Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF)
Telephoto Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with
L Mount cameras .
What type of photography is the Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 lens good for?
The choice of photography type for which you intend to use the Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 is a crucial decision factor. Below, we have assessed its suitability for various photography scenarios:
There are 2 more lenses that have the same focal range and aperture values with the Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 that are compatible with the Leica L mount, you can find the review and comparison links of these lenses below.
Lenses in Leica L Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Reasons to Buy the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200 F2.8 ASPH Lens
Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200 F2.8 ASPH lens in a list form to assist you in determining whether it offers the features you need.
Optical Image Stabilization (up to 3.5 stops)
Weather-sealed
Autofocus
AF/MF Switch on Lens
Aperture Ring
Mode Switch on Lens
Focus Range Limiter
Focus Hold Button
Iris Lock
De-click Switch
Compatible with Leica Teleconverters
Hood supplied
Tripod Collar with Arca-Swiss type plate
Tripod Collar foot can be replaced
Full-time Manual Focusing
Internal Focusing
Fast Aperture at Wide end
Fast Aperture at Tele end
Constant f2.8 aperture throughout the range
Covers Full-Frame Sensor
11 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh
Report a correction
Buy Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 from Amazon or B&H PHOTO
Tripod Collar is not removable
Heavy
Pricey
Lens Mount
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 is compatible with cameras that have a Leica L lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Leica L lenses are Leica SL3-P , Panasonic S1 II and Panasonic S1 IIE .
Size, Weight and Filter Thread
The size and weight are crucial factors to consider when searching for your next lens. Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 has a maximum diameter of 89mm and a total length of 207mm . It weighs 1540g / 54.3 oz .
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 has a filter thread of 82mm . Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Leica SL 70-200 F2.8:
You can also check All Leica L Mount Lenses with 82mm Filter Thread Size to find the matching lenses.
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 Lens Top View
Focal Range
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105 - 300mm .
Teleconverter Compatibility
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 is compatible with the Teleconverters below. With the use of these TC/extenders, you can find how the total focal reach and effective aperture of your Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 changes below:
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 Focal Range and Aperture Change with Teleconverter
Weather Sealings
The Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 with a weather-sealed camera body such as the Leica SL3-P , Panasonic S1 II and Panasonic S1 IIE .
Optical Image Stabilization
The Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting. Leica SL 70-200 F2.8's stabilization system is effective up to 3.5 stops .
Tripod Collar
With a total length of 207mm and a weight of 1540g, the Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 is a large lens. Fortunately, it comes with a
Arca-Swiss type tripod collar which you can use to attach the lens directly to a tripod or monopod instead of attaching the camera. This connection helps to better balance the lens/kit combination.
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 Arca-Swiss type Tripod Collar
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 MTF Charts
Below you can find the MTF chart of Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 which would give an idea of the its contrast and resolution from the center to its edges.
MTF Chart of the Leica SL 70-200 F2.8
Zoom Method
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 features Rotary (internal) zoom method where the length of the lens doesn't change while you are zooming in or out. Even though this design has a size disadvantage in general compared to extending designs, it has the benefits of better sealing against dust and moisture, no zoom creep and no weight balance shift while zooming.
Maximum Magnification Ratio
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.19x with a minimum focusing distance of 0.65m .
Below are the 3 Telephoto Zoom type Leica L mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios :
Aperture
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 is a fixed aperture lens with a constant max aperture of f2.8 from 70mm all the way to the 200mm .
Focal Length
Max Aperture
Min Aperture
70mm
F2.8
F22
200mm
F2.8
F22
Optical Formula
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8's optical formula consists of 20 elements in 15 groups . The following special elements are used in this design:
Optical Construction of the Leica SL 70-200 F2.8
Lens Hood
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 comes with a removable cylindrical shaped lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos.
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 Lens Hood
What's in the Box of Leica SL 70-200 F2.8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Leica SL 70-200 F2.8:
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (L-Mount) Lens Hood Lens Cap Bayonet Cap Tripod Shoe Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Recommended Accessories for the Leica SL 70-200 F2.8
Now it is time to look at the Top Recommended Accessories for the Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 .
Body Colour
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 is available in Black color.
Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 Attached to a camera
Popular Comparisons of Leica SL 70-200 F2.8
Here are the 8 most popular comparisons of the Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 amongst Camera Decision readers.
Top Alternatives of Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 Lens
In addition, it would be interesting to check which lenses from other mounts are most commonly compared with the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200 F2.8 ASPH.
Top Alternatives of Leica SL 70-200 F2.8 in Other Lens Mounts
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.