Sigma 17mm f4 DG DN Contemporary Review L Mount:

If you’re in the market for an ultra wide angle lens for the L mount system that is also compact and light, the new Sigma 17mm f4 DG DN Contemporary has been added to the I Series collection.  As of now, this is the widest I Series lens to date, and thanks to Sigma, I was able to get a pre-launch sample to test.  This was quite a fun lens to use, and here are my thoughts on it. [continue reading…]

Leica SL2 and SL2-S Firmware Version 5.1:

For those with a Leica SL2 or SL2-S, firmware version 5.1 has been released.  It seems like a small update this time with the main focus being on two improvements, which are:

• Improved flash photography with Profoto units.
• Firmware versions numbers for SL2 and SL2-S aligned.

So, for those running Profoto lights, this might be worth it.  I have not installed it in my SL2 yet but will probably do it before the weekend.  The links to Leica’s firmware pages are down below.  Have a good one!

Leica SL2 firmware version 5.1

Leica SL2-S firmware version 5.1

If you want to read more about my Leica L mount reviews, here’s the page for them all.

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Billingham Hadley Digital: Great Choice For a Leica M Kit

Hey everyone.  So, as some of you know, the Leica SL2 is my main camera.  It’s what I use for my work, and the L mount system, in general, is what I use most of the time along with Fuji X mount too.  With that said, since the release of the Leica M11, I have been using it a lot as well.  I wouldn’t say I’m switching back to the M system as I am definitely dedicated to L mount.  However, I am using it enough that I guess a few of you noticed, and have sent me messages asking me what bag I’m using with it.  There are tons of great bags out there, and I don’t dispute that at all but I feel the Billingham Hadley Digital really fits me best.  So, I thought I’d write something up about it along with an explanation of why I chose this bag in particular, and why I feel it’s just right for my Leica M gear.  Of course, if this works for M gear, it’ll work for any other mirrorless set up of similar size. [continue reading…]

Grand Cayman With The Sigma I Series Lenses:

When L mount was first started by Leica, we had a system here with huge potential but with one issue: size.  Everything at that time was huge, and I get it; Leica was in it to create reference level gear.  I’m always all for that :).  I was the first person to order that Summilux-SL 50mm the moment I heard rumors about it.  I understand that for work, you bring what suits the job best but how about when you simply don’t need such a large lens with an f1.4 aperture?  Maybe you want to travel.  Maybe you want something you can just throw in your bag for any occasion.  Yes, there are M lenses but for one, I need an adapter, and two, I don’t want to be stuck using manual focus.  Well, in my opinion, one of Leica’s best moves was inviting companies like Panasonic, and Sigma into the L Mount Alliance.  Panasonic makes some great stuff, as we know, but so does Sigma.  In fact, Sigma went all in the past couple of years, and created what I feel are some of the best choices, if you’re after lenses that are not only well built, and compact but also offer excellent image quality all while not breaking the bank.  They have the I Series lenses, and after reviewing every single one that has come out for L mount so far, I can tell you that they are phenomenal.  Thanks to Sigma, I was able to bring a few with me on a much needed vacation to basically see if they really live up to travel use. [continue reading…]