CameraReview
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH
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Leica · Leica L mount

Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH

From $3,421.52 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandLeica
Announcement dateSep 2024
Released2024
Production started2024
Production statusIn Production
What We Like
+Constant f/2.8 aperture throughout entire focal range enables fast shutter speeds and subject isolation
+3.5 stops of optical image stabilization provides stable handheld telephoto shooting
+Excellent optical performance with 20 elements including 3 aspherical surfaces; sharpness consistent across frame at all focal lengths
+Premium build quality with all-metal construction, Aqua-Dura coating, and dust/splash protection
+Completes Leica's Trinity series providing f/2.8 constant aperture from 14-200mm with complementary lenses
+Versatile 70-200mm focal length ideal for portraiture, sports, wildlife, and event photography
Worth Knowing
Significant weight of 1540g without hood limits handheld shooting endurance for extended sessions
Premium pricing at $3295 positions it as expensive option in telephoto zoom category
Excellent minimum focusing distance at 200mm (1m) but some may prefer closer macro-style focus capabilities
Internal zoom mechanism means focal length cannot be quickly previewed by physical lens extension

General

Brand
Leica
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Sep 2024
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2024
Production started
2024
Production status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Read our notes on general
The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH is a fast telephoto zoom lens with a constant aperture throughout the entire zoom range. Three aspherical elements within the lens reduce various optical aberrations and 3.5 stops of optical image stabilization allow for reliable, razor-sharp results across the entire frame. Its design and superior image quality make this lens a top choice for portrait, sport, nature, and event photography. The Leica Vario-Elmarit 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH lens can be Recommended, offering professional-grade optics with excellent optical performance but requiring commitment to Leica's premium SL ecosystem.

Optics

Focal length
70-200mm
Zoom ratio
2.9x
Max aperture
f/2.8 (constant)
Lens elements
20 elements in 15 groups
Aspherical surfaces
3
Low dispersion elements
7

Focus

Focusing mechanism
internal focusing
Minimum focus distance 70mm
0.65m
Minimum focus distance 200mm
1m
Autofocus
Yes

Image stabilization

Type
optical image stabilization
Stops
3.5

Mount

Compatible systems
Leica SL, Panasonic S, Sigma fp

Build

Construction material
magnesium/aluminum alloy
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
dust and splash protected
Coating
Aqua-Dura
Filter thread
82mm
Length without hood
207mm
Length with hood
259mm
Diameter without hood
89mm
Diameter with hood
97mm
Weight without hood
1540g
Weight with hood
1670g

Features

Zoom type
The design or approach to zooming
internal zoom
Tripod mount
ARCA-SWISS compatible detachable tripod shoe
Extender compatibility
Leica Extender L 1.4x and L 2.0x
Maximum reach with 2x extender
400mm
Video focus
quiet focusing for video

Pricing

Usd msrp
$3295

Physical

Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Leica L