Leica Releases New Telephoto Zoom Lens For the SL-System

The APO-VARIO-ELMARIT-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4 is ideal for a variety of distances and subjects, from close-ups to travel photography and sporting events.

Leica Camera announced the latest addition to the Leica SL-System lens portfolio, the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4. This new telephoto zoom lens is distinguished by its high speed, extensive range of focal lengths and outstanding optical and mechanical precision. Combined with the focal lengths already offered by the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH. lens, these two lenses cover focal lengths ranging from 24 to 280 mm, guaranteeing versatility for photographers when shooting a wide range of subjects and situations.

The system’s integrated optical image stabilization (OIS) increases exposure times by up to 3.5 stops and guarantees shake-free hand-held photography even at telephoto settings. The telephoto zoom lens features an entirely new design, with dual internal focusing that ensures fast and quiet autofocus as well as constantly high imaging performance at a range of distances. With close focusing limits of 0.6 meters at 90 mm and 1.4 meters at 280 mm and a reproduction ratio of 1:4.8 to 1:5, this versatile, dust-proof and splash-proof lens is ideal for up-close photography.

As with all Leica lenses, the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4 was designed and developed by Leica optical specialists in Wetzlar, Germany and unites equal measures of optical and technical expertise. The design of the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4 is comprised of 23 elements (in seven moving groups), seven of which are made from glasses with unique partial dispersion to minimize chromatic aberrations. The movement of the two focusing elements features a newly developed drive concept with linear positioning of the lenses by stepping motors – as a result, the overall length of the lens does not change when focusing or zooming. Additionally, the included lens suppresses reflections, stray light and prevents flare.

The Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4 also features a tripod plate and lens belt, which allows for easier handling. With a lockable rotating tripod collar, the lens can be fixed at any angle and the collar has detents every 90 degrees for rapid switching from landscape to portrait format.

The Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4 will be available as of March 24, 2016 for $6,395. The current lens portfolio, comprised of the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH. and the Leica APO-Vario Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4, will also be expanded later this year with the Leica Summilux-SL 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. prime lens.