p.1 #1 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
The Leica Vario-Elmarit SL 28 to 70mm f2.8 ASPH lens was officially announced on June 12, 2025, and became available for purchase the same day. It is part of the SL system and is currently the lightest zoom lens Leica offers in that lineup.
The lens can be purchased on its own for $1,890 or as part of a bundle with the SL3-S for $6,495. Its optical formula is shared with the Sigma 28 to 70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary, originally released in February 2021.
p.1 #5 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
freaklikeme wrote:
It has a metal shell and a large-print font size, which means more paint was used. These things don't pay for themselves.
I'm not sure about the price, which might make sense by Leica standards, but the Sigma version was quite good...just felt very plasticky. I'd much rather shoot with this lens in the Leica shell, but knowing I could get the exact same Sigma optics in L-mount for much less makes it hard to see it as a sensible decision.
p.1 #6 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
I know I may be the odd man out here, but I will pay more for higher build quality and tighter tolerances. BUT, the much shorter 28-70 range compared to my 24-90 means I will likely not buy it. I wish Leica would build an updated 24-90 or even a 24-120 REAL Leica in a smaller, lighter package than the current 24-90 Vario-Elmarit. If I travel with the 24-90 I don't take anything else because it's just too darn heavy and big. Look at the Nikon 24-120. Great lens, so it can be done.
p.1 #7 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
28-70mm seems to be all the rage suddenly due to Canon's RF 28-70mm f/2 L which made the 28-70mm range an elite form factor. Everyone wants to be a 28-70mm shooter now. Even Leica snobs have decided to give up their primes and shoot with zooms.
p.1 #8 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
The RF 28-70/2 indeed replaced all my primes in that range. There are times when 24 would be nice to have, but an advantage of being 'restricted' to 28 when doing events is that the wide angle distortion at 28mm isn't as exaggerated and tends to result in a better match for people photography at near distances. That said, I'm really torn between it and the 24-105/2.8.
I think 28 as a starting point just simplifies the optical design enough so that such a zoom can be made smaller and/or optically better than a 24-70. The recent 28-70/2.8s are certainly aimed at a segment of the market that wants a more compact carry option and lower price point. And this one from Leica is really their equivalent of a 'kit lens.'
What's missing in the SL system that exists in Canikony-land is a relatively compact UWA that can be carried to augment the limitations of 28mm coverage. Sure, now you're carrying at least a second lens, but the smaller size of the 28-70 in use, when that range suits your needs, might be enough reason for some photographers to prefer it over a larger, longer zoom range.
This 'Leica' 28-70 seems to me like the SL equivalent of their Summarit-M series as entry level, low(er) cost lenses to get people into the system with Leica, rather than third party lenses. With the M system the Summarits were discontinued apparently because buyers were often opting for higher priced Summicron and Summilux lenses instead, but the SL system competes in a space with a ton more options from other brands. The extremely high cost of entry certainly does Leica no favors among a combined user group that is likely a lot more price-per-feature sensitive than those interested in the M system.
p.1 #9 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
I’m used to other brands issuing lenses with the Leica brand (like Panasonic), but is this the first time Leica issues a lens they didn’t design under their own brand name?
p.1 #10 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
rscheffler wrote:
The RF 28-70/2 indeed replaced all my primes in that range. There are times when 24 would be nice to have, but an advantage of being 'restricted' to 28 when doing events is that the wide angle distortion at 28mm isn't as exaggerated and tends to result in a better match for people photography at near distances. That said, I'm really torn between it and the 24-105/2.8.
I think 28 as a starting point just simplifies the optical design enough so that such a zoom can be made smaller and/or optically better than a 24-70. The recent 28-70/2.8s are certainly aimed at a segment of the market that wants a more compact carry option and lower price point. And this one from Leica is really their equivalent of a 'kit lens.'
What's missing in the SL system that exists in Canikony-land is a relatively compact UWA that can be carried to augment the limitations of 28mm coverage. Sure, now you're carrying at least a second lens, but the smaller size of the 28-70 in use, when that range suits your needs, might be enough reason for some photographers to prefer it over a larger, longer zoom range.
This 'Leica' 28-70 seems to me like the SL equivalent of their Summarit-M series as entry level, low(er) cost lenses to get people into the system with Leica, rather than third party lenses. With the M system the Summarits were discontinued apparently because buyers were often opting for higher priced Summicron and Summilux lenses instead, but the SL system competes in a space with a ton more options from other brands. The extremely high cost of entry certainly does Leica no favors among a combined user group that is likely a lot more price-per-feature sensitive than those interested in the M system.
I tried the 24-105mm 2.8 at a Canon event and I kind of hated it as a photography lens. It's very, very long, easily as big as a 70-200, albeit fairly lightweight. It has some nice qualities and some bad qualities. Overall I decided against it. As a long lens for long shots I think it is pretty mundane, but, as a closeup lens, its actually strong. That's all it is good for IMHO. Canon is smart to make zooms but most pro's will not rely on this alone despite the spec sheet.
p.1 #11 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
Desmolicious wrote:
A four year old Sigma lens with a 90% mark up.
Sweet.
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freaklikeme wrote:
It has a metal shell and a large-print font size, which means more paint was used. These things don't pay for themselves.
I’ll defend Leica on this one.
It’s properly weather sealed.
When Leica weather seal something it’s basically flood proof. And the metal construction. I got the Sigma 100-400 and later the Leica version. Same optical performance. Never considered travelling with the Sigma due to the lack of weather sealing but took the Leica all over the world. Good build quality costs money. That’s where the contemporary lenses skimp. If the Sigma were labeled a Sport or Art lens it’d cost much much more and no one would bat an eye lid.
If you’re making fun of Leica’s 70-200 vs the fully sealed Sigma, I’m with you. But not here.
I’m going to have a look at this one. I don’t mind 28mm lenses. Every wide lens I own goes at least to 24mm. Less weight and less overlap. Excellent.
p.1 #12 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
rscheffler wrote:
The RF 28-70/2 indeed replaced all my primes in that range. There are times when 24 would be nice to have, but an advantage of being 'restricted' to 28 when doing events is that the wide angle distortion at 28mm isn't as exaggerated and tends to result in a better match for people photography at near distances. That said, I'm really torn between it and the 24-105/2.8.
I think 28 as a starting point just simplifies the optical design enough so that such a zoom can be made smaller and/or optically better than a 24-70. The recent 28-70/2.8s are certainly aimed at a segment of the market that wants a more compact carry option and lower price point. And this one from Leica is really their equivalent of a 'kit lens.'
What's missing in the SL system that exists in Canikony-land is a relatively compact UWA that can be carried to augment the limitations of 28mm coverage. Sure, now you're carrying at least a second lens, but the smaller size of the 28-70 in use, when that range suits your needs, might be enough reason for some photographers to prefer it over a larger, longer zoom range.
This 'Leica' 28-70 seems to me like the SL equivalent of their Summarit-M series as entry level, low(er) cost lenses to get people into the system with Leica, rather than third party lenses. With the M system the Summarits were discontinued apparently because buyers were often opting for higher priced Summicron and Summilux lenses instead, but the SL system competes in a space with a ton more options from other brands. The extremely high cost of entry certainly does Leica no favors among a combined user group that is likely a lot more price-per-feature sensitive than those interested in the M system.
There’s a bunch of native Sigmas, if you want a small, sharp and light prime lens wider than 28mm. Or the expensive but class leading APO 21mm. Or a 14-24 f2.8. Add in the new lens and you’re not much heavier than a 1.3kg Canon zoom. L mount makes Canon line up look weak in this area. Canon’s strength is at the other end.
I have the Canon 28-70 f2. It’s a brute. I get it was impressive when released but it’s beyond what I want in a short zoom. The Leica 24-90 looks poeratble compared to it. And the Sony beats it in every way.
I agree that this is an *entry* lens for Leica. I’d likely add a Sigma 20mm prime for occasional use. I’m rarely shooting wider than 28mm at the moment. I’d almost always rather stitch for wider shots. I’m kind of over the ultra wide look for now. Might be the 28-70 Sony but more likely the Q3 and M 28mm that’s influenced me here.
When Leica weather seal something it’s basically flood proof. And the metal construction. I got the Sigma 100-400 and later the Leica version. Same optical performance. Never considered travelling with the Sigma due to the lack of weather sealing but took the Leica all over the world. Good build quality costs money. That’s where the contemporary lenses skimp. If the Sigma were labeled a Sport or Art lens it’d cost much much more and no one would bat an eye lid.
If you’re making fun of Leica’s 70-200 vs the fully sealed Sigma, I’m with you. But not here.
I’m going to have a look at this one. I don’t mind 28mm lenses. Every wide lens I own goes at least to 24mm. Less weight and less overlap. Excellent.
p.1 #14 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
Fred Miranda wrote:
I'm not sure about the price, which might make sense by Leica standards, but the Sigma version was quite good...just felt very plasticky. I'd much rather shoot with this lens in the Leica shell, but knowing I could get the exact same Sigma optics in L-mount for much less makes it hard to see it as a sensible decision.
It's a great budget zoom, and I commend them on their rebranding choices, but it exemplifies the reason people make comparisons between them and Grey Goose.
p.1 #15 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
johnvanr wrote:
I’m used to other brands issuing lenses with the Leica brand (like Panasonic), but is this the first time Leica issues a lens they didn’t design under their own brand name?
Leica have quite a few lenses branded with Leica that are designed by either Sigma or Panasonic.
I've owned and shot the Sigma designed and Leica branded 14-24 f2.8, 27-70 f2.8, 100-400 f5-6.3. The Leica 70-200 f2.8 is designed by Sigma, as is the Leica 1.4x converter. All of the Leica rebranded lenses had the enhanced build quality that one expects from Leica, but they retain some of the key Sigma design elements... like the direction the zoom ring turns.
The Asph 35mm f2 Summicron and 50mm f2 Summicron are designed by Panasonic, but the barrel has the Leica ethos.
I'm actually surprised the Leica has not "Leicafied" the Panasonic 85mm f1.8 and 100mm macro lenses yet... I figured that these would be easy pickings to fill in some clear gaps.
To be clear, this is not a new practice. There have been quite a few lenses in the R-System that were designed by other manufacturers like... Angenieux, Minolta, Schneider, Sigma, and Zeiss. Some of these were one-offs, but considered masterful designs at the time.
p.1 #16 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
flash wrote:
There’s a bunch of native Sigmas, if you want a small, sharp and light prime lens wider than 28mm. Or the expensive but class leading APO 21mm. Or a 14-24 f2.8. Add in the new lens and you’re not much heavier than a 1.3kg Canon zoom. L mount makes Canon line up look weak in this area. Canon’s strength is at the other end.
I have the Canon 28-70 f2. It’s a brute. I get it was impressive when released but it’s beyond what I want in a short zoom. The Leica 24-90 looks poeratble compared to it. And the Sony beats it in every way.
I agree that this is an *entry* lens for Leica. I’d likely add a Sigma 20mm prime for occasional use. I’m rarely shooting wider than 28mm at the moment. I’d almost always rather stitch for wider shots. I’m kind of over the ultra wide look for now. Might be the 28-70 Sony but more likely the Q3 and M 28mm that’s influenced me here.
Doh, of course how could I forget about all the non-Leica L mount lenses!
I don't mind the Canon 28-70's size and weight and am happy to keep using it. It's not ultra sharp wide open, but for me that's as much a 'feature' as it might be a fault for others. The Sony looks like a great interpretation that knocks off a whopping pound. Maybe Canon will do a v2 in due time. If so it will be interesting to see if the improvements are all positive.
I think years of using 28mm on the M helped shift me away from my DSLR habit of defaulting to UWA and moving in closer. In the transition I used 21 on the M a lot, but the 28 Cron, and then later the Lux, seemed to hit the sweet spot for me in respect to speed and coverage versatility. Since then 28mm has kind of stuck with me even though long ago I thought it was a 'meh' focal length.
shawnphoto wrote:
I tried the 24-105mm 2.8 at a Canon event and I kind of hated it. The focusing seemed kind of crap. I had a ton of "just missed" pictures in my tests. Maybe like 2 in 10 were properly sharp... The CA is controlled but weird. On the center horizontal it is amber/teal but towards the corners it goes magenta/green. The 28-70mm f/2 is very consinstent as magenta/green throughout. And the 28-70mm f/2 almost never misses focus for me using the R5. I've taken action shots with it that are literally on the eye ball and in 5 EV lighting. Basically a miracle shot that shouldn't even be possible. ...Show more →
Perhaps you had the misfortune of a bad/abused 24-105 demo copy? Last year I borrowed one to shoot a week's worth of university convocations that generated tens of thousands of images (before culling) and I had no such issues. AF/focus was extremely fast and accurate. And I didn't see any obvious signs of CA. I shot some controlled tests against the 28-70/2 and would have to go back to those to see if I can notice anything odd about CA. The-digital-picture's test chart shots do confirm magenta/green with the 28-70 vs. amber/teal with the 24-105. But I can't recall this ever being noticeable in what I've produced with either lens.
I'm torn vs. the 28-70/2 more from the perspective of the 24-105's versatility compared to the slightly nicer look from the 28-70 wide open. If I shot more video, it would be the 24-105.
p.1 #17 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
johnvanr wrote:
I’m used to other brands issuing lenses with the Leica brand (like Panasonic), but is this the first time Leica issues a lens they didn’t design under their own brand name?
No, Leica has used Minolta-designed lenses before with similar upgrades in build. Some old R lenses were actually made by Minolta - some of the R zooms.
p.1 #18 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
I'd be curious what upgrades if any Leica did to the Sigma 28-70mm. The MTF charts that they published show significantly different characteristics from the original Sigma version. For example, the MTF charts shows center resolution is quite high at 70mm and it's sharper than at 28mm. Very different than this review of the Sigma version. https://opticallimits.com/sony/sigma-28-70mm-f-2-8-dg-dn-contemporary-review/
The bundled kit with the SL3-S actually seems like decent value...for Leica and might not be bad as a second camera to a Leica m system.
p.1 #19 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
tzhang4284 wrote:
I'd be curious what upgrades if any Leica did to the Sigma 28-70mm. The MTF charts that they published show significantly different characteristics from the original Sigma version. For example, the MTF charts shows center resolution is quite high at 70mm and it's sharper than at 28mm. Very different than this review of the Sigma version. https://opticallimits.com/sony/sigma-28-70mm-f-2-8-dg-dn-contemporary-review/
The bundled kit with the SL3-S actually seems like decent value...for Leica and might not be bad as a second camera to a Leica m system.
The two tests aren't comparable. Klaus' testing is all MTF 50 and is limited to his camera's resolution. Leica's showing you 5, 10, 20 and 40, assuming it's like their M and SL charts, from an optical bench test. Klaus does a great job with what he has, but that's only instructive to a point. The bench test shows you what the lens can do under ideal conditions with a like copy. It doesn't show you what happens when you put it on a camera, where it's diffraction limited wide open. And looking at Klaus' results doesn't show you that 70mm actually does have fairly even resolution across the frame in the lower frequencies, but, like most zooms of it's type, the higher frequencies drop off fast at the long end. You can still get a beautiful, smooth image out of the lens at 70, but, if you want more apparent detail, you're better off reframing with a wider focal length.
p.1 #20 · Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens announced
For me, someone who enjoys owning and using the Leica SL system, I'm glad to see Leica continuing to expand the SL system with this latest Leica zoom lens, the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28–70mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Leica seems to be continuing its SL strategy to roll out smaller, more compact, and lighter-weight cameras and optics with this latest zoom lens addition.
