This is Leica's Lightest SL Zoom Lens Ever: Meet the Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH

When we talk about legacy brands in the film and video industry, perhaps no company has more “legacy” than Leica. With over 150 years of history brought us to this point, the company has just announced its lightest SL System’s lightest zoom lens yet.The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens is set to bring a combination of compactness, speed, and versatility that was never before developed by the brand. It also should simply be a nice option for hybrid content creators looking for a quality zoom for their photo and video projects.Let’s take a look at the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens and see what it could offer for you.Introducing the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. LensSet to be a sleek standard zoom for L-mount mirrorless cameras here at its release, the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH will trade a bit of reach on the wide end of the zoom, compared to a conventional 24-70mm lens, in favor of being especially small and lightweight while still offering a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control. This new Leica lens will be an ideal portable zoom for everyday shooting and a range of subjects, including everything from landscapes to portraits, to travel scenes. The lens is designed as the most compact and lightweight standard zoom for the SL system and will cover a useful wide-angle to portrait-length range and retain an impressively bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture.Intuitive Handling and a Durable DesignThe constant f/2.8 maximum aperture should really help the lens to work well in low-light conditions throughout the zoom range, as well as benefit control over depth of field. The optical design also uses a trio of aspherical elements to improve sharpness and promote a more compact, portable lens design.In addition to its portable design, this lens is also built for use in a variety of conditions and sports a reliable physical construction. The lens weighs 1.3 lb and measures 2.9 x 4", which is more than an 8 oz weight savings compared to the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 lens while also being nearly an inch shorter.The lens housing is built from magnesium and aluminum alloys and has a simple, minimalist design with dual control rings to adjust both focus and zoom positions. Leica reports that the lens will also feature a dust- and splash-proof design for working in inclement conditions, and an Aqua-Dura hydrophobic coating has been applied to the front and rear elements.Price and AvailabilityThe Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens is available for preorder now and should start shipping soon. Here are the full specs and purchase options.Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22Fast, Compact Standard ZoomQuiet and Fast AF SystemThree Aspherical ElementsDust and Splash-Proof; Aqua-Dura CoatingLeica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. LensA surprising combination of compactness, speed, and versatility, the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. is a sleek standard zoom for L-mount mirrorless cameras.

Jun 13, 2025 - 09:55
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This is Leica's Lightest SL Zoom Lens Ever: Meet the Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH


When we talk about legacy brands in the film and video industry, perhaps no company has more “legacy” than Leica. With over 150 years of history brought us to this point, the company has just announced its lightest SL System’s lightest zoom lens yet.

The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens is set to bring a combination of compactness, speed, and versatility that was never before developed by the brand. It also should simply be a nice option for hybrid content creators looking for a quality zoom for their photo and video projects.

Let’s take a look at the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens and see what it could offer for you.


Introducing the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens


This is Leica's Lightest SL Zoom Lens Ever: Meet the Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH

Set to be a sleek standard zoom for L-mount mirrorless cameras here at its release, the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH will trade a bit of reach on the wide end of the zoom, compared to a conventional 24-70mm lens, in favor of being especially small and lightweight while still offering a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control.

This new Leica lens will be an ideal portable zoom for everyday shooting and a range of subjects, including everything from landscapes to portraits, to travel scenes.

The lens is designed as the most compact and lightweight standard zoom for the SL system and will cover a useful wide-angle to portrait-length range and retain an impressively bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture.

Intuitive Handling and a Durable Design


This is Leica's Lightest SL Zoom Lens Ever: Meet the Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH

The constant f/2.8 maximum aperture should really help the lens to work well in low-light conditions throughout the zoom range, as well as benefit control over depth of field. The optical design also uses a trio of aspherical elements to improve sharpness and promote a more compact, portable lens design.

In addition to its portable design, this lens is also built for use in a variety of conditions and sports a reliable physical construction. The lens weighs 1.3 lb and measures 2.9 x 4", which is more than an 8 oz weight savings compared to the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 lens while also being nearly an inch shorter.

The lens housing is built from magnesium and aluminum alloys and has a simple, minimalist design with dual control rings to adjust both focus and zoom positions. Leica reports that the lens will also feature a dust- and splash-proof design for working in inclement conditions, and an Aqua-Dura hydrophobic coating has been applied to the front and rear elements.

Price and Availability


The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens is available for preorder now and should start shipping soon. Here are the full specs and purchase options.

  • Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
  • Fast, Compact Standard Zoom
  • Quiet and Fast AF System
  • Three Aspherical Elements
  • Dust and Splash-Proof; Aqua-Dura Coating

Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens


A surprising combination of compactness, speed, and versatility, the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 28-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. is a sleek standard zoom for L-mount mirrorless cameras.