I recently purchased a Canon 1DX3, and I love it.  I’ve used Canon since 2000.I’m interested in trying something new.  I’m looking at a Leica SL2S.  I like the design, but the specs just aren’t all that impressive.  Plus, the AF system is outright inferior.But I’m just trying to understand what exactly it offers that Canon does not.  I suspect the build quality is better, but does it justify that kind of price?Or am I just missing the point?  Is the value of a Leica in its uniqueness?

DocS wrote:I recently purchased a Canon 1DX3, and I love it. I’ve used Canon since 2000.I’m interested in trying something new. I’m looking at a Leica SL2S. I like the design, but the specs just aren’t all that impressive. Plus, the AF system is outright inferior.But I’m just trying to understand what exactly it offers that Canon does not. I suspect the build quality is better, but does it justify that kind of price?Or am I just missing the point? Is the value of a Leica in its uniqueness?I am not sure how to answer your question, but I will try.First of all, you would be able to adapt your EF lenses, and use AF, with e.g. the sigma MC-21.Second, the Leica SL2-S would offer you ibis, and maybe some other benefits also, not sure. If you are not in a rush, I would imagine Leica would release a PDAF body next, which would certainly make it much closer to recent cameras from other competitors.Third, I think part of the attraction is the uniqueness yes,  mostly in the sense that cameras used to be high quality machined products. The electronics is making even Leica's much less durable than historically, but still, picking up an M9 feels like a great camera. A bit like Nikon DF.Fourth, for me, the attraction of Leica is primarily the Monochrome bodies, not yet available in L-mount.Finally, I would say with mirrorless generally, and Leica especially, the attraction is the native lenses, but imo, Leica does not seem to develop much lenses on their own anymore, so this attraction is somewhat diminished vs the M-mount for example.

SafariBob wrote:Finally, I would say with mirrorless generally, and Leica especially, the attraction is the native lenses, but imo, Leica does not seem to develop much lenses on their own anymore, so this attraction is somewhat diminished vs the M-mount for example.SafariBob, Leica are designing and making their own lenses, and design for others. And veen the cameras/lenses they don't make themselves, they design and specify (and often run quality control).Long story. There was this video yesterday about the new $2,000 Leica SL lenses vs Panasonic vs Leica $5,000 APO editions. Give s very good idea how it's made, and by whom, and what it means in terms of image quality. It say's it's about the new 35 and 50mm, but it's about the SL system and overall lens design:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS4BnCA2TYMTo you,DocSOn SL2-S ... I think the simplicity and the feel of simple philosophy would be what should attract. I think going to a store and holding a Leica, or borrow it for a day or two, would make you able to decide if it is for you or not. The above mentioned video also talks about how the lenses from Panasonic vs Leica feels.

Thorsten Overgaard wrote:SafariBob wrote:Finally, I would say with mirrorless generally, and Leica especially, the attraction is the native lenses, but imo, Leica does not seem to develop much lenses on their own anymore, so this attraction is somewhat diminished vs the M-mount for example.SafariBob, Leica are designing and making their own lenses, and design for others. And veen the cameras/lenses they don't make themselves, they design and specify (and often run quality control).Long story. There was this video yesterday about the new $2,000 Leica SL lenses vs Panasonic vs Leica $5,000 APO editions. Give s very good idea how it's made, and by whom, and what it means in terms of image quality. It say's it's about the new 35 and 50mm, but it's about the SL system and overall lens design:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS4BnCA2TYMTo you,DocSOn SL2-S ... I think the simplicity and the feel of simple philosophy would be what should attract. I think going to a store and holding a Leica, or borrow it for a day or two, would make you able to decide if it is for you or not. The above mentioned video also talks about how the lenses from Panasonic vs Leica feels.I am not sure, we are looking at the same facts here, on the Wikipedia page, there are listed 4 zooms (at least the 100-400 is missing) out of which Leica has made three, the 24-90 and 90-270 and the wide angle. The 24-90 and 90-270 were amazing in their day, but I don’t think would be so competitive right now as to justify the system as a whole.there is one lens faster than f2, the 50 1.4. The fact that there is no 35 1.4, quite possibly the lens leica is most famous for, is surprising. And no other summiluxes for that matter. No noctilux.another thing I find odd with SL is that, when it was launched it was suggested that it worked well with m-lenses, but from what I can tell, it does not have the optical stack etc, that makes m-lenses work well with digital m’s.I am sure you know much more about the Leica product line up than me, but for me, I would have like a little more commitment from the manufacturer before I invested. For me it’s quite simple, monochrom-m

Rent a body and a couple of lenses, spend the next 2/3 weeks understanding Leica.. After that you will be equipped to make a decision.. L

SafariBob wroteFirst of all, you would be able to adapt your EF lenses, and use AF, with e.g. the sigma MC-21.That's partially true, it will only focus in afs and its going to have terrible autofocus.

Before you get hung up on technical specs and "missing" lenses etc., you should take a look on LFI at the images shot with the SL2/SL2-S and then decide whether that's a "look" you like or you-refer something else.The other big plus Leica's have is the simplicity of operation: the UI brings everything down to "Profiles" that you set when you first get the camera and can tweak later at your leisure.This a significant improvement over the 20 page breakfast menu at your local diner style of UI companies like Fuji and Sony offer you. You spend more time filling and faffing about with menu choices than you do getting the shot you want. Leica is different.So do two things:1) Look at the SL2/SL2-S images on LFI (and that other forum) to see if you like them2) Go to your local Leica dealer and borrow one for a few days to see if you like the way it handles.

I think it depends what you want to use it for.I used to use Canon but more recently Leica M, SL and Sony A7.I use an SL2 for commercial architectural photography (as well as for a bit of fun). I previously used Sony A7's. I choose the SL2 because I wanted ONE system (I have some M stuff), and because I wanted the photos to have a unique, 3D look and beautiful colours that I know Leica's produce. I also really like using Leica Cameras. I have taken some great images with it, its a brilliant landscape camera.I love using the SL2. I can see what I'm shooting clearly, the lenses are brilliant and the colours are great, stabilisation is good, the controls are sensible and get out of the way. But if I'm honest the Sony A7's have better technology and are more versatile. I can use a Sony A7 for event photography as well as on a tripod. I hate the controls on the Sony the menus are awful.... but they do have good sensors.The dynamic range of the SL2 is poor compared to other systems. The AF on the SL2 isn't very good and I assume Canon does a better job. The WB is all over the place on an SL2, although I think its better on the SL2s.I will probably switch back to Sony for commercial stuff. I will never part with my M stuff though....Depending on what you do look at a Q.Regards,Paul

For me the advantage of the sl2s is the color science. I’ve used canon and Fuji (both gfx and x) and no other system has such exceptional color science. The auto white balance is also pretty much spot on every time.I photograph kids so good AF is important to me. But I’ve developed the skills to compensate for weaker AF, and the incredible files that come out of the Leica are worth the tradeoff for me.I’ve only had the sl2s for a few weeks so don’t have many samples. Here are a couple. Hope the resolution works, uploading from iPad…

So many say Leica offer nothing other camera’s cannot! Clarity of colors and an isolation of subject is quite obvious. Regards. L

What sl2s offer to you, panasonic s5 II can offer better.Except the brand.I’m selling my sl2s after using s5 II.

Opera207 wrote:What sl2s offer to you, panasonic s5 II can offer better.Except the brand.I’m selling my sl2s after using s5 II.Maybe a good decision for you, not necessarily others.. L

I was annoyed by the magenta shift of sl2-s, under low light or warm led, I had to pull the magenta back each time. This problem will be more serious if shoot jpeg.I’ve tried two sl2s, all the same. I don’t know if other people have noticed the magenta shift.

LeicaEye wrote:Opera207 wrote:What sl2s offer to you, panasonic s5 II can offer better.Except the brand.I’m selling my sl2s after using s5 II.Maybe a good decision for you, not necessarily others.. LI was annoyed by the magenta shift of sl2-s, under low light or warm led, I had to pull the magenta back each time. This problem will be more serious if shoot jpeg.I’ve tried two sl2s, all the same. I don’t know if other people have noticed the magenta shift.

Buying a camera is foremost an emotional decision. I own the SL2S since 2 years and I am very fond of it. But it is more about the solid feel, owner pride and the scaled back user interface. It will not create better content than any other modern camera.An analogy that is playing out in our family at the moment is the purchase of an e-vehicle. Technically the Tesla Y is superior but due to the design and owner pride we are probably ending up buying the technically inferior BMW.I think it is time that we stop fooling ourselves with technical arguments and just buy the camera we lust for to enjoy the shooting and ownership (until something more desirable comes along - I am talking to you Hasselblad).Be honest to yourself, if you are longing for a Leica, try to afford one, but dressing the purchase in technical arguments makes for a very bad case.

AndersC wrote:Buying a camera is foremost an emotional decision. I own the SL2S since 2 years and I am very fond of it. But it is more about the solid feel, owner pride and the scaled back user interface. It will not create better content than any other modern camera.An analogy that is playing out in our family at the moment is the purchase of an e-vehicle. Technically the Tesla Y is superior but due to the design and owner pride we are probably ending up buying the technically inferior BMW.I think it is time that we stop fooling ourselves with technical arguments and just buy the camera we lust for to enjoy the shooting and ownership (until something more desirable comes along - I am talking to you Hasselblad).Be honest to yourself, if you are longing for a Leica, try to afford one, but dressing the purchase in technical arguments makes for a very bad case.Excellent post!  You are right: we more often often than not buy things for emotion reasons rather than rational, logical ones that actually make an measurable difference.That being said, there aresomethings we do actually want for logical reasons.  In the case of Leica, the autofocus system is probably what is keeping me from pulling the trigger.  And autofocus is one of those things that really do make a difference for most of us.Mostfeatures of a camera don’t make a difference to most of us.  But AF does.

DocS wrote:AndersC wrote:Buying a camera is foremost an emotional decision. I own the SL2S since 2 years and I am very fond of it. But it is more about the solid feel, owner pride and the scaled back user interface. It will not create better content than any other modern camera.An analogy that is playing out in our family at the moment is the purchase of an e-vehicle. Technically the Tesla Y is superior but due to the design and owner pride we are probably ending up buying the technically inferior BMW.I think it is time that we stop fooling ourselves with technical arguments and just buy the camera we lust for to enjoy the shooting and ownership (until something more desirable comes along - I am talking to you Hasselblad).Be honest to yourself, if you are longing for a Leica, try to afford one, but dressing the purchase in technical arguments makes for a very bad case.Excellent post! You are right: we more often often than not buy things for emotion reasons rather than rational, logical ones that actually make an measurable difference.That being said, there aresomethings we do actually want for logical reasons. In the case of Leica, the autofocus system is probably what is keeping me from pulling the trigger. And autofocus is one of those things that really do make a difference for most of us.Mostfeatures of a camera don’t make a difference to most of us. But AF does.Good comments, both, and would add

SafariBob wrote:DocS wrote:AndersC wrote:Buying a camera is foremost an emotional decision. I own the SL2S since 2 years and I am very fond of it. But it is more about the solid feel, owner pride and the scaled back user interface. It will not create better content than any other modern camera.An analogy that is playing out in our family at the moment is the purchase of an e-vehicle. Technically the Tesla Y is superior but due to the design and owner pride we are probably ending up buying the technically inferior BMW.I think it is time that we stop fooling ourselves with technical arguments and just buy the camera we lust for to enjoy the shooting and ownership (until something more desirable comes along - I am talking to you Hasselblad).Be honest to yourself, if you are longing for a Leica, try to afford one, but dressing the purchase in technical arguments makes for a very bad case.Excellent post! You are right: we more often often than not buy things for emotion reasons rather than rational, logical ones that actually make an measurable difference.That being said, there aresomethings we do actually want for logical reasons. In the case of Leica, the autofocus system is probably what is keeping me from pulling the trigger. And autofocus is one of those things that really do make a difference for most of us.Mostfeatures of a camera don’t make a difference to most of us. But AF does.Good comments, both, and would addCouldn’t agree more.That grotesque front-end is what stopped me from buying an M4.And that pretty-much leaves me unable to purchase a performance car, because I refuse to buy one that doesn’t have a manual transmission.

Thanks for your reply. Agree intelligent AF is much more important than a few extra megapixels. Yes the design development of BMW is definitely off, sad times

You can buy Canon vs Leica SL2-S....npsame as with:VW vs AudiAudi vs PorscheHouse with siding or bricked houseBose speakers vs Tannoyetc etcyour choice..why do you ask here?....on a Leica forum