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New: Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70 f/2.8 ASPH.

The most compact and lightweight standard zoom lens for the Leica SL-System.

Wetzlar, 12th of June 2025 – With over 150 years of expertise, Leica has built a legacy in developing precision optical instruments. Today, Leica Camera AG introduces the new Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70 f/2.8 ASPH., which sets a new standard as the most compact and lightweight zoom lens for the SL-System. Seamlessly blending versatility with exceptional imaging performance, it enriches the L-Mount portfolio with a premium, fast standard zoom lens designed for everyday use.

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The innovative optical design and incorporation of aspherical elements enable the new SL-Lens to deliver exceptional performance while maintaining a constant f/2.8 aperture across its entire focal-length range. Thanks to its constant aperture throughout the zoom range, this lens is an ideal choice for both photography and videography. Featuring Leica’s globally renowned craftsmanship, the new Vario-Elmarit-SL is a premium lens that meets the exacting standards of ambitious photographers, providing them with the support they need to bring their creative visions to life.

The focal length, that spans from 28 to 70 mm, allows the lens to transition from wide angle to slight telephoto, making it particularly well-suited for capturing landscapes, travel scenes and portraits. The fast autofocus system consistently delivers precise and reliable focus. Cutting-edge coatings on the lenses ensure optimal colour rendition and contrast, these optimise light transmission while effectively minimising reflections. The sophisticated optical construction, comprising 16 lenses arranged in 12 groups, delivers exceptional performance. Three of these lenses feature aspherical surfaces on both sides, in order to enhance image quality and precision.

The advanced internal technology is securely shielded from external elements, such as dust and splash water, thanks to its durable metal housing. Despite this metal housing, the lens remains lightweight at just 572 g. Its compact dimensions – 102 mm in length with a maximum diameter of 72 mm – ensure excellent portability and versatility for both photography and videography.

The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70 f/2.8 ASPH. will be available worldwide in Leica Stores, in the Leica Online Store and from authorised dealers from the 12th of June 2025. It can be purchased individually or as part of an attractive kit with the SL3-S. The recommended retail price for the lens is £1,650.00 /€1,950.00 incl. VAT, whilst the lens hood is an additional £145.00. The recommended retail price for the SL3-S Vario Kit 28–70 is £5,590.00 / €6,500.00 incl. VAT.

 

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On 6/13/2025 at 5:26 AM, LUF Admin said:

New: Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70 f/2.8 ASPH.

The most compact and lightweight standard zoom lens for the Leica SL-System.

Wetzlar, 12th of June 2025 – With over 150 years of expertise, Leica has built a legacy in developing precision optical instruments. Today, Leica Camera AG introduces the new Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70 f/2.8 ASPH., which sets a new standard as the most compact and lightweight zoom lens for the SL-System. Seamlessly blending versatility with exceptional imaging performance, it enriches the L-Mount portfolio with a premium, fast standard zoom lens designed for everyday use.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

The innovative optical design and incorporation of aspherical elements enable the new SL-Lens to deliver exceptional performance while maintaining a constant f/2.8 aperture across its entire focal-length range. Thanks to its constant aperture throughout the zoom range, this lens is an ideal choice for both photography and videography. Featuring Leica’s globally renowned craftsmanship, the new Vario-Elmarit-SL is a premium lens that meets the exacting standards of ambitious photographers, providing them with the support they need to bring their creative visions to life.

The focal length, that spans from 28 to 70 mm, allows the lens to transition from wide angle to slight telephoto, making it particularly well-suited for capturing landscapes, travel scenes and portraits. The fast autofocus system consistently delivers precise and reliable focus. Cutting-edge coatings on the lenses ensure optimal colour rendition and contrast, these optimise light transmission while effectively minimising reflections. The sophisticated optical construction, comprising 16 lenses arranged in 12 groups, delivers exceptional performance. Three of these lenses feature aspherical surfaces on both sides, in order to enhance image quality and precision.

The advanced internal technology is securely shielded from external elements, such as dust and splash water, thanks to its durable metal housing. Despite this metal housing, the lens remains lightweight at just 572 g. Its compact dimensions – 102 mm in length with a maximum diameter of 72 mm – ensure excellent portability and versatility for both photography and videography.

The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70 f/2.8 ASPH. will be available worldwide in Leica Stores, in the Leica Online Store and from authorised dealers from the 12th of June 2025. It can be purchased individually or as part of an attractive kit with the SL3-S. The recommended retail price for the lens is £1,650.00 /€1,950.00 incl. VAT, whilst the lens hood is an additional £145.00. The recommended retail price for the SL3-S Vario Kit 28–70 is £5,590.00 / €6,500.00 incl. VAT.

 

But why?

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Posted (edited)
8 hours ago, SrMi said:

The same reason as for 24-70/2.8.

got it.

..

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so next one will be 32-70/2.8

Edited by Genoweffa
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On 6/16/2025 at 10:20 AM, Genoweffa said:

But why?

Size, weight, IQ and price, given customer appeals for smaller SL zooms and lenses in general.  Eliminating 24mm and 90mm, Elmarit rather than Summicron design, avoiding OIS, etc fit with the already available Sigma platform, and offers compact/inexpensive alternative for 24-90 users and/or new customers.  Just a thought.

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I believe I have read that the Sigma 24-70 clearly outperforms the 28-70 optically, but much more expensive as well. I guess it is likely to be like this also for the "Leica" 24-70 and 28-70? I know the 28-70 will be cheaper, but will it match the 24-70 optically?

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12 minutes ago, Ivar B said:

 I know the 28-70 will be cheaper, but will it match the 24-70 optically?

Red Dot Forum episode, albeit sloppy comparison, didn’t seem to show any significant practical differences. This of course won’t substitute for real life comparisons by users.

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44 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

Red Dot Forum episode, albeit sloppy comparison, didn’t seem to show any significant practical differences. This of course won’t substitute for real life comparisons by users.

Interesting. Is there a www you can share?

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I’m wondering if they improved on the Sigma version optically, if I recall the Sigma version did not review well in the edges.

I can see a use case and niche for this lens.  It is considerably smaller.  RDF rates its autofocus as the fastest of the bunch, and its sharpness / bokeh is not far off.  In a kit it is basically the same price as buying the SL3-S and Sigma separately, pretty good option for hybrid creators.

Although as someone looking to enter the SL system, I think I would still lean towards the 24-90 for overall image quality.

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1 hour ago, TL3 said:

Although as someone looking to enter the SL system, I think I would still lean towards the 24-90 for overall image quality.

Sure, it’s my sole SL lens. But the new 28-70 will offer a compact walk around alternative, with still fine enough IQ, as well as the same minimalist and robust (weather sealed) SL lens design. I’ll trade my rarely used 28 M Summicron ASPH v.1 and get a much more flexible AF lens for no additional $.

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Always lots of armchair views on this or any other new Leica lens. IMHO the only way to really see how the lens works in daily use is to put it on your camera.. Ordered mine this morning.. 🍷

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I may order one, too. I’ve never found a zoom I like with my SL2-S. The Leica 24-70 came close, but was a bit too big. The Sigma 28-70 has always been appealing, but I strongly prefer the simpler Leica design and really want robust weather sealing. The images I got from the Leica 24-70 were definitely good enough for me, so if this comes close I’ll be happy.

The only thing holding me back is the strong suspicion that these lenses will be available much cheaper used in about a year’s time. 

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32 minutes ago, JoshuaR said:

I may order one, too. I’ve never found a zoom I like with my SL2-S. The Leica 24-70 came close, but was a bit too big. The Sigma 28-70 has always been appealing, but I strongly prefer the simpler Leica design and really want robust weather sealing. The images I got from the Leica 24-70 were definitely good enough for me, so if this comes close I’ll be happy.

The only thing holding me back is the strong suspicion that these lenses will be available much cheaper used in about a year’s time. 

Agreed, but at 83 I’m not waiting for another year to maybe get a used lens. 

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On 6/18/2025 at 4:07 PM, Ivar B said:

I believe I have read that the Sigma 24-70 clearly outperforms the 28-70 optically, but much more expensive as well. I guess it is likely to be like this also for the "Leica" 24-70 and 28-70? I know the 28-70 will be cheaper, but will it match the 24-70 optically?

I think you can find a few of 1:1 comparisons of the two Sigmas. I remember the 24-70 was stronger in the corners according to more than one review.

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