Posting here to share my experience with both the Leica SL2-S and Ricoh GR3 for a recent 2 weeks trip across Belgium, Rotterdam, Berlin and Amsterdam. For context, my usual go-to camera is the M11 paired with a 50mm. The trusty Ricoh GR3 has been my everyday carry for the last 5 years while the SL2-S is usually reserved for sporadic “action” occasions.
I also have an arsenal of action cameras and accessories FOMO on any action. So when it came to packing for the trip, I had to make the tough decision to the dilemma for the choice of cameras. After a few rounds of unpacking and packing, I finally decided on the SL2-S with a Sigma 45mm F2.8. Considering the uncertainty of travel and the notorious reputation of pickpocketing in Europe, the SL2S not only seemed less likely to attract unwanted attention but could also double as a handy self-defence weapon if the need arose 🙂 In a last minute decision, I decided to slip the GR3 into the jeans pocket as a backup camera.
*Sharing below is not a comparison of the 2 cameras (Obviously very different class of cameras), but how both performed in various situations i encountered during the trip.
Portability
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. When it comes to portability, the GR3 is a clear winner here. It slipped inconspicuously in my pants and jacket pocket throughout the trip. Many times I had to tap on my pockets just to check that it’s still there. On the other hand, I was constantly reminded of the 1kg weight of the SL slung around my neck. Even though the Leica was slung around my neck,I often found myself reaching into my pocket for the GR3, set to 2m snap focus. I did not make a comparison, but the GR3 felt quicker to power on and ready to capture the moment.
Focal length
The SL2-S definitely offers more flexibility with its interchangeable lens capability, a feature particularly valuable for versatile travel photography. A telephoto lens such as the L-mount 24-70mm lens could come in very handy for a traveller. But this didn’t really matter to me, as I am accustomed to a single lens approach to taking photos. The Sigma 45mm Art lens F2.8 has served me well. I started with it to try something that was reasonably affordable, compact in size and departure from the conventional 35mm and 50mm. The 45mm Art lens has worked well as a versatile “portrait” lens, sitting close to the 50mm range while offering a slightly wider perspective for added background inclusion. The results from this lens were sharp, including the bokeh, were was satisfactory and aesthetically pleasing.
On the other hand, the GR3’s 28mm is very adept at landscape photography with its wide angle focal length. When travelling with someone, you might also want to capture portraits with landscape as a background. The 28mm focal length works well in this case, giving just a slightly wider view compared to a traditional 35mm or 50mm portrait lens. Bokeh might be less crucial in this case where an all in focus image would work better. The F2.8-F16 aperture range on the GR3 has consistently delivered impressive performance.
Weather proof
The weather during two weeks across the cities was cold and rained 90% of my time there. The IP54 rated weather sealing of the SL2-S meant that I didn’t have to worry much about it under the rainy weather. Though the mounted Sigma lens is not IP rated, the lens supposedly features a “highly effective dust and splash resistant structure* with special sealing at the mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, and cover connection” according to its product specs. I was sceptical how it would stand up to the constant wet weather and took extra care to dry it every time. But glad to say that both the body and lens stood up well during the trip.
Despite being notoriously known for lacking weather sealing, the GR3 has consistently defied expectations. Throughout the trip, the camera encountered no major issues, barring occasional times when the camera wouldn’t turn on. I suspected the cold weather might have affected the battery, a suspicion confirmed when removing and reinserting the battery quickly resolved the issue. Many have complained about the battery life of the GR3, but that didn’t bother me as I carried 2 spare batteries. With each battery allowing for approximately 100 shots, and considering I am not a “burst” shooter, the battery life was satisfactory for me. Over the past years, the GR3 has endured harsh conditions such as snow, sand and rain with me. Each time i feared that it might succumb to the elements during my trips, it defies the odds and comes on to life again.
Conclusion
As I sifted through the collection of photos at the end of the trip, an interesting realisation dawned upon me: I couldn’t distinguish at first glance between the images captured by the two cameras. Upon tallying the the photos, the GR3 emerged as the predominant contributor to my favourite shot – perhaps a testament to its frequent presence, effortless drawn from my pockets. However, I could see that the SL2-S was my choice of tool during special moments when I needed more speed, greater image separation, and had the luxury of time for precise composition.
Overall, both cameras have performed very well as expected but my overall satisfaction leans more towards the GR3 as a compact travel companion. It’s absence of weather sealing and perceived limitations became secondary to the confidence it instilled in me. In essence, the experience affirmed that the magic lies not in the camera’s size or specification, but in the moment it captures and the photographer’s ability to capture those moments.
For my next trip, the GR3 will definitely be my first choice, no longer relegated to a an afterthought or a last minute addition slipped into my pocket as a backup camera.
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