Teaneck, NJ—Leica Camera AG announced new SL lenses. These Leica ultrawide-angle SL lenses expand its mirrorless SL system offerings by two. The company debuted the Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14–24mm f/2.8 Asph as well as the Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 Asph.
New Leica Ultrawide-Angle SL Lenses
Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14–24mm f/2.8 Asph
With the Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14–24mm f/2.8 Asph, Leica offers a 14mm focal length for the first time in the SL system. The lens features a high aperture ratio of
f/2.8 over its entire zoom range. Consequently, it can achieve impressive panoramas and high-quality videos. While the very wide diagonal viewing angle of 114º leads to an ultrawide-angle lens’s distortions and aberrations, Leica engineers compensated for this.
Inside the new Vario lens, 18 lenses in 13 groups compensate for chromatic aberrations. Moreover, three aspherical lenses help ensure high-quality images and video, with sharp subjects into the corners. In addition, the lens offers a versatile focal length range of 14mm to 24mm. As a result, the lens is a solution for numerous photographic applications, from architecture and interior shots to reportages close to the action. Photographers can also use it for astro- and landscape photography.
Furthermore, the use of multi-coating on the lens’s glass surfaces as well as a fixed metal lens hood minimize unwanted stray light from entering. The latter also serves as protection for the curved front lens. The lens also has a special filter holder on the side of its bayonet mount.
Boasting a full metal aluminum housing, it measures 5.2 inches in length and weighs 30 ounces. With an AquaDura coating for dust and spray protection, the Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14–24mm f/2.8 Asph has a suggested retail price of $2,495.
Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 Asph
Leica is positioning the Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 Asph as the “world’s first APO lens with a focal length of 21mm.” Further, its engineers designed the wide-angle lens to meet the highest professional requirements and provide consistent sharpness edge to edge.
Like other APO-Summicron-SL lenses, this lens employs a fast, Dual Synchro Drive autofocus system. In addition, it has the same compact dimensions and E67 filter diameter as other focal-length lenses in its family—despite its extreme viewing angle. Furthermore, the viewing angle of the lens makes it an option for landscape, interior, reportage, studio and architectural photography. It provides a closest focusing distance of 8.3 inches. Additionally, its large maximum aperture allows for additional creative possibilities with the selective control of depth of field with smooth transitions in bokeh.
What’s more, 14 high-precision lenses—three of them with an aspheric surface—are divided in 11 groups to contribute to high image quality, even with the aperture fully open. “The apochromatic correction of the lens is unique to its focal length and once again proves the highest standards of the Leica engineers,” the company stated. Further, most of the lens elements are made of special glass.
The Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 Asph measures 4 inches in length and weighs 28 ounces. It has an SRP of $5,495.
Both new lenses feature a bayonet L mount, expanding the L-Mount Alliance portfolio.
