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
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S — 70–200mm f/2.8 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$2,599
Launch priceReleased Oct 2020
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. is 2.1 years newer.
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Wins
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Wins
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
4 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BNIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S has lower Min focus distance (38 cm vs 60 cm)
- AVario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. has lower Length (170 mm vs 240 mm)
- BNIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S has lower Diameter (81 mm vs 88 mm)
- BNIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S has lower Weight (1360 g vs 1470 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
⌀88 × 170 mm
1470 g (3.24 lb / 51.85 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
⌀81 × 240 mm
1360 g (3.00 lb / 47.97 oz)
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. is 70mm shorter and 7mm wider than NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S.
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. is 110 g heavier than NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S.
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 Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 4 Aspherical, 2 ED
- ✓
Length
170 mm vs 240 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 60 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
1360 g vs 1470 g — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Max magnification
Both 0.25 ×
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
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 Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. and NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S at major authorized retailers.
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.