Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. Review
Leica is a company that's known for small prime lenses, so it's a little surprising that it's launching its new SL camera system with a big zoom lens. But that's exactly what the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. ($4,950) is. It covers a longer zoom range than the 24-70mm zoom that is the standard with other systems, but does so using a variable rather than fixed aperture. Even though it's not a straight f/2.8, the lens is a solid performer, delivering crisp images and offering excellent close focus capability. It's a solid lens to pair with the Leica SL (Typ 601) ($3,895.00 at Amazon) .
DesignThere's no getting around it, the 24-90mm is a big, heavy zoom. It's noticeably larger than your typical 24-70mm f/2.8 (5.4 by 3.5 inches, HD), is hefty at 2.5 pounds, and supports 82mm front filters. A large, rectangular lens hood is included that gives it the look of a cinema lens with a matte box attached. The lens is styled in a similar manner to its S-mount medium format lin...
The Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. is the first standard zoom for the Leica SL system, and it doesn't disappoint.
Longer than average zoom range; Sharp optics; Minimal distortion; Dust- and splash-proof design; AquaDura lens coating; Close focus capability; Optical image stabilization
Not a fixed f/2.8; Big and heavy; Noticeable vignette at 24mm; Expensive