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
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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 |
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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?