Leica

Leica SL2 Review

Reviews
8
Score
72/100
From
MSRP $5,995
Released
November 2019

We've aggregated 8 high-signal reviews and 0 live retailer prices below.

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Leica SL2
Available
Our take
Worth considering

Our editorial take on the Leica SL2

The Leica SL2 is a full-frame mirrorless flagship built for photographers who prioritize resolution, build quality, and handling over speed. Its 47-megapixel sensor delivers superb detail, and the robust magnesium and aluminum body is weather-sealed to handle tough conditions. The camera features five-axis IBIS, a stunning 5.76-million-dot EVF with 120 fps refresh, and dual SD UHS-II slots. Video shooters get 5K recording, 10-bit internal capture, and clean 4K 60p, though the 30-minute recording limit and lack of RAW video may disappoint pros looking for extended takes or maximum flexibility.

Reviewers consistently praise the SL2's superb build quality, excellent ergonomics, and impressive image quality from the high-resolution sensor. The EVF earns particular acclaim for its clarity and responsiveness. However, the contrast-detection autofocus system lags behind phase-detect competitors, especially for tracking fast-moving subjects. At 835 grams, the body is hefty, and battery life is modest at around 370 shots per charge. The $6,000 price tag positions it firmly in luxury territory, where the Leica name and premium feel justify the cost for those who value craftsmanship and brand heritage over cutting-edge autofocus performance.

Best for: Landscape and studio photographers who value high resolution, premium build quality, and Leica's design philosophy over fast autofocus.
What's great
  • Exceptional 47MP image quality with 14-bit color depth
  • Superb build quality with magnesium alloy body and comprehensive weather sealing
  • Outstanding 5.76m-dot OLED EVF with 120 fps refresh and minimal lag
  • Excellent ergonomics and handling praised by long-term users
  • Capable 5K video with 10-bit internal recording and L-Log support
Watch outs
  • Contrast-detection AF system slower than phase-detect competitors for tracking
  • Limited battery life at approximately 370 shots per charge
  • Heavy body at 835 grams may fatigue during extended handheld use
  • 30-minute video recording limit restricts long-form capture

Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.

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Video reviews

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Overview

About this product

47MP FF L-mount; IBIS; 5K video.

Specs

Body
Battery
BP-SCL4, 7.2V 1860 mAh, approx. 370 shots
Weight Grams
835 g (body only with battery and card)
Dimensions Mm
146 x 107 x 42 mm
Build Material
Magnesium alloy, aluminum
Weather Sealing
Yes, splash, dust, and freezeproof
Video
Bit Depth
10-bit
Raw Video
No
Log Profiles
L-Log, HLG
Internal Codecs
H.264
Max Frame Rate 4k
DCI 4K 60p, UHD 4K 60p
Max Frame Rate Hd
1080/180p
Max Recording Time
30 min
Max Video Resolution
5K (4992 x 3744)
Extras
Gps
Via connected smartphone
Top Lcd
1.28 inch status display
App Name
Leica FOTOS
Hot Shoe
Yes
Video Gamma
Rec709, Rec2020
Dynamic Range
14 stops
Exposure Modes
Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual
Metering Modes
Multi-zone, Center-weighted average, Partial
Multishot Mode
187 MP composite (8 exposures)
Viewfinder Lag
0.005 s
Bit Depth Stills
14-bit
Flash Sync Speed
1/250 s
Rear Screen Glass
Gorilla Glass
Diopter Adjustment
-4 to +2
External Recording
10-bit via HDMI, DCI 4K up to 60p
Image File Formats
DNG, JPEG
Viewfinder Contrast
10000:1
Multishot Resolution
16736 x 11168 pixels
Viewfinder Eye Point
21 mm
Exposure Compensation
-3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV steps)
Operating Temperature
-10 to 40°C (22 to 72°F)
Sensor
Sensor Size
Full-frame (36 x 24 mm)
Sensor Type
CMOS
Image Processor
Maestro III
Low Pass Filter
No
Effective Megapixels
47.3 MP
Exposure
Dual Native Iso
No
Iso Range Stills
ISO 50-50000 (Manual), ISO 100-50000 (Auto)
Continuous Shooting
20 fps e-shutter, 10 fps mech, 6 fps mech with AF-C
Shutter Speed Electronic
1/40000 to 1 s
Shutter Speed Mechanical
1/8000 to 1800 s
Display Vf
Viewfinder
5.76m-dot OLED EVF, 0.78x magnification, 120 fps
Rear Screen
3.2" 2.1m-dot touchscreen LCD, fixed
Touchscreen
Yes
Lens Mount
Lens Mount
L-Mount
Crop Factor
1.0x
Storage Io
Usb
USB-C 3.0/3.1/3.2 Gen 1
Hdmi
HDMI Type A
Audio Io
3.5mm microphone input, 3.5mm headphone output
Wireless
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE
Card Slots
2x SD UHS-II
Stabilization Af
Ibis
5-axis sensor-shift
Af Points
225 selectable areas
Af System
Leica Object Detection AF, contrast-detection
Subject Detection
Body Detection