Leica has announced the completion of its SL-System trinity series with the launch of the new Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 f/2.8 ASPH. telephoto zoom lens. This addition extends Leica’s L-Mount portfolio and enhances its offerings for photographers seeking high-quality lenses with a consistent aperture range. Alongside the new lens, Leica also introduced the Extender L 2.0x, allowing photographers to extend the focal length up to 400 mm, adding versatility to the SL-System.
The Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 f/2.8 ASPH. is Leica’s third zoom lens with an f/2.8 aperture, joining the Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14–24 f/2.8 ASPH. and the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. This series enables seamless photography and videography across a broad focal length spectrum, from ultra wide-angle at 14 mm to telephoto at 200 mm, all while maintaining a consistent aperture. This flexibility is particularly valuable for professionals who need to adapt quickly to different shooting environments without changing lenses.
The new telephoto zoom lens features a classic 70–200 mm focal length, ideal for portrait photography, event coverage, sports, and nature photography. The high aperture ratio across the entire zoom range ensures that images remain bright and detailed, while the built-in image stabilisation helps photographers capture sharp images even in challenging conditions. The lens construction includes 20 elements in 15 groups, with three lenses incorporating aspherical surfaces, which contribute to its exceptional optical performance. This design ensures sharp, detailed images right to the edges of the frame, making it a reliable tool for professional photographers.
One of the notable features of the Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 f/2.8 ASPH. is its internal focusing mechanism, which maintains a constant length regardless of the focal distance. This feature not only improves handling and balance but also allows photographers to shoot discreetly and comfortably, a crucial advantage in various shooting scenarios.
The addition of the Extender L 2.0x offers even more versatility for Leica’s SL-System users. When attached to the Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 f/2.8 ASPH., it doubles the focal length to 140–400 mm. This makes it a valuable accessory for photographers looking to explore long-distance shooting without sacrificing image quality. The extender’s compact design ensures it is easy to carry and deploy, providing photographers with the flexibility to adapt to different creative needs on the go.
The new Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 f/2.8 ASPH. is priced at £2,780.00, including VAT, while the Leica Extender L 2.0x is available for £800.00, including VAT. Both products are now available worldwide through Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorised dealers, allowing photographers to upgrade their gear immediately.
Leica’s continued innovation in lens design, backed by over 150 years of expertise in optical instrument manufacturing, ensures that the new SL-System trinity series will meet the high expectations of photographers worldwide, delivering outstanding imaging performance and versatility.
URL: Leica Camera AG
Price: £2,780.00 (lens), £800.00 (extender)
Price in $: Approximately $3,500 (lens), $1,000 (extender)