New telephoto zoom lens for the Leica SL-System: Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4

The latest addition to the Leica SL-System lens portfolio, the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4, is now on sale. This fast telephoto zoom lens offers a range of focal lengths that follows on directly from the already available Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH. lens. Together, these two lenses cover a range of focal lengths extending from 24 to 280 mm and guarantee the versatility photographers need for a wide range of subjects and situations.

The new Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4 is distinguished by high speed and an extensive range of focal lengths and impresses with outstanding optical and mechanical precision. Its integrated optical image stabilization (OIS) enables exposure times to be increased by up to 3.5 stops and guarantees shake-free hand-held photography even at telephoto settings. This telephoto zoom lens is an entirely new design and with dual internal focusing that ensures very fast and quiet autofocus and constantly high imaging performance at distances from infinity to its close focusing limit. 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 lens is simply predestined for close-up photography. The Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4 is sealed against dust, splash-proof and features a detachable tripod plate for easier handling.

As is the case for 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 and unites equal measures of optical and technical expertise. The combination of cutting-edge technologies and high-quality materials guarantees consistent quality in all respects. The design of the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4 comprises 23 elements (in seven moving groups), seven of which are made from glasses with anomalous partial dispersion for the minimisation of chromatic aberrations. The movement of the two focusing elements is provided by a newly developed drive concept with linear positioning of the lenses by stepping motors. A special feature of this is that the overall length of the lens does not change when either focusing or zooming. The lens hood supplied with the lens suppresses undesirable reflections and stray light and prevents flare.

The Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4 also features a tripod plate for attaching it to a tripod. Its ergonomic design makes the lens easier to carry by hand and allows the attachment of a lens belt. A lockable rotating tripod collar allows the lens to be fixed at any angle. 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 is on sale as of 24 March 2016.

The current lens portfolio, comprising 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 be expanded later this year by the Leica Summilux-SL 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. prime lens (available in Q4/2016). What’s more, the exceptional compatibility of the Leica SL-System grants photographers access to almost all Leica lenses ever made. For instance, all Leica T lenses can be mounted on the Leica SL without an adapter and the already available M-Adapter T enables the use of almost all Leica M-Lenses constructed since 1954. Leica S-Lenses can be mounted with the S-Adapter L (available 05/2016) and R-Adapter (available Q3/2016) allows Leica R-System lenses to be used with the Leica SL.