Today, Leica has announced a new zoom lens addition to the SL-System lens lineup. The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH, priced at $3,295, offers photographers a constant fast aperture telephoto zoom option for the SL. The lens doesn't replace its more established big brother, the benchmark Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4 or the longer reach and lighter weight Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3. Rather, this new 70-200mm zoom lens is designed to supplement the roster.
Offering a slightly wider starting focal length of 70mm as well as a constant f/2.8 aperture over the entire zoom range, the new 70-200mm zoom lens will be a great option for landscape, wildlife, and travel photography. Designed to perfectly complement the the Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 and Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses, the 70-200mm is a welcome addition to the SL-System. Its range and fast aperture also makes the lens extremely useful for video and cine applications.
Along with the telephoto zoom lens, Leica is also launching its second telephoto extender, the Leica Extender L 2.0x. Compatible with both the new 70-200mm f/2.8 and the existing 100-400mm f/5-6.3, the extender increases the maximum reach of native SL lenses to 800mm on full frame and 1200mm when using the camera in APS mode. Of course, as is the case with any 2x tele extender, you will sacrifice 2 stops of aperture.
Adding both the Extender L 1.4x and the Extender L 2.0x to the 70-200mm lens would add a ton of versatility. Essentially, you'd have a 70-200mm f/2.8, 100-280 f/4 and a 140-400mm f/5.6, roughly mirroring the focal length coverage of both the 90-280mm and 100-400mm lenses at similar f-stops.
Lens Design
With an advanced optical design consisting of 20 elements in 15 groups, featuring six aspherical surfaces, the new 70-200mm lens offers excellent imaging performance at all focal lengths, distances and apertures. As with all SL lenses, the Vario-Elmarit features all-metal construction with full weather-sealing for even the toughest of conditions. Like the 14-24mm Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL and 24-70mm Vario-Elmarit-SL, this lens also provides a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. Minimum focus distance is just 0.65m at 70mm and 1m at 200mm, offering up a great close working distance and possibilities for lovely subject isolation.
In addition to quick and quiet autofocus, the 70-200mm features OIS, or optical image stabilization. When used on an original SL (Typ 601) the lens provides a 3.5 stops of effective stabilization. When used on SL2, SL2-S or SL3, all of which offer sensor-based IBIS, effective stabilization increases to around 6-stops. Autofocus is quick and quiet, with all internal focus and zoom operation. The lens also has an rotating tripod collar with removable tripod foot, which is Arca-Swiss compatible.
Sample Images
Leica supplied a few sample images taken with the Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH, all shot on the SL3. Click on the images for a larger view.
1/1,250th @ f/2.8, ISO 100
1/30th @ f/18, ISO 125
1/4,000th @ f/2.8, ISO 250
1/2,000th @ f/3.5, ISO 640
1/500th @ f/3.5, ISO 800
MTF Charts
Taking a look at the provided MTF charts for 70, 120 and 200mm, at f/2.8, f/5.6 and f/8, we can see that the lens is capable of resolving 40 lp/mm at about 90% contrast wide-open at all focal lengths. Aberrations are well-controlled and sharpness is consistent across the frame, only falling off slightly in the extreme corners. While not quite up to the reference class optical performance of the APO-Vario Elmarit-SL 90-280mm, the 70-200mm isn't too far off, while offering a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the range.
Pricing and Availability
Tech Specs
| Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH | |
| Angle of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) | 70mm: 33.4°/28.0°/18.9° | 200mm: 12.7°/10.6°/7.1° |
| Number of lenses/groups | 20/15 |
| Finish | Black Anodized |
| Position of entrance pupil | 70mm: 121. mm | 200mm: -11.5mm |
| Image stabilization | Multiple axis system, stabilization performance 3.5 shutter speed stages in accordance with CIPA testing conditions |
| Focusing range | 70mm: 0.65m to ∞ | 200mm: 1.00m to ∞ |
| Largest scale: Smallest object field | 70mm: 1:7.0 | 200mm: 1:5.1 Full-frame: 70mm: 169mm x 254mm | 200mm: 124mm x 185mm |
| Aperture | Electronically controlled aperture, setting on the camera, half or third values can also be set |
| Lowest value | f/22 |
| Bayonet fitting | Leica L bayonet fitting with contact strip |
| Filter thread | E82 |
| Coating | Hydrophobe Aqua-Dura® coating on external lenses |
| Length: Diameter | Approx. 207mm/259mm (without/with lens hood) Approx. 89mm/97mm (without/with lens hood) |
| Material | Magnesium and aluminum full-metal housing, black anodized, dust and splash water protected |
| Housing | The lens comes equipped with a tripod clamp and detachable tripod shoe. Only this specific tripod clamp must be used for shoots with tripod to avoid damage to the bayonet of the camera. |
| Weight | Approx. 1540 g/1670 g (without/with lens hood) |
| Scope of Delivery | Lens, lens hood, lens caps, lens bag, detachable tripod shoe |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Leica Extender L 2.0x | |
| Order Number | 16082 |
| Number of lenses/groups: | 8/4 |
| Finish: | Black Anodized |
| Compatible lenses: | Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3, Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH |
| Length: | Approx. 46.91mm |
| Diameter: | Approx. 66.51mm |
| Weight: | Approx. 220g |
| Scope of Delivery: | Lens cap, bayonet cap, bag, information flyer |
| Warranty: | 2 years |
Press Release
Leica unveils its final lens in its trio of lens series for the SL-System
New telephoto zoom lens with a focal length of 70–200mm and new 2.0x Extender expands the L-Mount portfolio.
Teaneck, September 5th, 2024. Leica lenses are renowned globally for their exceptional quality, with their legendary imaging performance based on more than 150 years of expertise in the manufacturing of optical instruments. The same applies to the new Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 f/2.8 ASPH.
Being the third zoom lens with an aperture of 2.8, the new Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 f/2.8 ASPH. completes the trio of lens series for the SL-System together with theLeica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14–24 f/2.8 ASPH. and the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70f/2.8 ASPH. This series allows for photographing and filming with a continuous aperture throughout the entire focal length range, from 14mm to 200mm. At the same time, Leica Camera AG introduces another extender for the SL lens portfolio. The Extender L 2.0x expands the creative potential of the SL system, reaching focal lengths up to 800mm.
With its classic telephoto zoom focal length, the new Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 f/2.8 ASPH. is ideally suited for impressive portrait shots. Thanks to its high aperture ratio throughout the entire zoom range and its excellent image stabilization, the new Vario lens is equally capable for event, sports and nature photography.Inside the lens, 20 elements arranged in 15 groups, including three lenses with aspherical surfaces, ensure razor-sharp, detailed images right into the corners of the frame across all focal lengths. Additionally, convenient handling is ensured by the internal focusing mechanism, maintaining its constant size at any focal length.
With the new Extender L 2.0x, which is available separately, the focal length of the telephoto Vario can be extended from 70–200mm to 140–400mm. It occupies minimal space on the go while offering endless creative opportunities.
The retail price for the new Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 f/2.8 ASPH. is $3,295.00 USD. The retail price for the Leica Extender L 2.0x is $995.00 USD. Both products are available globally at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorized dealers
I was so exited about the extender! But it will not support the APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 1:2,8-4/90-280 – What a disappointment!