Leica launches Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 ASPH

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.

All images in this article by Leica Camera AG (click to enlarge)

PRESS RELEASE AND SPECIFICATION



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:

LensVario-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 formatLeica L-bayonet, full-frame 35 mm format
Filter threadE82
Dimensions and weight
Length to bayonet
flange
Largest diameter
Weight

123 mm
88 mm
856 g


7 COMMENTS

        • 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?

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