Leica has introduced the Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm F2.8 ASPH telephoto zoom lens, part of its new professional F/2.8 zoom lens trio for full-frame L-mount cameras. Accompanying it is the Extender L 2.0x teleconverter, which extends the lens to 140-400mm F/5.6. Weighing 1,540 grams, the lens boasts a complex optical design and Leica claims it delivers exceptional image quality.
Photographers can use this telephoto lens for portrait, event, sports, and nature photography. It includes 20 elements in 15 groups, featuring three aspherical elements. Interestingly, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS Sports lens also has a similar optical layout with 20 elements in 15 groups and three aspherical elements. Both lenses feature an 11-blade diaphragm, are L-mount compatible, and offer the same maximum magnification factor, though the Sigma model is priced significantly lower.
The optical designs of the Sigma and Leica lenses closely resemble each other. The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm F2.8 ASPH features internal focusing, maintaining its physical length during focal length and focusing distance adjustments, which aids in video stabilization.
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f2.8 ASPH specifications
- Focal Length: 70 to 200mm
- Lens Mount: L-Mount
- Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
- Focus Type: Autofocus
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Angle of View: 33.4° to 12.7°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 25.59″ / 0.65 m
- Macro Reproduction Ratio: 1:5.1
- Optical Design: 20 Elements in 15 Groups
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Tripod Collar: Removable
- Tripod Mounting Thread: 1x 1/4″-20 Female
- Front Filter Size: 82 mm
- Dimensions (ø x L): 3.5 x 8.1″ / 89 x 207 mm
- Weight: 3.4 lb / 1540 g
Leica promises sharpness from corner to corner at all focal lengths. Additionally, the lens design aligns with the style of other L-mount Leica lenses. The lens body is constructed from magnesium and aluminum, featuring focal length markings at 70, 90, 120, 160, and 200mm. Moreover, it includes a removable tripod shoe. It is also dust and splash-resistant, thanks to the Hydrophobe Aqua-Dura coating on the front element.
Weighing 1,540 grams without the hood, the Leica lens is about 200 grams heavier than the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS Sports, which weighs 1,345 grams. Both lenses are approximately 205 mm in length.
Physically, the Leica lens differs from the Sigma model, lacking a separate aperture ring and physical controls. Functions such as focus and aperture adjustments are managed through the camera.
Price and release date
With the release of the new telephoto lens for the L-mount system, three similar options (70-200mm f/2.8) are now available. Among these, the most budget-friendly choice is the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports, which is priced at $1,471. In contrast, the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH is significantly more expensive at $3,295.
You can pre-order the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH for $3,295 from B&H Photo Video and Adorama.
Leica also introduced the Extender L 2.0x teleconverter, priced at $995 on Bhphotovideo and Adorama. Sigma’s 2x teleconverter is available for $429, and Panasonic’s for $598.
Like the Sigma 2x teleconverter, Leica’s new model features eight elements in eight groups, though Leica has not disclosed the optical design details.
Leica has provided sample images showcasing the new Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. The samples highlight the lens’s high-quality autofocus, which is both fast and precise.
The lineup of fast zoom lenses from Leica is now complete. This includes the Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH, the Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH, and, most notably, the new telephoto zoom.
