Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 F2.8 ASPH vs Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 mm F2.8–4
L-Mount
Both Leica SL telephotos have optical image stabilization (up to 3.5 stops each, according to Leica), but follow different concepts. The Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH (September 2024) is the classic telephoto zoom with constant f/2.8. Leica offers a 2x extender for it, and the zoom is dust and moisture resistant. It weighs 1540 g. The APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4 (2016) reaches 80 mm further but only opens to f/4 at the long end. Its length stays the same while zooming and focusing, and it weighs 1710 g.
Here you choose between constant light and more reach.
Which one suits whom?
- 70-200mm: You shoot portraits, events or sports and want f/2.8 across the whole range.
- 90-280mm: You need more reach up to 280 mm and accept f/4 at the long end.
Key differences
- Focal length: 70-200 mm on the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 F2.8 ASPH, 90-280 mm on the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 mm F2.8–4.
- The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 F2.8 ASPH is 170 g lighter (1,540 g vs 1,710 g).
- The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 F2.8 ASPH is 31 mm shorter.
- The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 F2.8 ASPH focuses closer: from 65 cm instead of 81 cm.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 F2.8 ASPH | Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 mm F2.8–4 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 70-200 mm | 90-280 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8-4 |
| Weight | 1,540 g | 1,710 g |
| Filter diameter | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 65 cm | 81 cm |
| Length | 207 mm | 238 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | yes | yes |
Size comparison
- Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 F2.8 ASPH: 207 × 89 mm
- Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 mm F2.8–4: 238 × 88 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).