Collaborations between Leica and other manufacturers of cameras are not uncommon. It has teamed up with Panasonic in recent years to produce V-Lux and D-Lux compact cameras. Fujifilm is responsible for Sofort instant models. Vario-Elmarit SL 24-70mm F2.8 ASPH.
Leica teamed up with Sigma, a L-Mount Alliance partner to repackage our Editors Choice-winning 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN art ($1,099) lens. The housing is designed to match the design of Leica's SL cameras. This is a significant investment, but it may be worth the cost.
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Sigma Optics, Leica Looks
The Vario-Elmarit SL 24-70mm is made in Japan. It looks, feels and handles exactly like its German-made SL lenses. While this lens is manufactured in Japan, it has the same optical formula as its Sigma counterpart. This lens is a full-frame, which makes it a good fit for the SL2 and SL2-S. However, it can be paired with the Leica CL (an APS-C model).
Vario-Elmarit comes in black with anti-smudge fluorine and dust protection. Also included is a metal petal-style cover. This is in contrast to Sigma's Polycarbonate version. The two lenses measure 4.8 by 3.5 inches. However, the Vario Elmarit weighs 1.9 pounds more than the 1.8 pound version. Both lenses can accept front filters measuring 82mm.
Rubberized zoom and focus rings have the typical ridge texture. With a bit of torque the zoom can turn, enough to allow you to extend your barrel. With a little resistance, the focus ring moves further ahead. If you like to manually work, frame magnification or focus peaking can be found in many L-mount cameras.
Leica doesn't place an AF/MF toggle button on the barrel. This makes it less easy to switch between focus modes than with the Sigma 24-70mm. The SL2 or SL2-S have a manual focus override feature that allows you to quickly change between focal modes without having to go into a menu.
The autofocus process is very quiet and quite quick. The SL2-S can drive the lens in a matter of quarter seconds from far away to near focus. Focus is fast enough to maintain a steady pace with a moving object at the medium speed 5fps. The SL2-S can also focus very close to the target, allowing for macro results of 1:2.9 at the closest distance.
Although I was unable to test the Sigma 24-70mm lens with Leica bodies, a PetaPixelcomparison showed that the Vario Elmarit lens focusses faster than the Leica bodies. This is a major selling point for SL2 owners.
We tested the optical performance of the Sigma 24-70mm with a 24MP model called the SL2-S. This doesn't place too much strain on its excellent optics. The Sigma 24-70mm was previously used in conjunction with the 60MP Sony A7R IV, and it performed admirably.
The 24-90mm does not have stabilization. This feature is included with Vario-Elmarit SL 2490mm F2.8-4 ASPH. It costs twice as much at $5,595 and is heavier than the 24-90mm, which weighs in at more than half of a pound. Leica's new-generation SL2 or SL2-S cameras have stabilized sensors so that 24-70mm can still be held in one hand. The 24-70mm F2.8 is more affordable than the larger 24-90mm.
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The Leica Name is Worthy
Vario-Elmarit 24-70mm F2.8 AsPH may be dismissed by some. It may be viewed as a simple rebrand but it's far from true. Certainly, the optical formulas match up, and this is the rare Leica product to come off of a production line outside of Europe—but without spying the small engraved "Made in Japan" badge, you'd never know it.
It is very well constructed. It has a strong metal barrel that is protected from dust splashes and dirt. The front glass also features an anti-smudge fluorine coating to keep raindrops and thumbprints out. It focuses fast, keeping up with the SL2-S continuous drive and taking only a few seconds to get focus from close to home.
The Leica brand is subject to a tax. Vario-Elmarit is $2,795 by itself and $2,200 if purchased in a set. This adds a significant amount to the price of the SL2/SL2-S or SL2-S if it's bought as a package. You might still find that the Leica's quality and aesthetics are worth it.