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Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£2,770Lens mount:L-MountMaximum focal length:200 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):2.8Optical image stabilization:yesMaximum angle of view:33.4 °

Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

7.4

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components

80%

7.4

Technical score

20%

?

User score

▲Better than 73% of camera-lenses
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 83% of models
Score components

35%

8.5

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.6

Build & Handling

20%

5.9

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

7.3

Stabilization

3%

8.2

Mount & Format

▲Better than 83% of camera-lenses
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

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Best rankings

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Technical Specifications of camera lens Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH

Technical score
Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 83% of models
Score components:

35%

8.5

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.6

Build & Handling

20%

5.9

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

7.3

Stabilization

3%

8.2

Mount & Format

7.4
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 91.7% of camera lenses.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components:

60%

7.4

Overall score

40%

1.0

Price

5.5
Lens type
telephoto zoom
Lens mount
L-Mount
Sensor format coverage
Full-frame
Filter thread size
82 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
▲ Better than 85% of models
This camera lens supports teleconverters. 15.2% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
70 mm
Maximum focal length
200 mm
Optical zoom
2.9xx
Maximum angle of view
33.4 °
Minimum angle of view
12.7 °
Show more
Focus motor
linear motor
Minimum focus distance
0.65 m
Minimum focus distance
0.65 m
▼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.65 m, which is farther than 75.8% of camera lenses and equal to 0.3% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.19xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.19x
▼ Worse than 49% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.19x, which is higher than 45.8% of camera lenses and equal to 5% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
yes
Full-time manual focus
yes
▲ Better than 32% of models
This camera lens supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
▲ Better than 16% of models
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
yes
Optical image stabilization
yes
▲ Better than 71% of models
This camera lens supports optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
3.5 stops
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
3.5 stops
▼ Worse than 79% of models
Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
This camera lens offers 3.5 stops of stabilization, which is weaker than 79.1% of camera lenses and equal to 8.4% of camera lenses.
Up to 6 with IBIS.
Weight
1,670 g
Weight
1,670 g
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 1,670 g, which is heavier than 93.5% of camera lenses.
Lens length
207 mm
Lens length
207 mm
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 207 mm long, which is longer than 93.2% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
89 mm
Lens diameter
89 mm
▼ Worse than 84% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 89 mm, which is wider than 84% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.7% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
▲ Better than 50% of models
This camera lens supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
▲ Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • 2 more aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    11
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has more aperture blades than the average camera lens (11 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    11 vs 9
  • 5 more low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    7
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (7 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    7 vs 2
  • Has internal zoom
    Internal zoom
    yes
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This camera lens has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10.1% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
    Maintains length during zooming.
  • Newer release date
    Release date
    2024
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    September 2024
    2024 vs 2016
  • 1 more aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    3
    ▲ Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    3 vs 2
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • 2 more aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    11
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has more aperture blades than the average camera lens (11 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    11 vs 9
  • 5 more low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    7
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (7 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    7 vs 2
  • 1 more aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    3
    ▲ Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    3 vs 2
  • Has internal zoom
    Internal zoom
    yes
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This camera lens has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10.1% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
    Maintains length during zooming.
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • Newer release date
    Release date
    2024
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    September 2024
    2024 vs 2016
  • 1,160 g heavier
    Weight
    1,670 g
    ▼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (1670 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    1,670 g vs 510 g
  • 114.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    207 mm
    ▼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (207 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    207 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 12 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    89 mm
    ▼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (89 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    89 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.5 stops weaker stabilization
    Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
    3.5 stops
    ▼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
    This camera lens has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
    Up to 6 with IBIS.
    3.5 stops vs 4 stops
  • 0.35 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.65 m
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.7 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.65 m vs 0.3 m
  • 5.23x more expensive
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is more expensive than the average camera lens (£2,770 vs £530).
    £2,770 vs £530
  • 7.29x less popular
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is less popular than the average camera lens (1 vs 7.3).
    1 vs 7.29
  • 25.8% worse value for money
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.47 vs 6.9).
    5.47 vs 6.89
  • 5.23x more expensive
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is more expensive than the average camera lens (£2,770 vs £530).
    £2,770 vs £530
  • 7.29x less popular
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is less popular than the average camera lens (1 vs 7.3).
    1 vs 7.29
  • 25.8% worse value for money
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.47 vs 6.9).
    5.47 vs 6.89
  • 4.5% lower user score
    User score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
    When it matters
    When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH
    the average camera lens
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a lower user score than the average camera lens (8.00 vs 8.360).
    8 vs 8.36
  • 0.35 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.65 m
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.7 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.65 m vs 0.3 m
  • 0.5 stops weaker stabilization
    Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
    3.5 stops
    ▼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
    This camera lens has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
    Up to 6 with IBIS.
    3.5 stops vs 4 stops
  • 1,160 g heavier
    Weight
    1,670 g
    ▼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (1670 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    1,670 g vs 510 g
  • 114.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    207 mm
    ▼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (207 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    207 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 12 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    89 mm
    ▼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (89 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    89 mm vs 77 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

E
ephotozine.com
30/09/2024
Summary of the review
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH Lens Review
L
l-camera-forum.com
05/09/2024
Summary of the review
Trinity Part 3: The Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200/2.8 ASPH. and Extender L 2.0x – Review by Thomas Walter
D
digitalphoto.de
13/01/2025
Summary of the review
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH. Review (SUPER)
(Translated)Show original
P
photoscala.de
17/04/2025
Summary of the review
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 mm f/2.8 Asph. Review: A Premium View into the Distance
(Translated)Show original
L
l-camera-forum.com
05/09/2024
Summary of the review
Trinity Part 3: The Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200 f/2.8 ASPH. and Extender L 2.0x – A Review by Thomas Walter
(Translated)Show original
P
phototrend.fr
06/12/2024
Summary of the review
Prise en main Leica Vario-Elmarit SL 70-200 mm f/2,8 ASPH
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH

  • Exceptional build quality with an all-metal, weather-sealed construction
  • Outstanding optical performance including corner-to-corner sharpness and high microcontrast
  • Well-controlled chromatic aberration, distortion, and vignetting
  • Internal zoom and focus mechanism that maintains a constant lens length
  • Smooth and pleasing bokeh with excellent subject isolation
  • Integrated optical image stabilization (OIS) providing up to 6 stops of correction with modern SL bodies
  • Fast and silent autofocus performance
  • Compatibility with 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters while maintaining high image quality

What we don't like about Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH

  • High price point compared to similar L-mount offerings from Sigma or Panasonic
  • Relatively heavy at 1,540g, which can cause fatigue during extended handheld use
  • Autofocus tracking for fast action may be slower than some competitors like Sony or Canon
  • Tripod foot design can feel cramped or awkward for manual focusing
  • Lack of physical switches on the lens body (requires camera menu for AF/MF and OIS)

Verdict

The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH is a high-performance L-mount telephoto zoom featuring an advanced optical construction of 20 elements in 15 groups, including three aspherical surfaces and seven low-dispersion elements. Key characteristics include a constant f/2.8 aperture, internal zoom and focusing that maintains a fixed 207mm length, and a 3.5-stop optical image stabilization system that reaches up to 6 stops when paired with compatible SL-system IBIS cameras. Main pros include exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, fast and silent autofocus, robust all-metal weather-sealed construction, and an 82mm filter thread. Notable cons are its substantial weight of 1,540g, which can lead to handling fatigue, and its premium price point compared to third-party L-mount alternatives.

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