Leica SL 70-200mm F2.8: the trio of F2.8 zoom lenses is now complete

We often associate the manufacturer Leica with its legendary rangefinder camera, the Leica M which is in its eleventh generation (Leica M11) but the manufacturer also offers hybrids with a more “conventional” design. This is the SL series, with for example the SL3the latest addition to the range launched in March 2024.

The Leica SL series mirrorless cameras use the L mount common with the Lumix S and Sigma bodies. It was Leica who designed this L mount in 2014 (we were talking about the T mount then) and who was at the origin of the L-Mount Alliance.

The new Vario-Elmarit SL 70-200mm F2.8 ASPH zoom. is developed in L mount and could possibly be used with a Lumix hybrid (such as the S5 II) or Sigma. It covers the 24×36 mm format so if it is used on a Leica APS-C hybrid, like the Leica CLa conversion coefficient of 1.5X must be applied to obtain the equivalent focal length range: 105-300 mm.

A 70-200mm zoom lens is a must-have lens for many photographers and it perfectly complements the Vario-Elmarit SL 24-70mm F2.8 ASPH. and Super-Vario-Elmarit SL 14–24mm F2.8 ASPH. Already in the Leica catalog. This focal length range is ideal for taking, for example, portraits or action photos in sports or wildlife. To see even further, the lens is also compatible with Leica 1.4X or 2X focal length converters. We can go up to 400 mm.

This lens has the enormous advantage of enjoying a bright constant F2.8 aperture. This allows you to play effectively with the depth of field (the famous artistic blur), to maintain a trio of exposures whatever the focal length and to not have to increase the ISO too much in low light conditions.

The new Leica Vario-Elmarit SL 70-200mm F2.8 is based on a complex optical formula consisting of 20 elements divided into 15 groups with 3 spherical elements for maximum optical performance and 7 low dispersion elements. It is equipped with optical stabilization.

In terms of construction and ergonomics, we find a constant footprint design with a length of approximately 20 cm, a diameter of 9 cm. On the scale we can read 1.54 kg and we can count on the presence of a tripod fixing collar to relieve the mount of the device. Designed for the terrain, it is protected against bad weather. There is a manual focus ring and a zoom adjustment ring.

Availability and price

The new Leica Vario-Elmarit SL 70-200mm F2.8 ASPH. is priced at €3,215 and the new Leica Extender L 2.0x is priced at €940.

This is not the only constant 70-200mm F2.8 in L mount on the market. There is also the recent Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports launched at a price of €1,699 and the Lumix S Pro 70-200 mm f/2.8 OIS model offered at €2,799. The Leica is the most expensive as usual.