Camera test 39
Photography News Issue 27 absolutephoto.com
Noiseperformance The base exposure for this twilight shot was 10secs at f/8 at ISO 100 and the Raw files were processed in Lightroom CC with default NR. The Leica SL delivered a very good noise performance and is useable critically even at ISO 1600. Noise was evident here, but looked very filmic and didn’t impact greatly on detail. Some NR in software would remove it easily. Noise levels were acceptable at ISO 3200 and images could be used for critical purposes. The same can’t be said for ISO 6400 unless you want a strong grain effect. From ISO 12,800 onwards noise levels were very high and these settings are best avoided unless the light’s desperate.
Full-frame image
ISO 100
ISO 400
ISO 800
ISO 12,500
ISO 25,000
ISO 50,000
ISO 3200
ISO 6400
The weight of the camera and lens outfit is a benefit in this situation
Verdict The Leica SL system is an exciting development although it is true that its appeal is limited simply because you need £5050 for the body and another £3150 for the 24-90mm f/2.8-4 lens. Look beyond the price, however, and the design, build quality and image quality make the SL an interesting proposition, perhaps to the many M users around. Left The 24-90mm f/2.8-4 is a weighty lens but balances well on the SL body, which is itself a sizeable camera for a mirrorless model. However, image quality is excellent and scenes ooze crisp, fine detail. ISO performance is more than capable too. Features Plenty to enjoy but not dripping with features Performance Very good picture quality, especially at high ISOs. Good AF and exposure Handling Weight is a detraction but handles well enough, menu could be better Value formoney Cheap, the Leica SL system isn’t Overall A new system is always welcome and the SL is very good, but it’s also very expensive Pros Build quality, lens quality, high ISO noise performance Cons Size of the camera and lens, price 23/25 24/25 21/25 18/25 86/100 How it rates
Lens performance: Vario-Elmarit-SL 24- 90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH Image quality from the zoom is very high as you can see from the test images here. It is very useable at maximum aperture and the only reason to stop down is to control depth-of-field. It’s only really at the smallest apertures where the performance drops off, with 24mm at f/22 being noticeably poor. Generally, though, a very creditable performer optically and the camera’s image stabilisation is capable, too. Shooting even at 1/8sec gives you pin-sharp pictures if you’re careful. The weight of the camera and lens outfit is a benefit in this situation.
F/2.8
F/8
F/16
F/22
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