p.1 #1 · Replace my 28-70 f/2 on my R3 with a Leica Q3 43 or something similar?
I posted this in the Leica forum but thought I'd post in the Canon one as well to get some feedback from other canon users.
It took some getting used to, but I love my R3 and how fast it can focus and track my subjects. I do find it cumbersome though and my kids seem to hate when I haul it out to take their pictures. My go to walk around lens is a 28-70 f/2. I was thinking of selling that lens and purchasing a Q3 43. I would keep the R3 for other action photography (wildlife, kids sports, etc.) but use the Q3 43 as my walk around camera with the hopes I would get more pictures day to day. Anyone else have thoughts on that or done something similar? Other canon lenses I have are a EF 50 1.2, EF 85 1.2, EF 70-200 2.8 IS II, and 200-400 f/4.
p.1 #2 · Replace my 28-70 f/2 on my R3 with a Leica Q3 43 or something similar?
If simple compactness is the goal, you could also consider an R8 with the RF 50 1.8 or EF 40 2.8 pancake. The EF 40 is a lovely lens, though it is slower than the 43mm lens in the Leica. There is also the RF 45mm 1.2, but then you have a bigger piece of kit.
I use the EG-E1 extension grip with my R8 which I find improves the ergonomics substantially.
The R8 doesn't have a 60MP sensor, but if you are happy with the R3, you will find the R8 image quality to be excellent. The camera shares the sensor tech with the R6 Mark II, with great color science, and I find the files exceptionally easy to work with in Lightroom.
The R8 can be found refurbished for $1050 or so when on sale.
All that said, the R8 will not have the same cachet as the Leica, and there may be intangibles that play into your decision. I still have my Leica M3 and have a great appreciation for the Leica legacy. I imagine the Leica Q3 43 would be a great option if cost is no object and you will never want to use any other lens.
p.1 #3 · Replace my 28-70 f/2 on my R3 with a Leica Q3 43 or something similar?
I went through something similar. Used to haul a 1dx2 out for family stuff and it was too imposing. I tried going with nifty 50 on an R5 as mentioned above, and I couldn't really commit to it when I had better lenses in the bag. So I picked up a second hand Q2 a couple of years back, and absolutely love it. They're significantly slower cameras than any of the modern Canon stuff, but they're plenty capable. I haven't shot the 43, so I can't speak on it, but the 28mm has absolutely no business being as good as it is.
p.1 #4 · Replace my 28-70 f/2 on my R3 with a Leica Q3 43 or something similar?
Thanks guys. Yeah, I didn't want to get another canon body because it would seem to me that I was missing out by not using my other lenses. Just looking for something simpler and easy to grab and go with. I'm a bit hesitant to commit without the autofocus I have been familiar with on my canon cameras. I won't get rid of the R3 but would probably get rid of the 28-70 f/2 to help pay for the Leica.
p.1 #5 · Replace my 28-70 f/2 on my R3 with a Leica Q3 43 or something similar?
It's pretty different. In my limited time with a Q3-28, I found the face/person detection a little confusing. I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of who the Canon system is going to target, and when, so my bias is alive and well, but the Q3 had squares all over the screen and seemingly a mind of it's own. I found myself turning the subject detection off and trusting zone/point focusing instead.
The 43 didn't make a lot of sense to me as my absolute favorite part of the Q series is the 28mm lens. It's a small camera, with a very quiet leaf shutter, in rangefinder format so your face doesn't get fully covered; making it one of the least disruptive cameras out there. Paired with a wider field of view, and I've found it to be the best camera to photograph situations you are a part of, something I (personally) don't think the 43mm would handle as well.
I think this one frame covers everything I love about it. The table is full, but the camera is small enough to not be cumbersome. 28 includes everyone sitting across from me. AF is fast enough to grab what I wanted before anyone else noticed I pulled the camera up. It's Leica glass, so it's beautiful wide open. It's very well built, so there's no worry of a drink getting spilled on it. And it's just and out-of-camera jpeg.
That being said, in my opinion you should rent one before moving a lens for it. While they are special cameras, they are pretty specialized. You'll know in the first few outings if it's for you or not. They're great when you're sitting in the scene you want to photograph.. for everything else you have your R3.
p.1 #6 · Replace my 28-70 f/2 on my R3 with a Leica Q3 43 or something similar?
What an awesome picture Kyle, thanks for sharing it along with your insight. We are on a little getaway right now and with my R3 today and 28-70 f/2 I shot different times using only a 28mm and another at 43. I started to think that the 28mm might be a better fit, especially with the crops I can do with it to still get closer if need be. The kids again today kept getting annoyed every time I pointed the camera and lens at them. We did the Manitou incline hike today and there was a lot of time I wish I didn't have the beast hanging around my neck the whole time but it did take fabulous photos.
p.1 #7 · Replace my 28-70 f/2 on my R3 with a Leica Q3 43 or something similar?
I apologize in advance for coming in and photo-bombing your thread.. You're speaking to the exact reasons why I wanted one of these cameras as well.
The littles being annoyed with their parents for taking their photo is (or was for me at least) part of the core character development, so I can't really help you there. But I did mention earlier that the range finder style keeps your face involved in the picture-taking-process, and that has a little intangible help built into it. I noticed it going from a 1d to an R5, and even more so going to an even smaller camera, that people are more comfortable in front of a less scary big camera. You can prove this by pointing a disposable film camera at someone, they immediately know what to do in front of it. While we see an R3 and a 28-70 and think "hell yeah, image quality," the average person just sees big camera = scary.
I'll take it to follow the littles around and hardly anyone notices.
It's my favorite BTS camera to bring to work.
I mentioned the camera being slower than modern Canon mirrorless, but I trust it during a wedding recessional. This couple was looking at me when I was using my Canon stuff, but the moment they saw my "pro" stuff go to my side and my "little dad-cam" come up, I got proper candids instead.
This obviously isn't candid, but the 28mm for street photo..
You mentioned wanting a day-to-day camera. This is something I take with me to get drinks, or to a concert, or just to see friends.
That last one, I was genuinely impressed with how well the AF handled a dark, but brightly back lit situation.
The final piece I'll add to this is how the every-day person that isn't a photographer is very timid to be handed a DSLR or mirrorless camera- especially something the size of a full body canon. To people that don't know what they are, the Q series do such a good job disguising themselves as a less serious camera, that they're willing to tinker with them. So here's some random frames that random people have taken of/around me with it.
I'd write this camera a love letter if I could. And if I'm going on a hike, I'm absolutely choosing the 28mm
Edit: It's also worth mentioning that the only regret I might have is not getting the monochrome version. While I'm happy that I have color version raw options of all of these, the camera lives on a black and white jpeg mode, and that's exactly as I use them.
p.1 #8 · Replace my 28-70 f/2 on my R3 with a Leica Q3 43 or something similar?
Have you considered renting one first to see if you like it? In the past, many folks here on FM have suggested this to me, but I went ahead and purchased whatever camera I was thinking of at the time. I have purchased many cameras and lenses based on specs, reviews and assumptions. Many of them did not live up to the hype, so I ended up selling them (Nikon D750, Canon 6dmk2, R7, Ricoh GRIII, and my latest regret; a Sony A7iv).
The idea of renting before buying is not so much about saving money as it is about the disappointment of not getting that ideal camera one hoped it would be.
p.1 #9 · Replace my 28-70 f/2 on my R3 with a Leica Q3 43 or something similar?
Oh man, these are great Kyle! Exactly the kind of stuff I was looking for with some real world application. I'm excited to give this camera a try. I may rent one but I'm not sure honestly how much I can cram into one week or two of ownership with it as I'm busy with work and other things to fully sit down and dive into it.
Jan 03, 2026 at 08:03 AM
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p.1 #10 · Replace my 28-70 f/2 on my R3 with a Leica Q3 43 or something similar?
The R3 isn't heavy, for what it is, but a pro sports body and industry leading f/2 FF mid range zoom expected to be on the heavy side.
p.1 #11 · Replace my 28-70 f/2 on my R3 with a Leica Q3 43 or something similar?
I regret selling my 28-70/f2. I had similar reasons: it's too big and heavy for a walk around lens, I'm not a wedding photographer, I also have the 50/1.2, etc. But as soon as I sold it I missed the "look" it renders. Also, when I look back at my archive the majority of photos I took with the lens were either at 70mm or 28mm, so I essentially used it as two lenses. Having something in the middle wouldn't be as versatile for me.
p.1 #12 · Replace my 28-70 f/2 on my R3 with a Leica Q3 43 or something similar?
I'd second what garyvot said above and try an R8 and 40mm (or there's an RF 35mm f1.8).
The R8 is very compact and light, but VERY capable.
My public service announcement: When I'm just walking around, or doing photos in the house, I use a wrist strap and it's small footprint.
I'm a hardcore strap user. I cringe when I see someone carrying a 'bare' camera in their hand.
I've had a strap save my gear more than once. I use a basic BlackRapid when I'm working and I love it.
Really takes the weight off your neck and I can go for hours with a bigger lens.
Another option is Lumix. I had Panasonic/Lumix for a few years, and not only do they have models with Leica lenses, but they're very compact and take terrific images. The S9 is a full-frame body, and they also make m43 bodies. You have the options of a wide variety of Panasonic/Lumix, Leica, Olympus, Sigma, etc., lenses.
For me, my iPhone 16 Pro serves me well for a walk-around camera. I'm a big fan of Scott Kelby, and he shows ways to squeeze the best results out of your phone that would surprise you.
