Leica Super Vario Elmar SL 16 35mm F 3 5 4 5 ASPH Review | 54 Data compared

The Leica Q2 is a full-frame compact camera equipped with a 47.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and a fixed Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH lens, which was tested as a primary editorial tool for photo and video coverage at CES in Las Vegas. Its compact and robust design significantly reduces backpack weight and volume compared to traditional mirrorless zoom setups, weighing just 734 grams with the battery and memory card included. The camera excels in challenging lighting conditions due to its bright f/1.7 maximum aperture, excellent high-ISO performance up to 12,800, and effective optical image stabilization. Furthermore, the high sensor resolution allows for aggressive digital cropping (equivalent to 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm focal lengths) while still maintaining clear image quality that outshines computational smartphone photos.

The Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH is an exceptionally well-built, professional wide-angle zoom lens designed for the Leica SL mirrorless system. Constructed with an all-metal, weather-sealed body, it features a non-extending lens barrel and a standard 82mm filter thread, making it highly practical for outdoor landscape photographers who rely on 100mm square filter systems. Optical performance is a major strength, delivering outstanding sharpness across the frame from corner to corner at all focal lengths, even when shot wide open. Furthermore, the lens demonstrates flawless control over distortion, chromatic aberration, and flare, while maintaining excellent macro-level and micro-contrast. Autofocus is precise and nearly silent, and the "focus-by-wire" manual focusing ring is well-damped. Despite its stellar optical traits, the lens does come with notable drawbacks. Weighing 990 grams, it is significantly heavier and larger than comparable ultra-wide zooms from brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony. It features a variable aperture of f/3.5-4.5 rather than a constant fast aperture, and it relies on digital software profiles to correct vignetting and distortion rather than relying entirely on a pure optical design. Additionally, the lens...

This review evaluates the professional video capabilities of the Leica SL2-S mirrorless camera during a real-world production on Lake Maggiore. On the positive side, the camera delivers exceptional internal video quality using 4K 25p All-I 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, eliminating the need for bulky external recorders. Its all-metal build features efficient heat dissipation that prevents overheating during continuous shooting, backed by a robust IP54 weather-sealed certification. Filmmakers will also benefit from helpful production tools like a bright 3.2-inch display, a high-resolution 5.76-million-dot OLED viewfinder, a highly visible red Rec Frame, a tally light, and a standard Type-A HDMI port. Additionally, the USB-C port supports continuous power supply via external V-mount systems. However, the review highlights several limitations and workflow drawbacks. A primary constraint of utilizing SD cards over CFexpress is that 4K 50/60p video drops to a lower 4:2:0 chroma subsampling internally, requiring an external recorder to achieve 4:2:2 quality. In terms of performance limitations, the camera entirely lacks a 4K 120p slow-motion mode. Color grading reveals that Leica’s official L-Log LUTs overemphasize red tones, necessitating manual post-production adjustments. The user...

The overview from TVtech highlights top-tier full-frame mirrorless gear, focusing heavily on the Nikon Z 8 as a major standout. A significant pro of the Nikon Z 8 is its high-end performance inherited directly from the flagship Z 9—including a 45.7-megapixel resolution, an advanced autofocus system, and fast continuous shooting of up to 20 fps in RAW. It also offers a distinct ergonomic advantage by abandoning the integrated vertical grip, resulting in a much more compact and lightweight camera body. However, a notable con tied to this downsized body is a reduction in physical controls and battery life compared to its larger sibling. The coverage also examines the Leica Summicron-SL 35 F/2 ASPH and Summicron-SL 50 f/2 ASPH prime lenses, which are positioned as excellent options for hybrid photo and video shooters. The primary pro of these lenses is their balance of high-quality optics and compact design at a price point that is significantly more accessible than Leica's premium APO series counterparts. They serve as great solutions for solo videographers and smaller production teams utilizing L-mount mirrorless systems. On the...