Leica TL2 Review

The TL series is revolutionary for a firm known for producing rangefinders in the M-series that adhere to conventional design principles nearly to the point of being anachronistic. Though, the TL might seem very revolutionary in the product portfolio of practically any firm.

I say this because my initial reaction to using the TL2 was that it is the camera that is the furthest thing from a conventional camera that I have used since, well, the very first iteration of the Leica T. This is why I say it.

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LEICA TL2, Silver Anodized Finish (18188)

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 4:57 am

The fact that it is not like a typical camera does not, however, imply that it does not place the same emphasis on the foundations of photography as an M or a well-honed DSLR. Rather than that, it is a solution to the same problem that is first new.

As was the case with the T and TL models that came before it, the TL2 is a camera that is mainly controlled by its touchscreen and has an interface that is virtually identical to that of a smartphone and is based on icons rather than menu lists.

However, in addition to the upgrade to a sensor with 24 megapixels for this most recent iteration, Leica has made several other minor but significant adjustments to virtually every camera component.

The edges of the machined aluminum body have been chamfered, which means that it will not dig into your fingers as much as the former models did. This is a significant improvement over the previous generations.

The strap mounting plugs that come out of the camera and are easily lost are still there, but if you decide to use your strap, Leica will now sell you a socket-to-strap-lug converter for a modest price of $65 if you want to use your belt. Meanwhile, the pop-up flash has been removed because users have indicated that they do not require it, which allows for an even more simplified design.

Leica TL2 Build Quality

The Summilux-TL 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens that was provided for our test and is the most popular lens that comes packed with this camera makes the body of the camera, which is compact and beautiful, appear to be out of proportion.

It is quick and accurate but even more expensive than the TL2, and it generates a front-heavy combination that does not feel comfortable in your hands. The TL2 desperately needs a lens that is less optically ambitious but more compact and designed in a pancake manner.

The controls have a basic design that is aesthetically pleasing but requires a little work; some standard settings are tougher to get at than you may imagine. The touchscreen display is 3.7 inches, significantly more extensive than most other displays.

Leica TL2 Performance

The camera above and the 35mm f/1.4 lens have the potential to produce results that are incredibly crisp when all other conditions are met. However, there is no picture stabilization, and the autofocus is not very quick. Despite what was displayed on the screen, the autofocus also threw us a few curveballs by focusing on the wrong item a few times.

Although the auto white balance system performs an excellent job, most users of the TL2 will likely shoot in Raw format and tweak colors in post-production. The metering mechanism of the TL2, on the other hand, provided us with consistent exposures throughout our tests and did an excellent job judging the situations displayed on this page.

We are concerned about the camera’s body/lens weight distribution, its quirky controls, and its occasionally slow reflexes. Still, owners of the TL2 are likely to be completely satisfied with the image quality.

Leica TL2 Video

Regarding video recording, the TL2 has received significant enhancements, the most notable of which is the inclusion of support for UHD 4K at 30 frames per second. As a result, you can shoot clear video with this option that boasts an extremely high quality, and the resulting footage will look great on monitors now and in the future.

In addition to UHD 4K, there is enhanced Full HD with a maximum frame rate of sixty frames per second (fps) and HD, capable of slow motion at one hundred twenty frames per second. Focus peaking is also included to ensure that your films are in focus, and there is a micro-HDMI connector for output to an external display or monitor. Focus peaking is offered.

Leica TL2 Sensor

Every camera system must have a remarkable sensor at its core, and the TL2 is extremely lucky to have a fantastic 24.2MP APS-C CMOS at its center. This sensor, combined with the Maestro II processor from Leica, delivers exceptional resolution and clarity, as well as native sensitivities that range from ISO 100 to ISO 50000.

When you combine this with the TL2’s understated yet practical design, you end up with a streamlined and user-friendly system capable of producing outstanding photographs. Additionally, this sensor features an electronic shutter option, which enables high-speed shooting of up to 20 frames per second and higher shutter speeds.

Leica TL2 Specs

Lens MountLeica L
Sensor ResolutionActual: 24.96 Megapixel
Effective: 24.6 Megapixel (6072 x 4056)
Sensor Type23.6 x 15.7 mm (APS-C) CMOS
Crop Factor1.5x
Built-In ND FilterNone
Capture TypeStills & Video

Exposure Control

Shutter SpeedMechanical Shutter
1/8000 to 500 Seconds
Electronic Shutter
1/16000 to 60 Seconds
Bulb/Time ModeBulb Mode
ISO Sensitivity50 to 100,000 in Auto Mode (Extended: 50 to 50,000)
Metering MethodCenter-Weighted Average, Multi-Zone, Spot
Exposure ModesAperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation-3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
White BalancePresets: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Warm White), Halogen, Shade, Tungsten, White Balance Adjustment
Continuous ShootingMechanical Shutter
Up to 9 fps at 24.6 MP for up to Unlimited 78 Frames (Raw) / Unlimited 100 Frames (JPEG)
Up to 5 fps at 24.6 MP for up to Unlimited 29 Frames (Raw) / Unlimited Frames (JPEG)
Up to 2 fps at 24.6 MP for Unlimited Frames (Raw) / Unlimited Frames (JPEG)
Electronic Shutter
Up to 25 fps at 24.6 MP for Unlimited Frames (Raw) / Unlimited Frames (JPEG)
Interval RecordingYes
Self-Timer2/12-Second Delay

Still Image Capture

Image Sizes3:2 DNG
6016 x 4014
3:2 JPEG
6000 x 4000
4272 x 2856
3024 x 2016
Aspect Ratio3:2
Image File FormatDNG, JPEG
Bit Depth14-Bit
External Recording Modes4:2:2 10-Bit via HDMI
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
4:2:0 8-Bit via HDMI
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/119.88/179.82 fps
Recording LimitNone
Broadcast OutputNTSC/PAL
IP StreamingNone
Built-In Microphone TypeStereo
Audio RecordingAAC Audio
LPCM Audio

Interface

Media/Memory Card SlotDual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Internal Memory32 GB
Video I/O1 x Micro-HDMI Output
Audio I/ONone
Power I/O1 x USB-C Input/Output
Other I/O1 x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Data Input/Output (Shared with Power Input)
WirelessWi-Fi, Bluetooth
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)None

Monitor

Size3.2″
Resolution2,100,000 Dot
Display TypeFixed Touchscreen LCD

Focus

Focus TypeAuto and Manual Focus
Focus ModeContinuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
Autofocus PointsContrast Detection: 225

Flash

Built-In FlashNo
Maximum Sync Speed1/250 Second
Flash Compensation-2 to +2 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
Dedicated Flash SystemTTL
External Flash ConnectionHot Shoe

Environmental

Operating Temperature14 to 104°F / -10 to 40°C

General

Battery Type1 x BP-SCL4 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1860 mAh (Approx. 510 Shots)
Tripod Mounting Thread1 x 1/4″-20 Female (Bottom)
Accessory Mount1 x Hot Shoe Mount
Material of ConstructionAluminum, Magnesium Alloy
Dimensions (W x H x D)5.3 x 2.7 x 1.3″ / 134 x 69 x 33 mm
Weight14.1 oz / 399 g (With Battery)
12.5 oz / 355 g (Body Only)

Packaging Info

Package Weight4.85 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)8.7 x 8.5 x 6.6″

Leica TL2 Verdict

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LEICA TL2, Silver Anodized Finish (18188)

Last update was on: January 19, 2024 4:57 am

With most Leica cameras, you can at least understand how they may appeal to a particular sort of user and style of photography; however, the TL2 is distinct in that it can be used for various photographic applications. The body of the camera is sleek, uncluttered, and appealing; nevertheless, the controls are distinctive, and the handling is front-heavy when a lens is attached, making it a very challenging instrument for photography.

Leica TL2 FAQs

Is the Leica TL2 discontinued?

According to my research, the Leica TL2 was taken off the market sometime before the expiration date of September 2021. It is conceivable that some merchants still have some unsold inventory available for purchase.

Is Leica TL2 Made in Germany?

The Leica TL2 is, in reality, manufactured in Germany, particularly in the Leica factory in Wetzlar.

Is Leica TL2 weather sealed?

The frame construction and design of the Leica TL2 give it some degree of weather resistance, but it is not entirely weather-sealed like some other Leica cameras are.

Who makes the Leica TL2 sensor?

The APS-C camera found in the Leica TL2 has a resolution of 24 megapixels and is produced by Sony.

How fast does Leica TL2 focus?

The autofocus system of the Leica TL2 is based on contrast detection, and it is both typically quick and accurate. This is particularly true when employing Leica lenses that have built-in autofocus motors. On the other hand, the phase-detection autofocus systems found in some other mirrorless cameras may be faster than the one found in your camera.

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