Leica has multiple exceptional lenses in its portfolio. For instance, the Noctilux lens series is known for its bright, beautiful aperture of f0.95. The Summilux is a standard or wide-angle lens for M mount cameras with an f1.4 aperture, while Elmar became synonymous with f3.5. Like these iconic lenses, the company introduces Elmarit, which has been specifically designed for the S and the SL mount. Growing its portfolio, Leica has announced today its fourth SL in the Elmarit line, the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70 f2.8 ASPH. And yes, it’s insanely similar to the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8. But there’s a pretty large difference here, too.
Contributions to the article were provided by Chris Gampat
Leica 28-70mm is an All-Around Lens
For the uninitiated, the Elmar series was soon reintroduced as Elmarit. Since it was designed for new models, the lens now had a much wider aperture of f2.8.
In this regard, the Leica 28-70mm f2.8 joins the other three SL lenses: 14-24mm f2.8, 24–70 mm f2.8, and 70-200mm f2.8. The Emlarit series is known for constant aperture throughout its entire zoom range. In addition, the lens, which is designed with premium materials, is ideal for a variety of genres. A 28-70mm focal range will work for landscapes, photojournalism, documentary, portrait, events, weddings, street, and travel. Some food photographers can also utilize the range.
So, what is it made of? The Leica 28-70mm f2.8 is designed with 16 lenses in 12 groups, including 3 aspherical lens elements. It has a close focusing distance of 0.19m at 28mm and 0.38m at 70mm. The 28-70mm has a maximum ratio of 1:3.3 at 28mm and 1:4.6 at 70mm. It is also weather-sealed, which makes it a great companion for an outdoor shoot. In addition, it is lightweight, weighing just 572 g, and is also compact at 4 inches in length. There is a 67mm filter thread. Leica states the 28-70mm can be used for videos as well, making it a great choice for hybrid shooters.
Does this all sound familiar? It should.
Very justifiable claims can be made to say that the Leica 28-70mm f2.8 is the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 — but Leica gave it a far better exterior. We’re defining better as an exterior that’s more durable in nearly every way. Sigma’s variant of this lens is with their contemporary line — which traditionally only adds weather resistance of any sort at the mount. But Leica lenses offer weather resistance and sealing throughout the body of the optic.
If you look at the specs of the Sigma lens and this, you’ll see that they’re very similar. Both lenses have 16 elements in 12 groups, a 67mm filter thread, the same very close focus range, the same optical formula, etc.
So, essentially, we’re making a confident hypothesis that this lens is taking Sigma’s optics while Leica is handling all the rest.
What’s even crazier is that Leica isn’t even charging $500 more for the better weather resistance and durability.
Why We Have Faith in Leica
When it comes to the Elmarit collection, we have tested the Leica SL 24-90mm f2.8-4. That lens is far different from many of the other lenses partially because it was made before the entire L-mount alliance was created. Unlike the other lenses, the 24-90mm does not have a constant aperture, but it performed exceptionally well in our test. The lens produced great colors, the performance on Panasonic cameras was great, well-built, and the image quality was also quite excellent. Considering that, we do believe the new Leica 28-70mm will do wonders.
In addition, the $1,890 price tag may seem high, but it is definitely affordable compared to the other Leica lenses, which can cost up to $5000. In fact, since this lens is being launched a few years after the Leica SL 24-70mm f2.8 version, which was priced at $2795 (now almost $3000 after tariffs), Leica seems to be on the right track. While the press release does not state whether this is an updated version of the 24-70mm or designed with whole new optics. However, you can find that out in our review later.
At the moment, there are a few lenses in the same focal range, like the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 ART and the Panasonic 24-70mm f2.8 LUMIX Pro amongst others. The Sigma variant did not perform that well in our review, while the Panasonic lens was excellent and even costs $200 less than the Leica variant.
The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70 f2.8 ASPH will be available for $1,890. But, those who want to purchase the lens with the SL3s as a kit, the entire set will be available for $6,495.