Leica 35-70mm Vario-Elmarit-R ASPH f/2.8 (1998)

Name: Leica 35-70mm
Brand: Leica

At 1050 grams, it sits heavy in the hand. This was never meant to be light.

Overview

The Leica 35-70mm Vario-Elmarit-R ASPH f/2.8 went by several nearly identical names: "Leica 35-70mm Vario-Elmarit-R f/2.8 ASPH," "VARIO-ELMARIT-R f/2.8/35-70mm ASPH," or simply "Leica 35-70mm Vario-Elmarit-R ASPH f/2.8." It is a standard zoom built for Leica's R-series SLRs. At 1050 grams and ⌀88×133mm, it is a dense lens that fits any R-mount body from the R3 to the R8. Owners report sharp, high-contrast images across the 35-70mm range, with resolution reportedly reaching 100 lp/mm at 35mm and f/2.8. That is exceptional for a zoom of any era, let alone one from the late 1990s.

Scarcity is a big part of this lens. According to Overgaard, production was limited to approximately 200 units between 1998 and 2001, though lens-db cites an announcement year of 1998 and Schouten-select lists a single production year: 1998. The reason for the short run was reportedly that it was too difficult to manufacture. Leica eventually abandoned production, so the f/2.8 is a rare lens among the R-lenses. The lighter 35-70mm Vario-Elmar-R f/4.0 weighs only 400g, measures 70mm in diameter and 84mm long, and stayed in production from 1997 onward. Users describe it as a "bargain amongst the R lenses," with sharp, detailed results at a fraction of the f/2.8's cost and bulk.

A separate family of fixed-lens compact cameras carries a 35-70mm f/3.5-6.5 ASPH zoom: the Leica Minilux Zoom (chrome), produced from 1996 to 2006, and the Leica CM Zoom (chrome), made between 2005 and 2007. They share only the focal range and the aspherical designation with the R-lens. They are entirely different products, built into compact bodies alongside non-zoom models with a 40mm f/2.4 ASPH lens. The compact version is described as "impressive for a compact, with great detail and sharpness," but it lacks the mechanical and optical pedigree of the R-series zooms.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Leica
Product type	Lens
Exact product name	Leica 35-70mm Vario-Elmarit-R ASPH f/2.8
Mount	Leica R
Maximum format	35mm full frame
Aperture	f/2.8
ASPH	Yes
Weight	1050g
Maximum diameter × Length	⌀88×133mm
Product code	11275
Country of origin	Duitsland
Resolution at 35mm, f/2.8	100 lp/mm with good micro-contrast
Compatibility	Leica R3 to R8

Key Features

ASPH Element for Aberration Control

The aspherical (ASPH) element in the Leica 35-70mm Vario-Elmarit-R f/2.8 was critical to its optical performance. It helped minimize spherical aberration and distortion across the zoom range, which let the lens reach its reportedly high resolution of 100 lp/mm at 35mm. The same ASPH designation appears in the 35-70mm lenses of the Minilux Zoom and CM Zoom compacts, though the implementation and performance differ significantly because the form factors and target markets are so different.

Constant f/2.8 Aperture Across Zoom Range

Slower zooms narrow to f/4 or beyond at the telephoto end. This lens holds a constant f/2.8 throughout its 35-70mm range. That keeps exposure stable while zooming and gives superior low-light performance, which was rare in zoom lenses of the period, especially those designed for 35mm SLRs. Holding that aperture in a compact(ish) zoom contributed to its production difficulties and eventual discontinuation.

Leica R-Mount Compatibility

The lens was designed specifically for the Leica R system and works with all R-series SLRs from the R3 to the R8. That made it a viable option for professional users within Leica's SLR ecosystem, though its rarity and price have since put it beyond practical daily use for most.

Focusing Technique for Precision

A technical note from photo.imx.nl suggests that for accurate focus, users should focus at 70mm and then zoom to 35mm (or focus at 90mm and zoom to 35mm in similar designs). This is not explicitly confirmed for this lens. The advice reflects a common challenge in parfocal zoom design, focus shift during zooming, which high-end zooms like this one try to minimize through precise mechanical calibration.

Historical Context

The Leica 35-70mm Vario-Elmarit-R f/2.8 emerged in 1998 as part of Leica's push to expand its R-lens lineup with high-performance zooms. The smaller, lighter 35-70mm Vario-Elmar-R f/4.0 began production in 1997 and remained available longer. The f/2.8 version was discontinued after a brief run due to manufacturing complexity, while the f/4.0 model found a loyal following as a capable, affordable zoom. The 35-70mm focal range also appeared in Leica's compact camera line, in the Minilux Zoom (1996-2006) and CM Zoom (2005-2007), where it served a different audience seeking convenience over optical supremacy.

Collectibility & Value

Production was limited, estimated at around 200 units, so the Leica 35-70mm Vario-Elmarit-R f/2.8 is a sought-after collector's item. It reportedly sells for around $12,000 on the second-hand market. The f/4.0 version is considered a bargain among R-lens enthusiasts, praised for its sharpness and value. No common failures or maintenance issues are documented in the available sources, though spare parts and servicing options are likely scarce given the lens's obscurity and age.