Leica Camera AG is expanding the Leica SL lens portfolio with another powerful zoom lens. The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. is equally suited to reportage, travel, studio, architectural and landscape photography, as well as portraits, close-ups, and video productions. With its extensive focal range and consistently high light sensitivity of f/2.8, the new addition is the quintessence of a universal lens. Thanks to its excellent price-performance ratio, it also represents a perfect opportunity to upgrade to the SL-System. The two new lens-and-camera sets are also aimed specifically at newcomers to the SL-System, and are therefore very favourably priced.

The elaborate lens design, comprising 19 elements in 15 groups, ensures an outstanding optical performance. A total of three elements feature aspherical surfaces on both sides. Nine specialist-glass elements with anomalous partial dispersion provide excellent chromatic correction across the entire focal range. The internal focus is based on a single, light-weight lens element, and utilises a quiet stepper motor to deliver a fast and precise autofocus. With its robust metal body and ingress protection against water spray and dust, the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. can even be used in harsh environmental conditions.

The compact dimensions of the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. are made possible by the absence of in-lens optical image stabilisation. When the lens is mounted on the SL2 or SL2-S, the camera’s suspended image sensor provides highly effective image stabilisation. This applies equally to still photography and video recordings. The aperture of the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. comprises 11 blades – facilitating a harmonious, circular bokeh. The minimum focusing distance of just 18 centimetres from the sensor plane (at the shortest focal length) and 38 centimetres (at the longest focal length) ensures exceptionally high-quality images even when shooting at close range.