Leica lovers, it brings us great pleasure to announce that the German camera manufacturer has finally unveiled the last lens for the SL system: the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 F2.8 ASPH. Before this, Leica introduced the 14–24 F2.8 ASPH and the 24–70 F2.8 ASPH, both of which were received well by the audience. But that’s not all; it has also introduced a new gear for the L-mount portfolio, the 2.0x extender. Let’s not wait any longer. Let’s see what the new equipment has to offer.
What Does The Leica 70–200 F2.8 ASPH Offer?
Leica states that the new lenses build on the company’s 150-year-old legacy. The zoom telephoto lens is aimed at portrait photographers. Leica notes that the SL series of lenses offers a continuous F2.8 aperture for stills and video throughout the entire focal range of its portfolio, beginning from 14-24mm to the latest addition of 70-200mm.
Here is a look at the Leica 70-200mm specs:
- It has 20 elements in 15 groups, including three aspherical lenses.
- Internal zoom.
- The angle of view: 70 mm is at 33.4°, and 200mm is at 12.7°.
- The closest focusing range is 0.65m at 70mm and 1.00m at 200mm.
- The magnification ratio is 1:7.0 for 70mm and 1:5.1 for 200 mm.
- Has an E82 filter thread and offers Hydrophobe Aqua-Dura coating on external lenses.
- Dust- and water-resistant.
- Measures 207mm x 89mm (without lens hood) and weighs 1540g (1.54kg).
- Priced at $3,295.
However, as we reported earlier in our review of the Leica 24-70mm, the optics are quite similar to those of Sigma. Even here, the Sigma 70-200mm features the exact same number of elements as the Leica, with slight distinctions in magnification ratio and angle of review. The Sigma offering weighs less at 1345g (1.34kg) and measures 90.6 x 205mm. However, the biggest difference one notices is the price. Sigma charges $1,499 for their Leica mount lens, which is certainly more than half the price of Leica’s.
Perhaps—the trade-off one has to consider at such distinct MRPs—is a slower autofocus lens with decent build quality versus sturdy build quality and ergonomics with faster autofocus.
Everything to Know about Leica’s New Extender
Leica also manufactured an extender for that extra reach, the Extender L 2.0x, which is aimed at building on the SL system. Sold separately, the extender is designed for Vario telephoto lenses. Per Leica, the device can reach focal lengths up to 800mm. For instance, the Leica 70-200mm lens can achieve a 140–400mm focal range. It is also compatible with Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100–400 F5–6.3.
Extender L 2.0x Specs:
- It uses 8 elements in 4 groups.
- Features Leica L bayonet fitting with contact strip.
- Measures 46.91mm x 66.51mm
- Weighs 220g.
- Priced at $995.
In the past, Editor-in-Chief Chris Gampat spoke about the Leica Extender L 1.4x, which performed decently in his review. However, he also added that one has to consider some trade-offs. “Will you sacrifice megapixels for extra light? Or will you sacrifice light for resolution? If you’re a fan of the latter, then you might want to consider the Leica Extender L 1.4x. If you’re not someone who wants to sacrifice the light (the way I am), then you’ll get a higher resolution camera and crop in as necessary,” he wrote.
We can’t wait to test the new devices and see what Leica has been up to since launching its previous gear. We hope Leica’s excellence in imaging prevails.
Both devices are available in Leica stores worldwide. For more information, visit Leica’s website.