Leica 28-70/2.8: When?

[tpf1952]

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Announced in mid-June and I’ve been ready for any dealer to take my money. Any predictions on when this svelte lens will actually be available?

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[Printmaker]

I’ve been using my Sigma version for years. Great little lens.

[Bernd-B]

Might take some time to the US ... in Germany it is available in at least two Leica Stores I have visited in the last week (Munich and Frankfurt)

[jaapv]

It must be available judging by the image thread for the lens. Maybe it has just been held up in the USA due to the uncertainty in pricing. 

[Jeff S]

Many major US dealers got a few initial samples, but haven’t received any since.

[JoshuaR]

I think I might just buy a used copy of the Sigma version, if the Leica version doesn't materialize at U.S. retailers soon.

[lykaman]

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I must have been very lucky, sent 2 emails to dealers, Leica Bellevue called, we have one..😎

[scott kirkpatrick]

I bought one from the Leica store in Boston and have used it this summer.

Edited August 9 by scott kirkpatrick

[danielsalazarhopps]

On 8/9/2025 at 3:06 AM, scott kirkpatrick said:

I bought one from the Leica store in Boston and have used it this summer.

What are your thoughts on this lens? 

[satijntje]

Related to the choice: 28-70 f2.8 Sigma or Leica:

A non weatherproof lens on a weather proof camera body is a no go for me.
So, for me it will be definitively the Leica version!

[Ivar B]

5 hours ago, satijntje said:

Related to the choice: 28-70 f2.8 Sigma or Leica:

A non weatherproof lens on a weather proof camera body is a no go for me.
So, for me it will be definitively the Leica version!

So the Sigma version does not have weather protection?

[JoshuaR]

8 hours ago, Ivar B said:

So the Sigma version does not have weather protection?

My understanding is that the Sigma lens offers weather protection at the mount, while the lens itself is unprotected. So, in the worst case, the lens will get wrecked, but the camera won't. In the U.S., a Sigma 28-70, used, is about $650 to $750, while the Leica 28-70 is around $2,000 new. So while the Leica will be more durable, you could replace a Sigma 28-70 three times for the cost of a single Leica 28-70.

On the other hand, on YouTube, GastonShutters has shown that the Sigma 28-70 fogs up in rain, while the Leica 28-70 doesn't. So there's actually a usability improvement when the whole lens is sealed.

My current plan is just to sit tight and wait for used Leica 28-70s to appear on the market, then buy one. I'm guessing that will be late 2026, at the earliest.

[satijntje]

vor 11 Stunden schrieb JoshuaR:

 So while the Leica will be more durable, you could replace a Sigma 28-70 three times for the cost of a single Leica 28-70.

 

I prefer one Leica instead of 3 Sigmas 🙂
One of the reasons to enter the SL system is the weatherproof of the camera that is build as a tank.
Why put a non-weaterproof Cannon barrel on and you can only use when its dry. 🙂

[jaapv]

Umm. Sports series lenses are as weatherproof as Leica ones so I have no problem using them. Even in torrential rain 

Even Contemporary lenses have sufficient weatherproofing to be used in the type of conditions most photographers would contemplate going out in with some basic precautions. BTW did you notice that Leica’s guarantee excludes moisture damage? No lens or camera is fully weatherproof. For that you need an iPhone. 

[Ivar B]

13 hours ago, JoshuaR said:

My understanding is that the Sigma lens offers weather protection at the mount, while the lens itself is unprotected. So, in the worst case, the lens will get wrecked, but the camera won't. In the U.S., a Sigma 28-70, used, is about $650 to $750, while the Leica 28-70 is around $2,000 new. So while the Leica will be more durable, you could replace a Sigma 28-70 three times for the cost of a single Leica 28-70.

On the other hand, on YouTube, GastonShutters has shown that the Sigma 28-70 fogs up in rain, while the Leica 28-70 doesn't. So there's actually a usability improvement when the whole lens is sealed.

My current plan is just to sit tight and wait for used Leica 28-70s to appear on the market, then buy one. I'm guessing that will be late 2026, at the earliest.

Looks like a good approach. Also in my home country, Norway, fairly new Leica lenses tend to show up used not after release, and at greatly reduced cost. This is perhaps more true of SL lenses rather than M lenses. 

[Jeff S]

53 minutes ago, jaapv said:

Umm. Sports series lenses are as weatherproof as Leica ones so I have no problem using them. Even in torrential rain 

Even Contemporary lenses have sufficient weatherproofing to be used in the type of conditions most photographers would contemplate going out in with some basic precautions. BTW did you notice that Leica’s guarantee excludes moisture damage? No lens or camera is fully weatherproof. For that you need an iPhone. 

Still I’d be more trusting of the Leica 28-70 in the rain than the Sigma.  He shot both lenses in rainy NY and the Sigma fogged up twice (3:20 in video).  He also preferred the smoother controls on the Leica.  Just one sample, but still.

 

[Ivar B]

1 hour ago, Jeff S said:

Still I’d be more trusting of the Leica 28-70 in the rain than the Sigma.  He shot both lenses in rainy NY and the Sigma fogged up twice (3:20 in video).  He also preferred the smoother controls on the Leica.  Just one sample, but still.

 

Thanks for posting this review. Very interesting. I think he put forward some important points. Firstly, he says that the Leica lens feels like a much more premium product. I don`t think anyone can disagree with that. I have owned the Sigma 100-400 and the Leica 100-400, and there is a vast difference even if the optical performance is similar. He also mentioned that there is not much (if any) difference in optical performance between the Leica or Sigma 28-70. I don`t think the possible fogging is that important for me either. 

I will buy a used Sigma 28-70 as you can get one for perhaps 600 $ or so. I already own the superb but o so large and heavy Leica 24-90. I need something more compact and lightweight for exampe during travel, and for me, the extra quality for the Leica is not worth the extra cost. Others may well feel differently, in particular if you don`t own a premium Leica zoom to begin with. 

Edited August 13 by Ivar B

[Jeff S]

47 minutes ago, Ivar B said:

Thanks for posting this review. Very interesting. I think he put forward some important points. Firstly, he says that the Leica lens feels like a much more premium product. I don`t think anyone can disagree with that. I have owned the Sigma 100-400 and the Leica 100-400, and there is a vast difference even if the optical performance is similar. He also mentioned that there is not much (if any) difference in optical performance between the Leica or Sigma 28-70. I don`t think the possible fogging is that important for me either. 

I will buy a used Sigma 28-70 as you can get one for perhaps 600 $ or so. I already own the superb but o so large and heavy Leica 24-90. I need something more compact and lightweight for exampe during travel, and for me, the extra quality for the Leica is not worth the extra cost. Others may well feel differently, in particular if you don`t own a premium Leica zoom to begin with. 

I own the 24-90, which is practically glued to my SL2.  The Leica 28-70 is on order, to provide a compact alternative when situations warrant. I’m trading a rarely used M lens to a reliable Leica dealer, so no net cost. I prefer the Leica design, by far. Diff’rent strokes…

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[jrp]

https://www.ephotozine.com/article/leica-vario-elmarit-sl-28-70mm-f-2-8-lens-review-37273