Leica has just updated its popular, but not much appreciated ‘T’ series of mirrorless compact cameras. The new upgrade is called ‘TL’.
The last iteration of this model was released two years ago, but the performance was lack-luster. This time around, Leica is promising no compromises on quality and performance. It’s now got some additional design and innovation attached to it from the previous generation.
Specs
It’s got an internal storage capacity of 32GB. The Auto Focus performance this time around has improved in terms of speed, especially in the AF-C mode. It comes in a new colour as well – titanium anodized finish. It also comes with its own Android and iOS app, both coming with a ton of new software features.
One feature that most users will appreciate is that it’ll be compatible for use with legacy Leica R-Lenses, thanks to the R-Adapter L. It will also come with a new optical image stabilization function with the Leica SL OIS lenses.
Design
The design is the reason why most users will buy this beautiful camera – it’s compact and lightweight. The camera is crafted from a single block of aluminium. There’s also a very technical and complicated manufacturing process, conjured at their factory in Germany. It’s been made for rigidity and has a pretty solid build.
The design is also intuitive. The 3.7-inch touchscreen stands at the centre. There are four physical control keys and a dial placed alongside the screen. So it’s fairly easy to use. The curved chamfered edges on the titanium model make it easy to hold and easy to fit too!
Performance
The Leica TL comes with a fully customizable MyCamera menu for quick navigation and faster access to the most used pre-sets. The TL also has its own integrated Wi-Fi module, which can be used as its own mobile hotspot. This way it can transfer files to smartphones, tablets, PCs and laptops or even to social media platforms. Leica’s very own high-performance imaging processor, coupled with the 16MP CMOS sensor of the Leica TL means perfect image quality at fine contrast levels and brilliant resolutions – with or without favourable lighting.
Lenses
The TL-system will be compatible with six lenses – three of which are prime lenses and the other three are zoom lenses. These will be more than enough for any situation and condition for the photographer.
The two fast prime lenses the Leica Summicron-TL 23 mm f/2 ASPH. and the Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH., are perfect for on-the-road always on the go street photography. The APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH is perfect for taking portraits and macro shots. The three compact zoom lenses, the Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 11–23 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., Vario-Elmar-TL 18–56 mm f/3.5–5.6 ASPH. and APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 55–135 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., can cover a range of focal lengths, anywhere between 17 to 200 mm in 35 mm format. So we can expect full-frame-like images with rich contrast on every edge.
Apart from these lenses, users can also resort to the M and R lenses through the adapters available. Even Leica SL lenses can be mounted onto the camera thanks to the L-Bayonet mount.
Pricing
The body alone will retail for $1,695 and the lenses will begin at $1,650 and up. It’s a pretty big cost for such a small form factor. And for the photography aficionados out there, this will be more than worth it. Leica has never failed to perform or deliver on its promise of super fine, super practical cameras. We are expecting no less from this range.
COMMENTS