Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm F2.8 ASPH vs Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm F2.8-4 ASPH
L-Mount
Both Leica zooms have an 82 mm filter thread and a dust and splash-proof metal housing, but they are meant for different jobs. The Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90 f/2.8-4 arrived in 2015 together with the SL (Typ 601) and reaches 90 mm. According to Leica it has optical stabilization (3.5 stops). The Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 (2021) has a constant f/2.8 but no in-lens stabilization. It relies on the in-body stabilization of the SL2 and SL2-S. At 856 g it weighs about 280 g less and focuses down to 0.18 m instead of 0.30 m.
The question: more reach and stabilization, or more light and less weight?
Which one suits whom?
- 24-90: You want a travel zoom up to 90 mm with in-lens stabilization, also for older SL models.
- 24-70: You want a constant f/2.8 in a lighter zoom and use the camera's stabilization.
Key differences
- Focal length: 24-70 mm on the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm F2.8 ASPH, 24-90 mm on the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm F2.8-4 ASPH.
- The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm F2.8 ASPH is 284 g lighter (856 g vs 1,140 g).
- The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm F2.8 ASPH is 15 mm shorter.
- Only the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm F2.8-4 ASPH has optical image stabilization.
- The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm F2.8 ASPH focuses closer: from 18 cm instead of 30 cm.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm F2.8 ASPH | Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm F2.8-4 ASPH |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 24-70 mm | 24-90 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8-4 |
| Weight | 856 g | 1,140 g |
| Filter diameter | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 18 cm | 30 cm |
| Length | 123 mm | 138 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | no | yes |
Size comparison
- Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm F2.8 ASPH: 123 × 88 mm
- Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm F2.8-4 ASPH: 138 × 88 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).