Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH
Leica · 70–200 mm · f/2.8 · Image Stabilization
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
74
SCORE /100
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 | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe 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. | |
| Brand | Leica |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
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 |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Leica L |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical64/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 1540 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 89 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 207 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 82 mm |
Optics83/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 70–200 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 2.8 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 33.4°–12.7° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 20 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 11020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups |  Yes |
Zoom Mechanism ⓘSystem enabling zoom function |  Manual |
Zoom Ring ⓘIf zooming is adjusted using a zoom ring |  Yes |
Zoom Type ⓘThe design or approach to zooming |  Rotary |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 65 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.2x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features71/100 | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Petal |
Zoom Lock ⓘZoom lock allows the zoom ring to be locked at the desired focal length | No |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification |  Yes |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
IS Efficiency ⓘIS efficiency refers to the effectiveness of the image stabilization system in compensating for the blurring effects of camera shake, quantified by the number of stops of stabilization it provides. | 3.5 stops |
Construction54/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 20 |
| Groups | 15 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 3 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 7 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |