Ugh, Im seriously at my wits end with my current setup. I recently picked up an SL2 because I just love the build and the files are insane, but honestly, trying to nail portraits with my current adapted glass is driving me up the wall. I keep getting these weird focus shifts and its just not sharp where I need it to be, like, the eyes are always just a hair soft and its driving me crazy. I dont know if its just the adapter being finicky or what, but Im ready to just buy a proper L-mount lens and be done with the headache tbh.
Im kinda stuck between a few options and hoping someone here has actually used them in the real world. Im mostly doing portrait work for friends and some local events, so I need something that can handle skin tones well and has that nice fall-off, you know? I want something that feels like a portrait lens should, not just some clinical, boring piece of glass.
Here is what I am working with:
- Budget: Ideally under $4k, but I might be able to stretch if it is truly worth it.
- Style: Mostly portraits, maybe some street stuff if it isnt too bulky.
- Preferences: I really want that classic Leica look, but I dont want to fight with manual focus all the time since I'm still getting used to the SL2 autofocus system.
Do I go for the APO-Summicron-SL 75mm or should I look at the 90mm? Or is there something else from the Sigma Art line that actually holds up? Im just so sick of missing shots because my current gear is fighting me every step of the way, so if anyone has experience with these, please let me know what you think is best before I throw my wallet at something that just ends up being another disappointment...
Ditching the adapter is definitely the right move. Using manual focus for portraits on a high-res sensor like the SL2 is just asking for trouble if you are not rock steady. I have been shooting with native glass for a while now and the difference in reliability is night and day. Just make sure you update your firmware before testing any new glass so the autofocus algorithm is running at its best. Here is how I see your best options:
- Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 ASPH: This is the gold standard. It is insanely sharp but still has that classic Leica character. The micro-contrast is what makes skin tones pop. Just double-check your shutter speeds because it is so sharp that any tiny movement shows up instantly.
- Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH: If you want more compression for headshots, this is the one. It is a bit longer and can be tricky to handhold if you are shaky, so I would recommend getting it professionally calibrated if you feel the focus is ever off. It is a dream for portraits though.
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art: If you want to save some cash, this is stellar. It is faster than the Leicas but definitely more clinical. It is a big piece of glass, so just make sure your strap is secure when walking around. Personally, I prefer the 75mm for that slight bit of extra versatility. Whatever you choose, buy from a place with a solid return policy just in case.
Listen, I spent 25 years in the shop tightening head bolts. You dont use a cheap socket on a high-torque job, you use the right tool. Same thing here. I messed around with cheap adapters for way too long before realizing I was just throwing money away on blurry garbage. Look, I finally bit the bullet and grabbed the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 ASPH. It costs a pretty penny but it saves you from needing to upgrade again in six months. Honestly, just look for a clean used copy to save a grand or two. The focus is rock solid compared to that junk you are using. TL;DR: Stop overthinking and get native glass. Your time is worth more than the headache of bad focus. Just get the APO and be done with it.
Quick reply while I have a sec. Are you looking for environmental portraits or strictly tight headshots? If you want the best performance for your SL2, it really comes down to these two native options vs the third party alternative:
- Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 ASPH: Incredible micro-contrast and the perfect focal length for half-body shots. It just GLOWS.
- Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH: Better for compression, but can feel a bit clinical if you aren't careful with post.
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art: If you need to save cash for lights, this is the only third-party lens that actually keeps up with the SL2 autofocus without feeling cheap. Honestly, the native Leica glass is worth every penny for the color rendition alone. Let me know your preferred shooting distance...
Did this last week, worked perfectly
Late to the party but this whole thread is 💯. Glad I found it.
TIL! Thanks for sharing
TIL! Thanks for sharing
Seconded!
^ This. Also, omg I have this exact same issue... been dealing with it for like 3 months now and still nothing works. Im honestly just so frustrated with the whole thing...
I totally get that frustration—been there, done that. I spent way too long messing around with adapters before I realized I was just setting myself up for failure. It’s funny, I actually missed out on some of my favorite shots of my niece because I was too busy fiddling with focus peaking instead of just shooting. Once I finally moved over to native glass, the difference in how the camera talks to the lens—it's just night and day. You don't realize how much of a bottleneck those cheap adapters are until they're gone. It feels like you're actually using the camera as intended instead of fighting it. My advice? Don't look back. There's something really freeing about knowing that if you miss a shot, it's on you, not because the gear decided to have a bad day. I ended up biting the bullet on a native prime, and honestly, the consistency is just worth the headache of the upfront cost. Just commit to it—you'll stop obsessing over the tech and actually start enjoying the process again.