Leica
SL (Typ 601)
Original L-mount full-frame mirrorless that launched Leica's SL system before SL2/SL3.
$7,450
Launch priceReleased Oct 2015
Leica
SL2
47MP L-mount body before the SL3 generation.
$5,895
Launch priceReleased Nov 2019
SL2 is 4.1 years newer.
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Wins
SL (Typ 601)
Wins
SL2
16 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BSL2 has higher Resolution (47.3 MP vs 24 MP)
- BSL2 has lower Weight (720 g vs 847 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareSL (Typ 601)
147 × 104 × 39 mm
847 g (1.87 lb / 29.88 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
SL2
138 × 98 × 88 mm
720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
SL (Typ 601) is 49mm thinner than SL2 but it is also 9mm wider and 6mm taller.
SL (Typ 601) is 127 g heavier than SL2.
Depth (front-to-back): 39mm SL (Typ 601) · 88mm SL2
Sensor size, to scale
SL (Typ 601)
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
SL2
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
SL (Typ 601)
✓ more lensesLeica L
80+
native lenses available
SL2
✓ more lensesLeica L
80+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
SL (Typ 601)
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 147, 104, 39.2
Reasons to choose
SL2
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 138, 98, 88
Resolution
47.3 MP vs 24 MP — higher is better
Weight
720 g vs 847 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 49
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
SL (Typ 601)
Pros
- ✓First Leica SL body
- ✓24MP full-frame
- ✓Rugged build
- ✓L-mount foundation
Cons
- –Heavy
- –Slow AF by modern standards
- –Superseded by SL2/SL3
SL2
Pros
- ✓47MP
- ✓L-mount
- ✓Leica quality
Cons
- –Superseded
- –Heavy
- –Expensive
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the SL (Typ 601) and SL2 at major authorized retailers.
Leica SL (Typ 601)
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, SL (Typ 601) or SL2?
SL2 scores 8.5/10 versus 7.0/10 for SL (Typ 601) — 47.3MP — excellent for prints up to 24×36".
What's the resolution difference between the SL (Typ 601) and SL2?
SL (Typ 601) is 24 MP and SL2 is 47.3 MP, so the SL2 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the SL (Typ 601) and SL2 have in-body image stabilization?
SL (Typ 601) has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while SL2 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the SL (Typ 601) or the SL2?
SL (Typ 601) reaches 20 fps electronic. SL2 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the SL (Typ 601) and SL2?
SL (Typ 601) weighs 847 g and SL2 weighs 720 g, so the SL2 is 127 g lighter.
Do the SL (Typ 601) and SL2 record 4K video?
SL (Typ 601): 4K up to 60p. SL2: 4K up to 60p.
Are the SL (Typ 601) and SL2 weather sealed?
SL (Typ 601): Yes. SL2: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the SL (Typ 601) and 640 shots for the SL2, giving the SL2 the edge.
How much does each cost?
SL (Typ 601) launched at $7,450 and SL2 at $5,895. The SL2 is $1,555 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way SL (Typ 601) vs SL2 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.