Red Dot Forum Camera Talk: Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH

In this week's Red Dot Forum Camera Talk, Leica experts Josh Lehrer and David Farkas are taking a look at the just introduced Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH lens for the SL-System. We'll show how it stacks up against other lenses for the SL and discuss where we think this standard range fast zoom fits into the Leica SL System.

You can order the lens and the two new SL2 bundles here:

And if you want to read about the 24-70 f/2.8 on Red Dot Forum , with tech specs, MTF charts and sample images, head over to:

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[garyrobinson]

Thank you guys for this incredible service and contribution to the community of Leica. I'm going back and re-watching videos from the past, and thoroughly enjoying them. This is completely unrelated, but I have to say this - it is weird seeing you guys on opposite sides after seeing so many videos of Josh on the right and David on the left. It's like stepping into a parallel universe, and I feel like I'm waiting for Josh to drop something... Keep up the great work!

[sromrell]

Many were speculating the new 24-70 was a rebranded Sigma. Super happy you tested both.

[heresiarh]

One could argue that gear does not matter. However, gear can inspire you to go out and make photographs. Leica certainly does that for me. I just picked up the Leica 24-70 and am loving it. It is a nice compliment to my M lenses since I find the rendering of the 24-70 very pleasing. It is hard to describe but think of the 24-70 rendering as less-HDR version of the 24-90; dare I say it almost M like ...

[stuartmeador]

Not every photo application needs an APO Summicron....glad to see the L mounts growing choices. Thanks

[einarlandre]

Great episode that settled my decision. I have held back on the 24-90 due to weight / price ratio.

[drrobertgoldman]

All of you run the best Leica Forum in the WORLD.

[andrejkorenc]

Oh, for sake, just call it like it is, and what it is - it's a lens based on Sigma's 24-70/2.8 DN, it offers identical optical properties and is manufactured by Sigma. It's not a "rebranded" Sigma lens, it's a "rehoused" Sigma lens. Identical optical construction, electronics and AF motors inside a different housing.
The left guy at some point says "... it's still a Leica handmade product" - no it most definitely is not! That's why it lacks Leica's signed certificate of quality that you get with REAL Leica lenses, designed by Leica and made by Leica. This lens is NOT designed by Leica, nor is it made by Leica, unless Leica just started to "handmade" their products in JAPAN with this lens being the first product of such. Made to "Leica's stringent quality control"? I guess, but that really doesn't mean anything - Leica products do not tend to break down less than other products, maybe it's even vice versa. So it's basically the same as with Panasonic's "Certified by Leica" stamps on their lenses - marketing mambo jumbo.

Watching you two trying to avoid the obvious really is painfull. It's either black, or white, so stop calling it "a red shade of grey." 'Cause it ain't.

[richarddenise]

Please know, that you are greatly appreciated! Magnificent!

[fellowcitizen]

I hope this will be a full mid-pricepoint line-up with primes, even Elmarits. SL2-S and this are priced high, but acceptably high. The Art and S Pro are brilliant lens lines, not a compromise in any way when viewed against Zeiss and Canon/Nikon. The S Pro = perfect compatibility (focus throw, smoothness), and the Art = best price-to-performance ratio. Even so, some special studs in the stable could go a long way.

[peterlanz]

The Sigma outperforms the Lumix 24-70 S Pro? Are you seriuos? I've both and use them on my SL2-S. The Lumix is way better than the Sigma in every ways: corner to corner sharpness, distorsion, contrast, AF speed. Maybe you tried a really bad copy.

[Traveljournalist]

this video will serve as a reference for a long time. you covered everything. amazing work

[jklphoto]

I'm "only" thru the first hour...but two questions remain:
1.Optically, does the Sigma contain the same number of lens elements and groups?
2. Does the SL-Series automatically apply distortion correction to its files vs. Sigma/Panasonic which would have to be corrected in post?
3. Does the lack of external switches (on the Leica) means one can manually tweak focus anytime without changing to MF in the menu?

[victorcwd]

Brilliant episode! Your clarity and logic are refreshing. I also chose the Leica 24-70 due first to size and weight and secondly then saved the cost stretch. Beautifully made. No regrets. Physical/mechanical features, optical performance and native Leica electronic interface etc. just made sense to me having paid for Leica quality SL2 body!!

[jessekoskinen]

The production value of these videos just keeps increasing. Please keep using the new camera window for when questions are asked. As a non-native English speaker, seeing the person talking helps with understanding.

[johnsharaf]

Finally was able to get my hands on 24-70 and to my pleasant surprise it zooms in the right direction, unlike the other SL zooms, at least in the direction all professional motion picture lenses zoom, This muscle memory is mandatory for cine use. Thanks Leica!

[ronaldsand]

Absolutely wonderful comprehensive review clearing up any confusion and case use between the two similar zoom lenses

[bernie]

great episode again, so useful ! thanks !

[CMC]

Thank you for sharing! Very informative indeed.

[Stone]

Trust you guys, however, every review i’ve read or watched rates the Pana 24-70 over the Sigma 24-70 and, I like both glass systems, use both across a range of other lenses on the L Mount, ART and Pro, don’t have the 24-70 which is why i’m watching this vid. Confused and concerned now about what to believe. 🤔

[rolandrickphotography]

Hey guys, your forum talks are awesome and super informative. But a little bit long. Well, it's clear to me, it's a forum talk and now how to video or so, but > two hours? "Unfortunately" the talks are so interesting and informative, can't stop watching once started… 😄🙌