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Leica

Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH

Leica's ultra-wide zoom for the SL system — the Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm covers a dramatic wide-angle range with weather sealing and the optical consistency Leica's Vario-Elmar zoom range demands. Distortion is exceptionally well controlled for a lens covering 16mm, and corner sharpness remains strong throughout the zoom range. It is the natural partner to the 24-70mm for landscape, architecture, and interior work on Leica SL, Lumix S, and Sigma L-mount cameras.

GearFrame's Take

The most optically refined ultra-wide zoom for the L-mount system — Leica Vario-Elmar quality across 16–35mm with weather sealing for any shooting environment.

Starting from
£2400 new
Average price across retailers: ~£2600
Available at 4 retailers
Check price at Amazon
✓ Available at 4 retailers 🔒 No signup needed 📦 UK stock only
RetailerPrice
Amazon
Amazon
—
Check on Amazon →
eBay
eBay
—
Check on eBay →
Wex Photo Video
Wex Photo Video
—
Check on Wex Photo Video →
Clifton Cameras
Clifton Cameras
—
Check on Clifton Cameras →
Please note that not all products on GearFrame are available from all retailers listed. Older camera models are more likely to be found second hand or refurbished. We currently do not have live price or availability data, but are actively working to bring this to GearFrame.
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Core
Released
2018
Aperture
f/3.5-4.5 (variable max aperture)
Compatible Mount
Leica L-mount
Dimensions
84mm diameter × 90mm length
Weight
680g
Weather Sealed
Yes
Performance
AF Motor
Internal AF motor — fast and near-silent; full-time manual override
Optical IS
None (relies on body IBIS)
Burst Rate
N/A
Battery Life
N/A
Optics
Min. Focus Distance
28cm minimum focus distance
Viewfinder
N/A
Screen
N/A
Memory Cards
N/A
Connectivity
N/A

Select up to 2 cameras to compare against the Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH. It's always pinned as the baseline.

Select 1–3 cameras to compare

6 cameras compatible with the Leica L-mount mount.

Sigma fp
Sigma
Sigma fp
£1499
Lumix S5
Lumix
Lumix S5
£1699
Lumix S5 II
Lumix
Lumix S5 II
£1999
Sigma fp L
Sigma
Sigma fp L
£1999
S1 II
Lumix
S1 II
£2200
Leica SL3
Leica
Leica SL3
£6499
GearScore™ — Suitability by Genre
Landscape
9.0
Architecture
9.0
Travel
7.0
✅ Great For
🏔️
Landscape Weather-sealed and exceptionally sharp from 16–35mm — the L-mount ultra-wide zoom for landscape work in any conditions.
🏛️
Architecture Outstanding distortion control at 16mm makes it the benchmark ultra-wide for architectural and interior photography on L-mount.
✈️
Travel Covers the widest perspectives in one weather-sealed barrel — a strong companion to the 24-70mm for comprehensive L-mount travel kits.
⚠️ Not Ideal For

No significant limitations identified — this is a versatile camera without obvious weak spots for most shooters.

📝 How suitability scores are calculated Scores reflect the aggregated consensus from verified purchaser reviews across tracked UK retailers, weighted by photography genre tags applied by reviewers. This is community opinion — not GearFrame editorial assessment. See our full methodology →
Price History — Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH