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 SL3, the latest addition to the range launched in March 2024.
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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, such as the Leica CL, a 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.
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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 70-200 mm 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.
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Introducing the Leica SL Series: Picture Perfect, Price Perfect…ly High!
Ah, Leica! The brand synonymous with premium photography gear — imagine the kind of camera you could use to take stunning photos — or just to document your brunch from a dozen angles. The latest addition to their SL series, the SL3, has made its grand entrance in March 2024, and it’s as fancy as a French pastry at a gallery opening.
The SL Series: A Camera for All Seasons
When we think Leica, we usually picture the iconic rangefinder M series, now impressively on its eleventh version. But fear not, dear aspiring photographers! Leica also conjures up the SL series — their hybrid mirrorless wonderland. It’s like they decided to take a detour from the meticulously old-school and saunter into something that’s just a smidge more modern. The SL3 could easily fit in with the Lumix S and Sigma crowd, thanks to its L mount, which Leica designed back in 2014 when we were still debating whether to upgrade our flip phones.
Zoom Zoom: The Vario-Elmarit 70-200mm F2.8 ASPH — No, It’s Not a Sports Car!
That’s right, the real highlight is the new Vario-Elmarit SL 70-200mm F2.8 ASPH zoom lens. It’s designed to make you feel like a sports photographer—whether you spend your weekends photographing wildlife or just your mate’s kids on the playground. This lens is versatile enough to convince anyone you know what you’re doing, even if your last photo was merely capturing a blurry cat.
With a constant F2.8 aperture, this lens lets you flaunt some artistic blur — the kind of depth of field that could make a potato look like the next art installation. But wait, there’s more! Want to go far? You can slap on a Leica 1.4X or 2X converter and get that focal length cranked up to 400mm! Perfect for stalkerish wildlife photography or just keeping tabs on who’s giving you the evil eye across the park.
Technical Tidbits: For the Nerds Among Us
This beautifully crafted lens is the result of a mind-boggling optical formula—20 elements in 15 groups, including 3 spherical and 7 low dispersion elements. It’s basically the equivalent of what you’d find in a high-end Swiss watch…except instead of telling time, it helps you capture your buddy’s face when he realizes the ‘perfect shot’ was actually of a tree.
Constructed to withstand bad weather (perfect for those spontaneous adventures), this hefty lens weighs in at a solid 1.54 kg. So, if you decide to carry this monster around all day, consider investing in a solid gym membership or start rocking the one-arm carry like you’re training for a marathon.
Availability and Price: The Price Is Right… For Some
Now, let’s get to the bigger question—how much are we talking? The Leica Vario-Elmarit SL 70-200mm F2.8 ASPH comes in at a staggering €3,215. That’s right, you could either buy that or invest it into some cryptocurrency that could turn out to be another digital scam! Meanwhile, for those of you who believe in a more budget-friendly option, the Sigma and Lumix offerings come in at €1,699 and €2,799 respectively. You know, just casual savings of over €1,500. You could almost take a weekend trip to Paris with that difference!
In summary, if you’ve got a penchant for luxury gear, impressive optical performance, and a willingness to see your bank account dwindle faster than your motivation to go to the gym in January, the Leica SL series is here to help you capture life’s finest moments—one overpriced lens at a time.
So, who’s ready to embrace the art of photography, or at least make every brunch look divine? 📸
While Leica is renowned for its iconic M series rangefinder cameras, now in its illustrious eleventh generation with the Leica M11, the manufacturer also caters to modern photographers through its innovative SL series. The latest addition, the SL3, made its debut in March 2024, showcasing a blend of cutting-edge technology and traditional design.
The SL series mirrorless cameras leverage the versatile L mount, which is compatible with lenses from both Lumix S and Sigma. This mount was ingeniously designed by Leica in 2014, originally known as the T mount, and has since led to the formation of the L-Mount Alliance, promoting cross-brand lens compatibility.
The newly unveiled Vario-Elmarit SL 70-200mm F2.8 ASPH zoom lens is intricately engineered for the L mount, enhancing photographic versatility and enabling its use with Lumix hybrids like the S5 II or Sigma bodies. This exceptional lens supports the full 24×36 mm format, and when mounted on a Leica APS-C hybrid like the Leica CL, a conversion coefficient of 1.5X results in an equivalent focal length range of 105-300 mm, expanding creative possibilities.
A 70-200mm zoom lens has become an essential tool for countless photographers, serving a wide range of applications from captivating portraiture to dynamic sports and wildlife imagery. It is the perfect companion to the already available Vario-Elmarit SL 24-70mm F2.8 ASPH and the Super-Vario-Elmarit SL 14–24mm F2.8 ASPH lenses within the Leica catalog. Additionally, for those looking to extend their reach, this lens is compatible with the Leica 1.4X or 2X focal length converters, allowing photographers to achieve an impressive focal length of up to 400 mm.
The standout feature of this lens is its consistent bright F2.8 aperture, which empowers photographers to masterfully manipulate depth of field for stunning artistic blur. This constant aperture also facilitates exposure consistency across all focal lengths, minimizing the need for elevated ISO settings in low-light scenarios, thus preserving image quality.
Constructed upon a sophisticated optical formula, the new Leica Vario-Elmarit SL 70-200mm F2.8 consists of 20 elements organized into 15 groups, incorporating 3 spherical elements that ensure superior optical performance and 7 low dispersion elements that combat chromatic aberration. Furthermore, it boasts integrated optical stabilization to enhance image clarity even at vast focal lengths.
The lens features a robust and ergonomic design with stable dimensions, measuring approximately 20 cm in length and 9 cm in diameter. Weighing in at 1.54 kg, it includes a tripod fixing collar that alleviates the burden on the camera mount, making it ideal for prolonged, demanding shoot sessions. Crafted for outdoor use, the lens is fortified against adverse weather conditions. Photographers will appreciate the tactile experience offered by the manual focus ring and the frictionless zoom adjustment ring.
Availability and price
The new Leica Vario-Elmarit SL 70-200mm F2.8 ASPH lens comes with a price tag of €3,215, while the complementary Leica Extender L 2.0x retails for €940, catering to those looking to enhance their shooting capabilities.
In the competitive landscape of L mount lenses, the Leica option stands out as the premium choice, although it is not the only constant 70-200mm F2.8 available. The recent Sigma 70-200 mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports lens is offered at a more accessible price of €1,699, while the Lumix S Pro 70-200 mm f/2.8 OIS is listed at €2,799. True to its reputation, Leica maintains its position as the most expensive option on the market.
P>The optical design of the Leica Vario-Elmarit SL 70-200mm F2.8 ASPH is a testament to advanced engineering, boasting 20 elements arranged in 15 groups, including 3 spherical elements for improved image quality and 7 low dispersion elements to minimize chromatic aberration. This lens also features optical stabilization to enhance image sharpness, which is especially beneficial in dynamic shooting environments.
In terms of build quality and ergonomics, Leica has crafted this lens with durability in mind. It has a compact length of around 20 cm and a diameter of 9 cm, making it relatively manageable for a telephoto lens. Weighing in at 1.54 kg, it provides a solid feel in hand while the included tripod collar offers stability for extended shoots. Additionally, the lens is designed to withstand challenging weather conditions, ensuring that photographers can pursue their craft without worry.
Conclusion: A Premium Choice for Dedicated Photographers
The Leica Vario-Elmarit SL 70-200mm F2.8 ASPH and the accompanying SL3 camera are ideal for photographers who demand the highest quality in both results and equipment. With its price point setting it at the top of the market, this lens attains the level of luxury expected from Leica, yet it also offers exceptional performance to match. Available for €3,215, it is a premium tool for serious photographers, complemented by the versatility of the L mount system that allows seamless integration with other high-quality lenses on the market.
For those who value optical excellence and want to invest in their craft, the Leica Vario-Elmarit SL 70-200mm F2.8 ASPH provides the capability to excel across various photographic contexts, from beautiful portraits to dynamic wildlife scenes. If you are ready to make that investment and elevate your photography game, this lens may just become a beloved part of your gear collection.
