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

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

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Mount
KEY FACTS
BrandLeica
Release Year2024
Production StatusIn Production
Lens MountLeica L
SystemLeica L
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
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
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.

Physical

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

Optics

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
1:5.1
Autofocus Mode
Yes
Manual Mode
Yes
Manual Focusing Ring
Yes

Features

Weather Sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Built In Lens Hood
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

Construction

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
Internal Focusing
Internal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate.
Yes