The Versatility of the Leica Q2 - A Practical Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- Spolier alert: I LOVE IT. I've had my Leica Q2 for almost a year now and it's quickly become one of my favorite digital cameras to use. I break down all the pros and cons of this camera and show some real life examples from it.
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - 00:37 - Intro
00:38 - 01:26 - First Thoughts
01:27 - 02:03 - Use at Weddings
02:04 - 02:23 - Macro Mode
02:24 - 02:33 - 1.7 Aperture
02:34 - 03:13 - Portraits with the Q2
03:14 - 03:38 - Use in Hawaii
03:39 - 04:16 - The Files
04:17 - 06:00 - Accessories
06:01 - 07:17 - Autofocus
07:18 - 08:12 - 28mm Focal Length
08:13 - 08:36 - Conclusion - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
What do you think of the Leica Q2? Too expensive? Love it? Hate it? Drop your thoughts below.
the pros: 1, small & compact. 2, the lens is sharp. 3, the camera sensor with enough MP to crop. the cons: 1, pricy. 2, poor AF ability. 3, the lens has pretty heavy distortion.
@@yellowbug772 yep fair analysis, the pros completely outweigh the cons IMO, if you can afford it. If not, grab a Fuji x100v.
You said it all except did not mention folder names. As a hobby photographer I wait till the card is half full with images from different places, dates etc and have no idea when where the images were take as there is no way to even date a folder as images are in one lump. I suppose as a pro you fill the card at every job you do so assume not a problem for you. I don’t use Lightroom as the software and can sort by date time and place, so its frustrating trying to create individual folders. Nice review thanks.
@@victorcarmelo8606 Agh yeah I can see that. What about changing the naming file convention for the actual file name before each photo session then just dropping them in to corresponding folders when you load them on to a computer?
@@TonyWodarck in the last two year I could only change the first letter and unable to add more letters after it as I assume the rest are reserved for file numbers so example V1234567890. But by accident I found a workaround by opening the memory card in my iPad Pro in icons which give date below the icons. Assume this can be done on any apple computer and laptops as well. So not so bad after all. Leica could give us folders by date like most other manufacturers do in a firmware though!! Thanks for your reply. Regards.
It's a time machine, recalling what I enjoyed about photography decades ago. I rented a Q2 a few months ago. I was prepared for the experience by accepting my Sonys' eye autofocus as incomparable. The Q2 image quality in LRC was striking. I paused to try to understand what attributes caused me to see the images as "different." So, I stopped over-thinking, and returned to composing and pressing the trigger. A shutter speed dial, an aperture ring, and auto-ISO; back to basics.
Yep it’s a dream of a camera. Fun to use. Beautiful in the hand, and the files are incredible.
There's a lot to be said about fixed lens cameras like this, imo. They'll bring out the best photographer in you because you're not thinking about "should i bring x lens or lenses" or whatever. You just have the camera and you need to do the rest. There's no hiding behind anything.
Yes that’s what I love about it!!
I only have a Canon EOS R8 with the RF 35mm f1.8.
Only owning one lens creates the same result 😂
I've had my Q2 for 5 months and love it! The colors and sharpness of the images are astonishing. It's such a versatile camera and is built like a tank!
Yep! It’s such a dream all packed in to a sexy beautifully built body. I just want more focal length options!
LOVE my Q2!!! Just returned from two weeks in Japan where it rarely left my hand. I was shooting in the High Contrast black-and-white mode at 400-1600 ISO. The photos look incredible, and it's fun to push the camera to its limits. I was in Kyoto where it was around 98 degrees with extreme humidity. I noticed the camera got really hot but it kept taking photos. I have two batteries, and I turned off the screen to preserve power. If you have the hood plus a filter than you should be ready to go at all times. The lens cap it comes with is garbage. The Q2 makes taking pictures so much fun. Both the camera and I are ready for more adventures!
Yessss love hearing that. Such an incredible all in one do everything travel camera.
I appreciate the fact that you shared so many photos in this review.
Thanks dude. I wish I had more footage of me shooting but I definitely wanted to show the versatility in the results of photos you can capture with this amazing camera.
Hey Brother! Just bought a Q2 on a recent trip to Copenhagen. Amazing camera and the perfect rig for walking around a badass city like this. The people in the store went above and beyond and I have discovered the Leica community. Getting used to this little workhorse and going to be a sweet compliment to my Nikon Z6II for landscape and travel. Loved your vid and looking forward to more!
Yes indeed. So good for travel. Thanks for watching!
got myself a Q2 Reporter for private use and absolutely love it! always thought the iphone 13 Pro makes great pictures but this thing is out of this world imo...
Hahaha yep. A bit better than an iPhone for sure.
feel almost spot on with you about the Q2. such a beautiful camera that continues to surprise me with its versatility!
💯💯💯
Its my all time time favorite: so much in one unit. It does it all. Worth it.
It’s the best. Just need more focal length options hahaha.
Love your review and style... thanks for sharing!
Thank you!! I appreciate the love.
Its became my favorite for sure. Ive got the original but its so versatile I really havent needed anything else. I had planned on R5 but yet here I am still shooting with my Leica. My Fuji hasn't been shelved for two years. I work as a photographer for my fire department and this guy hasn't missed a beat.
That’s so rad. Yeah it’s my favorite camera to shoot and the best looking files out of all my cameras.
Great review! Love my Q2 as well!
Thanks so much. It’s the best.
Hi nice video. Love my Q2. I’m using it to document daily life and also shoot some jewel photos for my wife’s business.
Thanks so much. Pretty awesome you can say shoot those two different things with the same camera and it excels at both.
You sold me on this camera at the intro!! Love your videos!
Hahaha rad. Thanks so much. I appreciate the support.
Stunning!
Thank you!
Like it !
The Leica new Q2 is very unique and outstanding tools.
Totally!!
Great video and great shots! I too just recently got the Q2 and I absolutely love it! The only drawback for me personally is that I fear that it has become my Leica "gateway drug"! I'm now considering the M11! Cheers!
LOL. I feel you. It is a drug. I just picked up an M10R.
I got my new Q2 last wednesday and I love it so much. I too am a Canon shooter with a n R6 and 50 1.2 RF, which is a great combination. Great video, subscribed. Love how chill you present. Maybe sell some presets because you have greeat taste in your edits.
Thanks so much for watching!
I've the Q as a backup camera for my M-P240 with the LUX 50 and my M240 with the Summarit 90/2.5. The Q is handy and discrete.
Rad!! Some great cameras right there!
Also have a Q2-wish I had it when I was doing weddings. Nice work and solid review! Thx
Thanks so much!
I have the Q and I shoot a lot of portraits with it. It works well for me but like you said, center framed is key.
Also the Q is actually more like 26mm than 28mm. People have been doing comparisons between 28mm lenses on M-series cameras and the Q and it the Q is definitely wider than 28mm. Just a good thing to know. 🙂
Yep totally. Good info to have for sure. I just hope they make this camera in different focal lengths. It’s so good!!
Glad to come across this on Reddit. Tthe video quality is top notch so are the pictures. Really make me want to get the Q2 to accompany my M10. But wallet cannot be any thinner 😅
Hahaha thank you! I feel you. I loved the Q2 so much I just picked up an M10R.
Hey Tony, love all the videos and have a Q2 myself. Having problems trying to make a third party lens work with the Q2, anything you did in camera when fitting the fuji?
Thanks. I did not change any settings. It’s more about the contact points on the flash. I know Leica flashes, canon, contax and Fuji flashes work on it.
Excelent review. Spot on. Plus it is not easy on highlights. recentering the focuspoint is a bit of a pain Using the toch screen when the camera is raised to your...I would prefer a button. I use crop mode a lot. Wouldf be nice to see the excual frame instead of the crop lines. But overall great review great camera. I love mine (shoot a R5 too)
Thanks so much for watching. Yes I always underexpose with it cause I don’t want to lose the highlights.
Subscribed! I got my Q2 back in March, and I'm still having lots of fun with it on a daily. Just like you, I find that it does amazing things with upclose portraits. What are you favorite settings to shoot with? I picked up the NISI m75 kit (with the 49mm adapter for Q2) as well! What do you think about ISO-controlled exposure timer?
Rad! I mainly shoot around 5.6-8.0 with manual shutter and manual iso. The auto settings are really good but since I’m shooting backlit a lot it’s easiest for me to just control my settings.
I have the q and I fully expected to end up selling it but it’s an absolute steal for the quality of glass, colors and versatility. You’re right, having a macro on your scene setting/sort of point and shoot candid camera is huge
Yessss it’s such an incredible camera. Now they just need to offer it with different focal lengths!!
@@TonyWodarck yeah I would love to see their 21 on one version and a 50. But I would settle for a 35 too 😁
@@Isajaymes yep. I’ll take all of em. Hahaha
Common sense, practical experience and advice. Not a lot of techno-speak (thank you). Very nice example images. Thanks for such a useful video.
Thanks so much! I tried to make the type of review I could understand and appreciate hahaha.
I’m saving for a Q2 currently. Probably going to sell all my gear and use it exclusively. I do shoot documentary and street so it’s really a perfect camera for that. Love having one lens no choice. Had the x100f and thought I wanted lens choices, now it’s a nightmare buying all these lenses and choosing which to use. Done with that. I love my Xpro2, but this camera is special.
Worth saving for!!
From a fellow climber, I loved how you described the grip as "Crimpy" haha
Hahahaha yes!!
What flash works well with q2? We need a follow-up on your favorite q2 accessories! Awesome video as always
Thanks so much. I love the Fuji EF-x20 but they’re getting hard to find cause they’re discontinued. Another option that isn’t as speak would be a SF24 or Godox V350.
I have that same little Fuji flash and I was thinking of using on my Q2. Would appreciate your advice on settings for the camera and this flash for best performance.
Just mess around with it. I use it at a ton of different settings but mainly shutter drags at reception for weddings at like F/8, 1/8, iso 1600 and as much flash power as I need.
I’m new to Leica having had Canon. The build is insane and feels great. To be honest I haven’t quite mastered it but have a trip to Greece coming up so I intend to make it my only camera for the trip. Batteries are a bit of an issue so I tend to find all the power saving items in the menu. Overall I’m happy I made the investment. ❤
Yeah you’ll definitely want an extra battery or two. Leica is such a treat to use. Have fun!!
I’ve been a Canon shooter for most of my adult life. Currently own an R5, and 35mm is my #1 go to lens. Just bought a Q2. I’ll be traveling to Paris in June. Will then make a decision about whether to sell my Canon gear. 98% of my work is street/urban photography.
How does the low light/ISO compare between your Canon & the Q2? I shoot a 5D mk iv & am stuck between getting the Q2 & Q2 Monochrom. I hear everyone saying how much better the Q2M is at low light & shooting high ISOs. I’m not sure if it’s enough of a difference to give up color but if it is, I will. If the Leica is at least on par with the Q2 for noise & lowlight, then I’d much rather have the one camera & convert to B&W. It’s just the Q2M does B&W better than almost everything else out there.
Sick photos. Love my Q2 and it pairs with my SL2/50APO and I just picked up a Sigma 85/1.4 DG lens which I'm still trying to gel with. But if I grab one body one lens to enjoy, the MP/50lux/Portra160 hands down.
Yep that’s a banger combo. I’m close. M6, 50 lux, Portra 400 hahaha.
@@TonyWodarck classic and eternally enjoyable combo
Great video dude
Thanks so much!
Tony, this is a fantastic camera. I have been on the fence about getting the color or Monochrome version. I just rented one for a weekend in Santa Monica with the wife and I always had it with me, I shoot a ton of other systems as well and I always had this with me. Like someone else said, i dont need to think about this lens or that lens…its just there ready to take pictures!! I havnt edited the images yet but have down loaded them and they looks great! Thanks for an awesome look on how you use the Q2!
Thanks so much for watching. Yeah it’s an incredible camera and takes a lot of unnecessary decisions out of the mix. I love it.
I was having the same issue deciding between this and the monochrom. I shoot mostly BW, but Leica colors are amazing and it’s a lot of money to not have that option. Plus the BW conversion still looks incredible.
Bro those shots in Hawaii are so sick!
Thanks dude!!
Hi Tony..what flash are you using for the Q2? thanks
Fuji Ef-x20
Can you talk more about flash and the Q2? I want to use mine for more flash work, and I'd love to hear more about how you have used it.
For sure. That would be a great video since I get lots of questions about it. I’ll work on one.
Hi Tony. Love the images on this video. I recently bought Q2. It has not been easy transition from Canon/Nikon. Focus on macro difficult in my view. Do you use RAW or JPEG
Post processing what do you use. Answer in your own time
Thanks so much. Do you have focus peaking on? That helps a lot. I shoot in RAW always. Post processing is just basic edits in Lightroom. No presets on these. My wedding photos I use The Archetype Process color profiles to match Portra 400 film colors.
@@TonyWodarck thanks for your quick response. I know you are busy busy.
I can only use autofocus because of very poor eyesight. I expected the autofocus to be spot on with a lens like this. I need to search for focus parking in the menu now. !!
Main Menu, slide 1>Focusing >Focus Assist> auto magnification On, Focus Peaking- Red. This has been super helpful for me with manually focusing.
Hi Tony! Question for you - How do you pack this for travel? I have it wrapped in the leather travel cloth in my backpack, and it just doesn't seem like a very good plan 😂
I use a pelican 1535 air case for all my gear, a wandrd Prvke backpack with an essential insert for my stripped down gear when I’m on the move and I use a Hyperlite Camera Pod when I’m ultralight backpacking.
ever given some thought about putting a 28mm on your canon? you can also go canon 50 and leica 28
I run canon 50 and Q2 28 for almost the entire wedding day lately. Loving it. Still would love the compact and beautiful design of the Q2 as well as the epic files just with a 50 though.
Love your review and pics! So good. And as a surfer, I'm a big fan of John John and that marine lifestyle... Q: How water/dust proof do you think it is? Like rain proof, snow proof? And what's your comfort level in serious weather conditions, like would you take it on a sailing shoot? Also that Fuji flash, how does that work with Leica System? I shoot w M10 so a little nervous about leaving range style/vibe but I think it could be amazing for surf/hiking trips. I worry about my M10 on the beach for sure.
Thanks so much. I definitely got a decent amount of rain and salt water on it through my trip. I continually try and wipe it off and throughly dry it when I get to safety but it has held up great. I also fell off a 20ft cliff taking some rock climbing photos and it’s all good. Thing is a beast. I wouldn’t want to put it through heavy rain or snow though. I think the m10 is probably a little less weather proof too since it has interchangeable lenses but I know Benj Haisch has put it through a lot in the PNW. He’d be a good person to ask about those. The Fuji flash is an ef-x20. It’s insane for leicas. So small and compact and tons of power with a decent recharge time. It’s fully manual but super easy to use. I’d highly recommend it. Just make sure you use good batteries to get the fastest recharge time.
@@TonyWodarck Thanks so much. Maybe I'll see you out in the line up some day. Appreciate all the feedback. And insight.
The crop modes are underrated. It’s not the same as cropping it post. When in crop the Q2 limits the AF, exp metering and AWB to whats in the crop.
Yeah that is a nice feature but I’m mainly looking for a difference in actual focal length to change the bokeh and separation between the subject and background and reduce distortion.
With that 27” strap, are you able to flip camera sideways for a portrait shot? Seems a bit short. Love to know your thoughts.
No problems. I have a 24” one too and it’s not a problem shooting portrait. When it gets too tight is with a flash on it.
great, can you do more content with the q2, please
Yeah I’ve got a cool video in the works from Hawaii and I’ll try and shoot some more stuff around the Q2.
Hi Tony, what do you think, is it going to be a good combo with Canon 5dmk4 for weddings? I'm doubting about buying Leica because of that. Also, I never had Leica so I'm indecisive.
I love the Leica Q2 for weddings. It’s great for so many aspects but it’s definitely not my favorite portrait focal length. For everything else though it’s amazing. It’s expensive though but the experience shooting it is so fun.
What kind of flash you can recommend for this camera? Really trying to find a compatible flash for the camera. Thanks!!!
I use the Fuji Ef-X20. I really like it!
Where do you get or what model peak design strap is that their web site shows the leash as the shortest or what I can find at least.
I got it off a guy in Etsy. He’s amazing. I’ve bought two from him now. You can request custom sizes too. www.etsy.com/listing/1105672063/
Question: I am trying out a Q2 now. When people say "the images are amazing" are they referring to the DNG (a/k/a RAW) files or the JPEGs as well. I did a bake-off with my Fuji X-Pro 3 and was shocked to see that the Fuji JPEGS blow it away. I assumed the Leica would kill. So I assume it is the DNG files that look good. I am still on the fence about getting a used Q2 and getting rid oif my X-Pro 3...
I’ve never shot jpegs with the Leica. Always raw.
reception at F11 ? what are your speed and iso set up please ?
Have been thinking about getting the Q2.. but super expensive!
ISO would be like 1600 or max 3200. Shutter is at 1/15 or so to do shutter drags (wavy lights) or at like 1/125 or so to do normal direct flash photos.
If they make the Q3 a 35mm 1.7 I’m selling everything I own for it
10000000%
Hi Tony - Now that you have the 24” strap, do you prefer it over the 27.5”? If so, why?
Yeah it’s almost slightly too short. It is a bit awkward getting on and off over my face but in walking with it and using it, it’s amazing and I love it. Just a bit tight on and off. The shortest you can go and still use it is best in my opinion cause it will bounce less against your belly/chest as you walk. If I was to order a third it’d probably be 25.5”.
I just sent him a message inquiring how to go about ordering a 25.5” strap. Thanks for the feedback my brother.
Hey Brother - I just received the 25.5” strap and it’s perfect. Easy to get over the head and rests right on the pecs. I am really digging it. Thanks for the suggestion.
Do you use multiple sd cards throughout the day in case of sd card failure? I would be so paranoid without the redundancy of 2 card slots haha
I have 3 to 4 cameras and a second photographer shooting throughout the day. So although I don’t love the single card slot, I’m not overly concerned about it. I personally prefer one card throughout the whole day. I feel like changing cards opens up more opportunities for failure or misplacement. I definitely wouldn’t only use the Q2 as my only camera though.
@@TonyWodarck those are all great points!
hi which UV filter did you use for this?
B+W 49mm UV Haze
I love my Q2. I mean love it.
Likewise!
The Q2 is a very satisfying camera to use and a pure pleasure. However, it is not the best camera per-se and I would certainly claim that my Sony A7III and even my Olympus E-M1MkII were technically better, with swivelling screens and more accessible adjustments. These are not as pleasurable to use as the Q2 of course. All Leica products and accessories are expensive, so if the budget is limited, nobody should feel short changed by having alternatives. The Q2 is limiting in so many ways, which makes it different to even using a similar fast prime on other modern cameras. Yes the 28mm is very wide and the field of view is even wider than you’d think, being nearer to most other brand’s 24mm lenses. I find that I do use the crop modes quite often but shoot RAW and jpeg so I have both the full size and cropped files.
I do not think I could live with it as my only camera because I do use mainly 35mm prime but also 85mm for portraits and quite a few telephoto around 200 to 400mm+ which is where the M4/3 cameras really shine with their lighter and cheaper lenses.
Is it an autofocus camera? It’s very expensive yes Tony lol the question is other than the name is it warranted?
Yes it has autofocus. Yes it’s very expensive. Yes it’s warranted in my opinion haha.
Wich colorprofile you use in lightroom ?
Adobe Color. For my wedding photos I use The Archetype Process Kodak Portra 400 color profile.
The Leica Q3 coming late 2022 or early 2023 is rumored to have a 50mm fixed lens :)
I HOPE that’s true!
@@TonyWodarck Me too ! I would love to see a video about your Canon R6 Camera :) and do you have all your dream cameras now or your are still dreaming about some ? :)
@@oliverinthehouse3571 Thanks! I'm dreaming of the camera that doesn't exist, the Q2 with a 50. As for digital, I thought I'd like the M10-R, but it doesn't have the magic of the Q2 IMO. So I'm not currently lusting after anything at the moment.
Wouldn’t a clear filter be better than UV?
I have both. But both are a cheaper piece of glass than the front element of the Leica lens. They’re great for protection but can cause some weird glare/haze in the wrong light.
I'm not brave enough to use it for weddings with it only having one card. I've never had a card fail on me but it does happen.
Yep understandable. I use multiple cameras. Most with dual card slots. Anything like family photos I shoot on my Q2 and my R6. So although the Q2 only has one card slot it never shoots a crucial moment by itself.
How does the little Fuji flash perform with the q2?
Really well! I used the Godox V350 at first and it was too top heavy. The Fuji flash is the perfect size and with good batteries recharges pretty quick and is surprisingly powerful. It’s the only flash I use with it now.
@@TonyWodarck thanks 🙏
Try search for Lightpix Lab Flash. It comes with off camera flash feature at a very reasonable price.
The built in diffuser on the Fuji flash switches between 35 and 21mm diffusion. I quite like that as a creative tool when I shoot with a 25mm (full frame on a film leica). You can choose to have light fall away towards the edge of the frame.
I don’t know why Fuji stopped making them.
1:10 "better feel in the hand"
Really? That surprises me since Canon usually have really good ergonomic grips & the Q2 not really having a grip at all? (classic style)
The material, build, quality, weight, size feels better in the hand. It’s like driving a Porsche over a Honda Civic. You can tell better materials were used. The ergonomics of the Canon are more comfortable per se, but with the grip added (which I speak about later) makes the Q2 feel better in the terms mentioned before.
So you hate it? Looks awful. 😂 great vid!
Hahahaha it’s the worst
@@TonyWodarck 😂
I really don't understand Leica. This is a typical review for the Q2 from what I've seen. It's a $5800 fixed lens camera with a "little bit crimpy" grip that has a front element that is so expensive to repair that it requires a protective filter (adding "halation" to photos), and that "eats" batteries (costing $285 a piece -- requiring a "few" extra), and without a modern auto-focus system (requiring zone focusing, and at f/5). If you go back over this review item by item, it's just horrible... yet the conclusion is "I LOVE IT."
Hahahaha well that’s one way to look at it. I’ve taken some of my favorite photos ever with this camera because it’s fun to shoot and inspires me to use it more. It’s small and compact so I tend to bring it and have it out more in more places. The files from it look incredible. Yes there are drawbacks but the pros outweigh the cons in my opinion. If the price tag is too crazy which I understand for a lot of people, you could try the Fuji x100v. Also you can get these for like $4k used now and I would buy one again in a heartbeat if something happened to mine.
incomparable and even if you have many cameras it’s the last one you would separate from
I miss it everyday. The Ricoh helps fill the gap a bit. But it’s no Q2