The much anticipated Japanese-made Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 is introduced today. This is the first of what many hope will be a range of smaller, lighter zooms for the SL2 and SL2-S.
Unlike the existing variable-aperture 24-90 mm SL zoom, the 24-70 features a constant aperture of f/2.8, something which videographers, in particular, will welcome.
At 856 g, the 24-70 is 284 g lighter than its bigger brother. The 24-90 is 138 mm long compared with the 123 mm of the newcomer. A full specification is included in the press material below.
The 24-70 mm features 19 elements in 15 groups with six aspherical surfaces. There is no built-in image stabilisation.
Although the new 24-70 is manufactured in Japan by a third party, the construction appears to be well up to Leica standards, and the appearance of the lens is identical to the existing line-up.
The body is all metal, and it even sports a metal hood, in contrast to the plastic attachment of the more expensive Leica Vario-Elmarit 24-90. The lens is weather sealed.
The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 mm ASPH will be on sale from today at the cost of £2,300, including tax in the UK. This compares with the £3,845 asking price for the 24-90 zoom.
The lens will also be sold in a kit with the SL2 and SL2-S with an overall saving of £500 in either case.
Leica is not disclosing the manufacturer of the new 24-70, although the company has enjoyed a successful relationship with several specialist companies in the past. Most rumours point towards Sigma, which seems likely since Sigma is the chosen L-Mount Alliance lens partner.
Sample Gallery
All images in this article by Leica Camera AG (click to enlarge)
PRESS RELEASE AND SPECIFICATION
Our donations link is now back in action
Apologies to all readers who have tried to donate in the past four weeks and found the message “this site can’t accept donations”. PayPal changed the rules a didn’t tell us, so we had no idea anything was wrong. We have now sorted this out. If you wish to make a small donation, we will be genuinely grateful. We are a non-commercial site, funded personally by the editorial team. Any assistance is appreciated.
LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-SL 1:2.8/24–70 ASPH.
Free for release after: 6th May 2021, 3pm (CEST)
Leica releases a new, universal zoom lens – and launches two lens-and-camera sets for SL-System newcomers.
Wetzlar, 6th May 2021. Leica Camera is expanding the Leica SL lens portfolio with the addition of a new, powerful zoom lens. The extensive focal range and consistent high light sensitivity of f/2.8 makes the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. the quintessential universal lens. The lens is ideal for reportage, travel, studio, architectural and landscape photography as well as portraits, close-ups, and video productions. Thanks to its excellent price-performance ratio, it also represents a perfect opportunity to upgrade to the SL-System. The two new lens-and- camera sets are also aimed specifically at newcomers to the SL-System.
The elaborate lens design includes 19 elements in 15 groups and a total of three elements feature aspherical surfaces on both sides, ensuring an outstanding optical performance. Nine specialist-glass elements with anomalous partial dispersion provide excellent chromatic correction across the entire focal range. The internal focus is based on a single, light-weight lens element, and utilises a quiet stepper motor to deliver a fast and precise autofocus. With its robust metal body and ingress protection against water spray and dust, the Vario-Elmarit- SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. can even be used in harsh environmental conditions.
The absence of in-lens optical image stabilisation permits the dimensions of the Vario-Elmarit- SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. to be compact and refined. When the lens is mounted on the SL2 or SL2- S, the camera’s suspended image sensor provides highly effective image stabilisation proving effective in still photography and video recordings. The aperture of the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24– 70 f/2.8 ASPH. includes 11 blades – allowing a harmonious, circular bokeh. The minimum focusing distance of just 18 centimetres from the sensor plane (at the shortest focal length)
and 38 centimetres (at the longest focal length) ensures exceptionally high-quality images even when shooting at close range.
The Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 ASPH. lens, priced at £2,300, as well as two lens-and-camera sets (the SL2-S with the new lens priced at £5,850, and the Leica SL2 with the new lens, priced at £7,200) are available at Leica retail stores and online at https://uk.leica-camera.com/.
Technical data:
| Lens | Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 ASPH. |
| Angle of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) | @24mm: 82.3° / 72.1° / 51.8° @70mm: 35.3° / 29.6° / 20.0° |
| Optical design Number of elements/groups Number of aspherical lenses/surfaces Position of entrance pupil in front of the bayonet flange | 19/15 3/6 @24mm: 88.6mm @70mm: 57.1mm |
| Focusing Working range | @24mm: 0.18m to infinity @70mm: 0.38m to infinity |
| Smallest object field | @24mm: 69 x 104mm @70mm: 108 x 162mm |
| Largest reproduction ratio | @24mm: 1:2.9 @70mm: 1:4.5 |
| Aperture Settings/functions Aperture setting range Smallest aperture | Electronically controlled iris, setting with the camera click wheel control 2.8-22 22 |
| Bayonet/sensor format | Leica L-bayonet, full-frame 35 mm format |
| Filter thread | E82 |
| Dimensions and weight Length to bayonet flange Largest diameter Weight | 123 mm 88 mm 856 g |
Our donations link is now back in action
Apologies to all readers who have tried to donate in the past four weeks and found the message “this site can’t accept donations”. PayPal changed the rules a didn’t tell us, so we had no idea anything was wrong. We have now sorted this out. If you wish to make a small donation, we will be genuinely grateful. We are a non-commercial site, funded personally by the editorial team. Any assistance is appreciated.
Now where is the Jono review? I trust his view.
I see his review was just posted – I must be psychic.
You certainly are – at 3.57 I suddenly got this irresistible urge to start writing!
Not quite identical…the zoom ring rotation is the opposite of the 24-90mm. Guessing few of us will use both!
I think Aussie-style zooming is common on lenses such as Sigma…
That’s good! does it swap around when you go over the equator?
It’s a pleasure, Jono and thanks for providing everything in advance. Some great pictures in this review and the results from this lens should satisfy most users. It would be good to see a comparison between Leica’s, Sigma’s and Panasonic’s offerings in this 24-70 range. Who’s going to volunteer?