Lenses


Leica Announces New 24-70mm f/2.8 “Broad Appeal” Lens

May 7, 2021

By Jacqueline Tobin

Courtesy of Leica

Leica's new Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH.

Leica has just announced the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH, calling it a lens with “broad appeal,” across multiple photo genres—from travel, studio, architecture, photojournalism, portraiture and more.

The new universal SL zoom lens comes with a $2,795 price tag and the recent Leica announcement includes two new bundle options with the SL2 and SL2-S cameras—for $8,795 and $7,195, respectively, which is a savings of $595 in either bundle (compared to buying the cameras and new lens separately).

Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 lens.

With its extensive focal range, consistent maximum aperture of f/2.8, and vast scope of uses, this new addition is a good example of a lens that can be enjoyed by professionals, enthusiasts and first-time SL-System adopters alike, according to Leica.

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The 1.9-pound lens is 3.5 inches in diameter, 4.8 inches in length, and is comprised of 19 elements in 15 groups, featuring three elements with aspherical surfaces on both sides. It also offers the ability to provide correction of chromatic aberrations across the entire focal range, resulting in a crisp photograph no matter where you zoom. The internal focusing is based on a single, lightweight lens element, and utilizes a silent stepper motor to deliver a fast and precise autofocus.

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In addition to its lightweight design, the metal body and weather sealing make the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH durable in any environment, says the company, ultimately making it suited for the rigors of outdoor landscape and adventure photographers or the “hustle and bustle of a pro wedding photographer.”

The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH will start shipping next week (week of May 10) for a price of $2,795. Both the SL2 + 24-70 and the SL2-S + 24-70 bundles will also be available for $8,795 and $7,195 respectively. If you are interested in purchasing the new SL zoom lens or either Bundle, you can order today at Leica stores, boutiques and dealers.