Leica
APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH.
Leica L Mount
APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. — 50mm f/2 for Leica L, a popular choice in the leica lineup.
$2,595
Launch priceReleased Aug 2019
Leica
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Leica L Mount
1470g weather-sealed f/2.8 telephoto zoom with dual stepper AF and 0.25x close focus.
$4,195
Launch priceReleased Nov 2022
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. is 3.3 years newer.
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Wins
APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH.
Wins
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
TL;DR — Key differences
- BVario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- AAPO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. has lower Weight (740 g vs 1470 g)
- AAPO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. has lower Min focus distance (35 cm vs 60 cm)
- AAPO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. has lower Length (102 mm vs 170 mm)
- AAPO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2 vs f/2.8)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH.
⌀73 × 102 mm
740 g (1.63 lb / 26.10 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
⌀88 × 170 mm
1470 g (3.24 lb / 51.85 oz)
APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. is 68mm shorter and 15mm narrower than Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH..
APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. is 730 g lighter than Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH..
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH.
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical
- ✓
Weight
740 g vs 1470 g — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
35 cm vs 60 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
102 mm vs 170 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
73 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 4 Aspherical, 2 ED
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.2 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH.
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Leica L mount compatibility
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. and Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. at major authorized retailers.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH.
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.