stability when low shutter speed is required .
Overall it is a game changer for me and my personal style of shooting, mainly still portraits
With the new firmware this camera is simply amazing!
By Tomas
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-28
No Recording Time Limitations and amazing new autofocus features = What a huge improvement.
Just like the SL2-S, the SL2 is no longer limited to 30 minutes of internal recording. With high capacity SDXC cards and the new high efficiency recording codec, you'll now be able to record hours worth of footage in either 4K or FHD without the need for an external recording device like an Atomos Ninja.