Leica Q2

Leica Q2 Hands on Review

A Compact Powerhouse for the Discerning Photographer

When considering Leica, notions of luxury, precision, and classic aesthetics come to mind. The Leica Q2 was the latest entry in their compact full-frame lineup, though the Q3 is now available. The Q2 embodies this esteemed reputation and captures remarkable images in bright settings, especially outdoors. However, its low light performance and high ISO capabilities are not as strong. In addition to image quality, the Q2 offers an exceptional user experience, merging high performance with a timeless design and user-friendly controls. But is the steep price truly justified?

Design & Build Quality

A Timeless Elegance

The moment you hold the Leica Q2, you feel the difference. Built with a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, the Q2 has the sturdy feel of a camera designed for serious use. But it’s also surprisingly compact, especially considering that it houses a 47.3 MP full-frame sensor. It’s a camera that begs to be taken on adventures, with a rugged build to match.

The minimalist design stays true to Leica's traditional look, featuring a simple and functional layout that takes some time to get used to and is certainly not aligned with modern cameras. The large, high-resolution electronic viewfinder is a pleasure to use, and the 3-inch LCD touchscreen adds versatility to the overall shooting experience. I use aperture priority mode with auto ISO and found the exposure compensation dial thats I assigned to the FN button to be frustrating at times.

Another annoying design aspect is the inability to adjust the LCD panel, which makes it less versatile for street photography.

The Lens

28mm F/1.7 Summilux

Let's discuss the lens, as this is where the true magic occurs. The Q2 features a 28mm f 1.7 Summilux lens, which has a fast aperture that performs well in low-light settings when conditions permit, although it may introduce some grain. The camera delivers remarkable subject separation. Whether you are photographing expansive landscapes or quickly capturing street scenes, this lens creates sharp, vibrant images with stunning bokeh.

While 28mm might feel restrictive to some, especially if you’re used to zoom lenses, the fixed focal length encourages a more intentional style of photography. If you embrace the 28mm perspective, you’ll quickly find that it’s an incredibly versatile focal length for everyday shooting. From environmental portraits to street scenes, the lens adapts well, and you’ll appreciate the sharpness it delivers throughout the frame.

Image Quality

Pure Leica Magic

Here’s where the Q2 really shines. The 47.3 MP full-frame sensor offers unparalleled image quality for a compact camera. It captures an immense amount of detail, perfect for both large prints and cropping when necessary. The dynamic range is impressive, with rich highlights and deep shadows that provide excellent tonal depth.

The high resolution ensures that textures and fine details are displayed with exceptional clarity. When shooting in daylight, the Q2 produces images that are clean and virtually noise-free, even at higher ISOs. However, anything shot indoors at ISO levels above 6400 tends to show considerable graininess. The colors are vibrant, the contrast is strong, and the overall image quality reflects the standards of a top-tier Leica product. It is evident that the Q2's sensor is designed for professionals and enthusiasts who seek the highest level of quality in their photographs.

Autofocus & Performance

Fast and Accurate

Leica is renowned for its manual-focus legacy, yet the Q2 stands out with its hybrid autofocus system. It is fast and responsive, achieving precise focus. While it may not be as rapid as some mirrorless cameras, it performs well for street photography and capturing spontaneous moments, making it more than sufficient. Although the focus system successfully detects faces, it disappointingly lacks eye detection, which is surprising for such an expensive camera. The hybrid autofocus system combines contrast-detection and phase-detection, making it effective in low-light situations or when tracking moving subjects.

The camera is also impressively responsive overall, with quick startup times, fast shutter response, and minimal lag when adjusting settings. All of these elements contribute to the Q2 feeling incredibly fluid to shoot with, perfect for those who appreciate the immediacy and tactile control of a true photographer’s tool.

Battery Life & Usability

The battery life of the Q2 isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s more than sufficient for a full day of shooting. Expect around 300-350 shots per charge, which is typical for a compact full-frame camera. The camera also features a USB-C port for easy charging on the go, which is an added convenience.

As for the user interface, Leica keeps things clean and simple. There are no overwhelming menus, just a few intuitive settings that are easy to navigate. If you’ve ever used a Leica before, the Q2 will feel familiar right away. It’s all about creating an experience that allows you to focus on what’s important—capturing beautiful images—without distractions.

Video Capabilities

4K, But Not the Star of the Show

While the Q2 is primarily a stills-focused camera, it does offer 4K video recording at 30fps. The video quality is good, but it’s not the camera’s main selling point. The lack of advanced video features, such as high frame rates or 10-bit color depth, means that the Q2 is best suited for photographers who occasionally want to shoot video, but not for dedicated filmmakers.

That said, the video quality still benefits from the stunning 47.3 MP sensor, offering crisp, sharp footage with beautiful color. If you’re planning to capture cinematic-style shots or need the occasional video clip to accompany your photos, the Q2 won’t disappoint.

Final Thoughts

Is the Leica Q2 Worth It?

At its price point, the Leica Q2 isn’t for everyone. It’s a luxury camera, designed for those who appreciate the craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal of Leica. But if you’re someone who values image quality, tactile controls, and timeless design, the Q2 is a powerful and rewarding tool.

For street photographers, travel photographers, and enthusiasts who appreciate simplicity and stunning images, the Q2 is a dream. The 28mm lens, paired with the full-frame sensor, creates a beautiful photographic experience that’s hard to beat in this form factor. Sure, it’s expensive, but for those who understand the allure of Leica and the joy of shooting with such a precise instrument, it’s an investment that pays off in the form of exceptional photos and an unforgettable shooting experience.

Since the launch of the Lecia Q3, it is possible to find a used Q2 for approximately 2700 British pounds.

Pros:

• Superb image quality with 47.3 MP full-frame sensor
• Compact design and easy portability
• Excellent 28mm f/1.7 lens with sharp detail and beautiful bokeh
• Intuitive controls and manual dials for a classic shooting experience
• Robust build quality with weather-sealing

Cons:

• Expensive relative to other full-frame options
• Fixed 28mm lens may not be versatile for all users
• Limited video features for those focused on video production
• The fixed LCD screen is not ideal for street photographers.
• No Eye Focus on a camera costing in excess of £4,000
• Low Light and high ISO could be better

If you want a camera that features a high-end design, outstanding image quality, and the pleasure of manual shooting alongside easier autofocus, even though it may not match other top brands, the Leica Q2 is an excellent choice from every perspective.