Why I bought a Leica SL2 vs SL2s. Recommended?

Why did I buy the Leica SL2 and not the Leica SL2s?  On paper the Leica SL2 camera makes almost no sense when compared to the Leica SL2s but I couldn’t unsee those colours when developing my Leica SL2 presets. Coming up I share my reasons for buying the Leica SL2 vs SL2S and some of the benefits you might have overlooked.

• My Leica SL
• Leica SL vs SL2 vs SL2s
• Leica SL3 vs SL3s
• Developing SL2 presets
• My best yet – Leica SL2-s presets
• Presets for all Leica SL cameras

Leica SL2-S is more popular

I don’t have the data from Leica but I’d bet the Leica SL2-S outsells the SL2 by perhaps 3:1. Why? Let’s make a list of reasons you might prefer the Leica SL2s.

Reasons to buy the Leica SL2S 

• Almost identical to the SL2
• 20% cheaper for a similar camera
• Improved autofocus speed
• Better low light performance 
• Additional video options 

All in all, a complete no brainer to buy the Leica SL2s over the SL2, right?

My excuses to get the SL2

• Similar used price to Leica SL2S
• White Leica logo looks good
• White font on hotshoe matches M10-P
• 47MP captures more details
• More pixels are nice for prints
• 47MP are great to scan film
• Extra pixels are great for cropping
• APS-C photos still give ~20MP files
• APS-C video gives more reach 
• 5K video options if like video 
• Many similar video tools/ options
• Great Leica SL 601-like colours
• Low light images to ISO 3200
• Acceptable autofocus speed

First impressions, Leica SL2 vs SL

The Leica SL2 feels familiar like an old friend (the Leica SL) yet slightly improved in most areas. I like the SL2 white Leica font and the all black buttons on the top plate. Here is a list of SL2 benefits I like over the Leica SL –

What I like about the SL2 include 

• Leica SL2 feels like a refined SL
• Much improved extra grippy grip
• Better ergonomics with grip indent 
• Smoother form factor to SL
• Stylish black buttons on top plate
• White Leica SL2 font on hotshoe 
• Extra custom button on front 
• Now with USB-C charging (Love!)
• Better viewfinder (5.76M vs 4.4M)
• Larger 3.2” rear LCD vs 3” on SL
• Same modern menu as Leica CL
• Same 3 button rear layout as CL
• Now with 5 stop IBIS (Image stabilisation)
• 2x SD card slots (not CF Express B)
• Non-Sony sensor (Made by TowerJazz)
• Improved weather sealing (IP54 vs IP52)

Who makes Leica SL cameras sensors?

We all like to think that Leica photos are special thanks to the Leica sensor. Does Leica actually make sensors for Leica SL series cameras? The answer is no. Leica manufacture optics not sensors. Leica buy in sensors to use in their cameras. From my reading, below are who makes the various Leica SL camera sensors –

• 24MP Leica SL sensor: Designed by TowerJazz, made by STMicroelectronics
• 47MP Leica SL2 sensor: TowerJazz for Panasonic (Same as Lumix S1R)
• 24MP Leica SL2-S sensor*: Sony variant (Same as Lumix S5, Sony A7 III, Nikon Z6II)
• 60MP Leica SL3 sensor: Sony sensor (found in Sony A7R V, Leica M11 and Q3)

*There seems to be confusion online whether the SL2-S sensor is a Sony variant or another TowerJazz/ STMicroelectronics sensor. The SL2-S has a BSI sensor which is different (as found in SL3-S too). When I shot the SL vs SL2 vs SL2-S for that review the SL2-S colours are noticeably different to earlier models. Images remind me of the M11 Sony sensor colours. The Leica SL and SL2 colours are much closer to each other and I like the SL colours. *I will do full testing an a follow up review for YouTube.

Shopping list for Leica SL2

Once my Leica SL2 arrived I needed to head over to Amazon and eBay to get myself setup properly. Here was my shopping list –

• Camera bag (GOT) Wotancraft Pilot 3.5L (or 7L for multiple lenses)
• Nice camera strap (GOT) Wotancraft wrist strap + neck strap
• High capacity SD cards x2
• 5TB external HardDrives (SSD for travel, HD for home)
• 140W USB-C charger (to charge Leica SL2, MacBook, LED etc)
• Matte screen protector 3.2″ (No more nasty finger prints)
• 10 stop variable ND filter for video (GOT)
• Mist filters for more cinematic video/ photos (GOT)
• Vintage lenses for more cinematic video footage (GOT)

Why I skipped the Leica SL2s

In my head the Leica SL2s is too similar to my existing Leica SL. I didn’t want to spend money on another 24MP SL series camera. The Leica SL series cameras all do a similar job and complement the Leica M cameras. Yes the Leica SL2s offers better video vs my Leica SL 601 but I have the Lumix S5 for video.

Leica SL2s vs Lumix S5

If you are looking for a 24MP mirrorless camera that offers great video you might want to skip the Leica SL2s and get a Lumix S5. The same is true if we compare the SL2s verses Lumix S5 II. Here is the new S1RII next to the Leica SL2-S (during one of my Leica workshops) –

Reasons to buy a Lumix include

• Lumix are cheaper than Leica
• Lumix + Leica lens = Leica Look
• SL2s video looks like S5 video
• Lumix have full articulating screen
• Lumix cameras feel MUCH lighter vs Leica

If I wanted to buy a dedicated video camera I’d get a Lumix. I own the Lumix S5 and use it to record some of my YouTube videos. The flippy screen is a big plus over Leica options.

Leica SL2 colours

When I developed my Leica SL2 presets for Lightroom I was blown away by the colours I achieved. The colours and image quality are what sold the Leica SL2 to me.  I knew I’d upgrade my Leica SL one day but revisiting the SL2 files to make my presets forced my weak finger to hit the buy button much sooner!

When paired with a fast prime lens 47MP gave a perfect balance between sharp in focus details and soft creamy out of focus areas. It reminded me of medium format sensors and 120 film negatives. The look will depend on the lens you use but the Sigma Art 85mm f1.4 is a fantastic performer in that regard.

Budapest with Leica SL2 colours

If you saw the latest Leica SL2 YouTube video (linked at the end) you might recognise these images from Budapest. All photos were shot with the Leica SL2 as RAW DNG then Leica SL2 preset pack applied in Lightroom.

First Leica SL2 workshop

One reason for latest trip to Budapest was to teach a photographer from Vienna. This would be my first Leica SL2 workshop where that was my main camera for the day (and it was mine this time not my students). Here you can see a few action shots from the Leica workshop I ran in Budapest. (Get in touch if you’d like to request a workshop).

Leica SL2 portraits 

As a model photographer I’ll be using the Leica SL2 predominantly for portraits. Here are some sample photos to show what I’ve been able to achieve so far. These Leica SL2 portraits were shot during recent photoshoots and workshops in London or Budapest.

Leica SL2 travel photography 

For me, the Leica SL2 is not my ideal travel camera. It’s lovely but it’s too big.  I will continue to take smaller more discrete Leica M cameras like my converted Leica M10-P if I’m not shooting with models. (The Leica CL is still the best digital Leica camera for travel).

Overseas photo trips 

If you’re a regular reader you’ll know that many of my overseas trips are to find models. When I get free time I do tourist style travel photos. 47MP will be great for landscape images, especially if I want to crop post in later.

Leica SL2 street photography 

The Leica SL2 is certainly not ideal for street photography. It’s far too big especially if paired with native Leica SL lenses. With that said, when I shoot film sometimes I enjoy using a telephoto lens to get that nice compression such as 180mm on my Nikon FE2 or FM3a.  The SL2 will pair well with big lenses.

For street photographers that shoot a wide scene to then crop in heavily when they get home the 47MP will be useful to have.

Better ergonomics

I prefer using big lenses on the SL2 over Leica M cameras for the better ergonomics. The Leica SL2 grip and heft balances much better with bigger lenses.  I highly recommend Leica R lenses including some of the Leica R zooms if you’ve never tried them. 

Leica SL2 vs Leica M

How would I rate the Leica SL2 vs Leica M cameras? As someone that owns both systems I have no bias towards one system or the other.  Both systems offers benefits so let’s cover those –

Benefits of Leica SL2 vs M

• More robust design
• No rangefinder to recalibrate
• Fantastic EVF for easy focusing 
• Better ergonomics (with grip)
• Twin SD card slots 
• Video functionality 
• Cheaper than Leica M cameras
• Same great Leica photos
• Ability to use SL glass + M glass

Leica M camera benefits

• Leica M cameras are iconic
• Leica M give real RF experience
• M cameras hold their value better
• M cameras don’t cover your face 
• Leica M are king for street photos
• M bodies are smaller for travel
• Digital M closer to film experience 

YouTube: Leica SL vs Leica M

I made a video in the past covering the pros and cons of my Leica SL vs Leica M. Most of the points are still true even for later camera models.

Leica SL2 video

As we know Leica users don’t like video so it was removed from the Leica M10 and M11 series cameras. Thankfully we can shoot great video with the Leica SL2. That brings me on to the biggest surprise since getting the Leica SL2. 

The SL2 changed my workflow 

In the past I took photos with my Leica cameras and captured some B-roll video with my iPhone.  For my latest Budapest trip the Leica SL2 inspired me to shoot video.  I shot more video than stills for my exploring Budapest walks which was a big surprise.  To add to that I was inspired to shoot video clips with the models too, both horizontal and vertical. I definitely didn’t see that coming. 

It’s so nice to be able to shoot full quality photos and video all with one camera. It’s like a YouTubers dream. We might need to revisit this topic in 3 months to see if it was the novelty factor but so far I’m enjoying the SL2 video as much as the photos. 

My basic Leica SL2 video settings

I’m a complete novice when it comes to video. Despite publishing 500+ YouTube videos I’ve never colour graded footage or captured RAW video. I’ll likely get there eventually to give me better quality footage from the SL2 but for now my settings are basic.  The goal was maximum basic video footage that needs minimal editing so these are my settings –

• 4K MP4 format
• Natural colour profile
• -2 contrast, -2 highlights, -2 shadows
• -2 sharpness, -2 saturation

The idea is to capture flatter looking footage for minimal highlight and shadow detail loss. (Note* these settings are likely to change as I learn more about video so I will update them in due course).

Lenses and filters for video 

My approach was to use classic Leica M mount lenses known for their character and vintage rendering. I’m looking for lower contrast and warm flare with a fast aperture to give dreamy looking footage.

Main two lenses for Budapest –

• Light Lens Lab 1966 50mm f1.2
• Leica Summicron 35mm f2 v3

These lenses were for photos but I tried video too – 

• Voigtlander Nokton 75mm f1.5
• Voigtlander Skopar 21mm f4

To retain 1/60 shutter speed for video I added a 10 stop variable ND filter.

For more halation around highlights and reduced contrast I stacked two mist filters. K&F Concept white diffusion and shimmer. To fit these to all lenses I used step ring adapters. 

Leica SL2 vs SL checklist

When taking photos using the Leica SL2 it’s almost identical to using the SL. This made the transition very easy.  As I was trying to capture video and photos I was learning on the job. Here are some pointers and observations for new users.

My basic Leica SL2 settings

I use all cameras in full manual mode with black and white preview for photos. With the Leica SL2 I had a few more things I needed to consider.

• Remember to select M lens profile (for IBIS)
• Use APS-C crop mode in video to get closer
• Turn on all power saving options (as normal)
• Use PAS mode (not PASM) if using flash
• Carry USB-C charger / power bank / spare battery

General observations using SL2

As a long term Leica SL 601 user I noticed the following when switching to the Leica SL2 –

• If EVF blacks out with non-SL lens wiggle lens
• When attach a flash PASM stops working (use PAS)
• Extremely comfortable grippy grip
• Charging the camera via USB-C at every free moment 

Leica SL2 video observations

Now I have the option to shoot video with my Leica here were my observations after the first 3 days of continued use in Budapest –

• SL2 is bulky vs M for street but gives video option
• Don’t need f1.2 lens for cinematic video
• Variable ND filter is a must have for video
• Carry a set of step rings so ND fits all lenses
• LightLensLab M-L adapter is great to get closer 
• 24-70mm zoom lens could be useful for video
• Use mist filters for more cinematic look
• Slow start up + when jump between photo/ video
• Photo RAW DR better than video DR
• Lenses with focus tabs better choice for video
• ISO 50 helps for daytime video (1 stop darker)
• 2hr stop start video as tourist needs 1 battery
• Use bigger SD cards (Filled 5x 64GB cards in 2.5 days)
• Leica SL3 tilt screen would be useful for low angles
• Great IBIS for easy handheld video footage
• Vertical orientation video can be great fun for reels
• I must dust off my Lumix S5 and compare to SL2

Did I notice the SL vs SL2 upgrade?

If you see the Leica SL next to the SL2 they look almost the same. After a week of using the Leica SL2 give I notice any benefits from upgrading?

Yes I really noticed –

• Nice to have a viewfinder eyecup again!
• Grippy grip feels secure even with 2 fingers
• USB-C charging is gamechanger
• Loved having video + photos in one camera
• 47MP fills SD cards MUCH faster
• Enjoyed 47MP to crop in for video (APS-C)
• IBIS is fantastic for video especially
• Extra button on front for video is useful
• SL2 seems slower vs SL (between settings)

No I didn’t notice –

• Bigger rear screen (3.2” vs 3”)
• Weight gain 
• Improved viewfinder (5.76M vs 4.4M)

Buying the Leica SL2 vs SL2s

Selling the SL2, buying the SL2-S

How fast things change.. after perhaps a month I decided the SL2 was more than I needed so I swapped it for the SL2-S.

Six month review of the SL2-S vs SL

Did I really need the SL2-S? Here I recap the last six months and whether the original Leica SL was all that I needed.

Tempted by the Leica SL3?

Check out my Leica SL3 vs SL3s article for the benefits of the Leica SL3 vs SL2. The main advantages are probably the improved autofocus, improved high ISO and the articulating screen (If you need those). I don’t need these features so I’m happy with older models.

Looking back – 2021 Leica SL2 first impressions

REVIEWS. WORKSHOP. PRESETS. PATREON. ZOOM