Leica SL3 with Canon TS-E lenses?

[DavidJA]

I'm considering using a Leica SL3 with an adapter for Canon TS-E lenses. If anyone can share their experiences with this I would appreciate it. And the prefered adapters.
I shoot architecture professionally and use a Phase/Cambo set up predominantly and sometimes use a second camera, and of course have to have back up around.

Thank you!

David Agnello
www.davidagnello.com

 

[Paul Spinnler]

I would just buy the 28 APO SL and tilt upwards and then with the keystone correct preview in the SL3 compose.

The lenses are so sharp and aberration free that the quality loss from interpolating lines is MORE than outweighed by the extreme sharpness and quality of SL APO glass.

In fact, you could argue that you don't even need a trtipod nowadays.

With Topaz AI tools you can then add 50% of res and then a tiny bit of high pass sharpening and your files will look amazing.

Wouldn't bother going down the TSE route if you are on the SL platform and can swing APO SL glass. The base IQ is so good, you will see combined with post its a great solution.

 

[DavidJA]

Thanks. I’m still interested in my initial question if anyone has input relevant to the original question.

 

[thedigitalbean]

I just recently got the Sigma MC-21 to use my Canon 50 and 90 TS-Es with my SL3. I’ve used them extensively with my R5 and they work quite well on the SL3. I only did some basic IQ and usability tests and saw no issues with resolution or vignetting with max shift and tilting. I will say the Canon MF aids are superior to the SL3, especially for tilt shift but the color science of the SL3 makes the files that come out of it a delight. I should say it might something about the adaptor but I can’t get focus peaking to actually show up with it, so I’ve done the focusing just with punching in at 100%.

I also shoot with a Phase and a Cambo Actus DB and for just straightforward rise/fall and tilt on a singular axis the Canon works quite well and is faster to use in more situations. The 1:2 macro ability of these lenses are great. However, for compound movements the Phase Cambo set up is the way to go.

By the way this is all for intimate landscape photography, so your architectural use cases will likely be different.

 

[Bill Caulfeild-Browne]

I've been using a Sigma 14mm F1.4 L for astrophotography - but I've found it quite good for interiors too. (I'm a recovering Phase-oholic!) With its very wide view one doesn't need to correct for tilt in the software, it can just be levelled and later cropped. Of course, it depends how big a print you want - but for 36 inches it's just fine.

 

[DavidJA]

I've been using a Sigma 14mm F1.4 L for astrophotography - but I've found it quite good for interiors too. (I'm a recovering Phase-oholic!) With its very wide view one doesn't need to correct for tilt in the software, it can just be levelled and later cropped. Of course, it depends how big a print you want - but for 36 inches it's just fine.

Thank you Bill, it’s great to know you have success with that lens. I do prefer to shoot with camera level and avoid as much post as possible. I will test the Canon 17ts that I own, good to know if I find it sub par that the Sigma is a good alternative.

 

[DavidJA]

I just recently got the Sigma MC-21 to use my Canon 50 and 90 TS-Es with my SL3. I’ve used them extensively with my R5 and they work quite well on the SL3. I only did some basic IQ and usability tests and saw no issues with resolution or vignetting with max shift and tilting. I will say the Canon MF aids are superior to the SL3, especially for tilt shift but the color science of the SL3 makes the files that come out of it a delight. I should say it might something about the adaptor but I can’t get focus peaking to actually show up with it, so I’ve done the focusing just with punching in at 100%.

I also shoot with a Phase and a Cambo Actus DB and for just straightforward rise/fall and tilt on a singular axis the Canon works quite well and is faster to use in more situations. The 1:2 macro ability of these lenses are great. However, for compound movements the Phase Cambo set up is the way to go.

By the way this is all for intimate landscape photography, so your architectural use cases will likely be different.

Thanks for the info digitalbean. I will try the MC 21. I will experiment with it and the Canon 17 and 24. I have a similar experience as you between the 35mm with TS vs Phase/Cambo. The 35 can be very fast but when you get into more movements it’s hard not to love the Cambo.

Has the SL3 replaced your R5? I’m hoping to replace my Canon system with the SL3. I shoot a couple of events a year for a non profit client and I fear it will come up short in terms of low light focus ability. Most reviews claim that the SL3 AF is inferior. From the little backyard testing I have done is seems much better than I had expected. Within 2 minutes the camera felt more intuitive in my hands than the R5 ever had.

Thanks!

 

[thedigitalbean]

My SL3 won’t be replacing the R5 for my wildlife work, mostly because of the excellent RF 100-500. For everything else, yes I will go with the SL3. AF wise, the R5 is ‘better’ in an absolute level, it is faster especially in continuous and high frame rate shooting. But practically for most things (note I don’t shoot sports) I think the SL3 and R5 can deliver similar results AF wise. For portraiture in particular, I’ve found the AF on the SL3 a major step up from the SL2-S and delivering results on par with the R5 (face/eye focus accuracy, etc).

 

[DavidJA]

My SL3 won’t be replacing the R5 for my wildlife work, mostly because of the excellent RF 100-500. For everything else, yes I will go with the SL3. AF wise, the R5 is ‘better’ in an absolute level, it is faster especially in continuous and high frame rate shooting. But practically for most things (note I don’t shoot sports) I think the SL3 and R5 can deliver similar results AF wise. For portraiture in particular, I’ve found the AF on the SL3 a major step up from the SL2-S and delivering results on par with the R5 (face/eye focus accuracy, etc).

Thank you Aravind. Of all the youtube videos and things I’ve read you wrapped it up very concisely in comparing the AF of the two cameras. Much appreciated.