A visual review | the Leica Q2 in everyday portraiture.

*Part 1, a full review of the Leica Q2 and the hands on experience of it in low light street is here.

Following up from Part 1, I have received questions about this slightly below USD 5500 camera, where readers have a legit question of: 

‘Given that the camera can cost a small fortune, is it only suitable for shooting street? With a fixed 28mm lens, is it good for portraits, landscape or even the everyday daily moments?”

The Leica Q2 comes with a fixed 28mm F1.7 Summilux glass that is crazily good.

 

f2, ISO100

Yes , with the new sensor/processor plus the excellent optics, details are so good that I can see myself with the Q2 in the reflection of her eyes.

 

For the purpose of being fair, I am not going to give the easy answer of: “One can simply shoot in the digital crop modes of 35, 50 and 75mm should one prefer a focal length generally deemed more suitable for portraits” because i understand that: 

The digital crops on the Leica Q2’s 47.3 megapixel images are surely useful, but I understand that some of us may prefer not having to crop. 

 

How the crop modes are presented on the Q2. 

Hence in this article, I will be sharing on some snaps I managed to obtain during my very short time with the Q2 review set a few weeks ago, just to show that it is not just do-able, but actually the 28mm world presents it’s own perspectives in portraiture and everyday moments, and is more than capable of being an all-rounder camera, save where needs are very specific like well.. maybe for example trying to photograph a lion’s portrait at 30cm distance.

 

Disclaimer.

1. All images (including those of the camera) shared here were photographed by me and edited in Lightroom to my preferences. I worked with the DNG files during my edits.
2. The Leica Q2 was loaned from the supportive team at Leica Camera AG, Singapore for a week for the review. I was not paid in any form and the camera returned at the end of the review. 

 

f2, ISO100

 

f2.8, ISO100

 

f2, ISO100

 

f2, ISO100

 

f4, ISO1000 

 

f4, ISO1250 (natural light) 

 

There are times where the Q2’s electronic shutter (up to 1/40 000s) proved immensely useful shooting in strong light, allowing me to utilise a large aperture value for separation without the use of a ND filter. After all, I am pretty sure most will purchase a Summilux lens to use it at the larger apertures. 

It is obvious that the samples provided here could have presented even more versatility with a paid model in a studio with lighting or even a posed setting, however I didn’t have the luxury of time for arrangements due to the tight deadline for return.

 

f1.7, ISO100

However I can say one thing with certainty, which is the Leica Q2’s combination of newly developed sensor and processor works very well in tandem with the 28mm Summilux glass, and more than able to deliver my needs. 

If anything, my only regret is not having more time with the Q2 review set to do more portraits in different settings. 

Thank you for reading.