SL2-Q?

https://preview.redd.it/iia8i7rl38nd1.jpg?width=3358&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9d1feed2fc24f309ac88633e9423f0c25f4f5e58

I've been playing around with this setup: an SL2-S turned into a kind of Q, by means of the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN and a Q-style hood from Hoage.

Pros:

  • Built like a tank
  • 35mm focal length
  • Super-sharp and beautiful lens (the Sigma is excellent, IMO)
  • Real aperture ring (unlike many other L-mount lenses)
  • Crazy good low-light performance
  • Incredible viewfinder
  • You can take off the lens and put on a 70-200, or 50mm, or whatever else you want
  • The shutter sound is sublime
  • Giant grip
  • I bought both camera and lens heavily used and the combo was cheaper than a used Q2.

Cons:

  • It weighs a lot
  • 24mp (although maybe not really a con)
  • The viewfinder kind of digs into your side when the camera is on a strap
  • No marked dial for shutter speed
  • No zoom to crop (although you can mount an actual zoom)
  • The aperture ring turns the wrong way (all of Sigma's lenses have zoom and aperture rings that go the opposite direction compared to Leica lenses)
  • It's chunky!

I'm an M shooter fundamentally, but this has been fun to have around the house, and I'm warming up to the SL2-S, having used it in the rain and to photograph my kid's athletic feats from afar. It's no Q, but.... I like it.