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
Sony
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony E Mount
Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. is 1.7 years newer.
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Wins
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
TL;DR — Key differences
- AVario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Weight (778 g vs 1470 g)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Length (108 mm vs 170 mm)
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
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
⌀87 × 108 mm
778 g (1.72 lb / 27.44 oz)
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. is 62mm longer and 1mm wider than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. is 692 g heavier than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
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
- ✓
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 0.17 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
778 g vs 1470 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 170 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
40 cm vs 60 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
87 mm vs 88 mm — lower 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.
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
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
- ✓Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
- ✓Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens
Cons
- –Expensive investment for a single focal length
- –Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
- –Some visible vignetting wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.