Leica has announced two lenses for the L-mount: Super APO Summicron SL 21mm F2 ASPH. and Super Vario Elmarit SL 14-24mm F2.8 ASPH. They will complement the fleet of optics for full-frame cameras from Leica, Panasonic and Sigma with L-mount. These are certainly cool lenses, delivering impressive images and, as befits Leica products, with equally impressive prices – $5500 and $2500 respectively.
Leica APO Summicron SL 21mm F2 ASPH.
Ultra-wide-angle lens for full-frame cameras. Its optical design consists of 14 elements in 11 groups, and it can focus from a distance of 21 cm with a zoom ratio of 1:5.3.
This is the world’s first apochromatic lens (APO) with a focal length of 21 mm, which means it should provide images without spherical and chromatic aberrations and will be the optimal tool for shooting landscapes, architecture, reportage and in the studio, if, of course, we abstract from it prices.
Optical design
Leica Apo Summicron SL 21mm F2 ASPH Specifications
- Focal length: 21mm
- Sensor format: full frame
- Bayonet: L-mount
- Viewing angle (diagonal/horizontal/vertical): 91.7°/81.2°/59.5°
- Optical design: 14 elements in 11 groups
- Special elements: 3 aspherical
- Stabilization: no
- Minimum focusing distance: 21 cm
- Focus: auto/manual
- Maximum magnification: 0.19x
- Zoom ratio: 1:5.3
- Aperture range: f/2 – f/22
- Housing: Aluminum alloy with anodized coating
- Thread diameter for filter: 67 mm
- Dimensions: Ø73 x 102 mm
- Weight: 789 g
Leica Super Vario Elmarit SL 14-24mm F2.8 ASPH.
A fast, versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom designed to complement the previously released standard Vario Elmarit SL 24-70 F2.8 ASPH zoom lens. According to the manufacturer, it is ideal for landscape, architectural and astrophotography.
The optical design consists of 18 elements in 13 groups and allows focusing at a distance of 28 cm with a zoom ratio of 1: 7.4.
The lens has a built-in hood and a dust- and splash-resistant design. The front and rear lenses are coated with Aqua-Dura’s signature hydrophobic coating. The light filter is installed on the bayonet side.
Outwardly it is similar to the Sigma 14-24 mm F2.8 DG DN Art, but in terms of characteristics it is generally like a twin brother:
Leica Super Vario Elmarit SL 14-24mm F2.8 ASPH. and Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art
Optical design
Leica 14-24mm F2.8 ASPH Specifications
- Focal length: 14–24mm
- Sensor format: full frame
- Bayonet: L-mount
- Viewing angle (diagonal/horizontal/vertical): 14 mm (114.2°/102.4°/79.3°), 24 mm (85°/74.6°/53.9°)
- Optical design: 18 elements in 13 groups
- Special elements: 3 aspherical
- Stabilization: no
- Minimum focusing distance: 28 cm
- Focus: auto/manual
- Focusing mechanism: internal
- Maximum magnification: 0.14x
- Zoom ratio: 1:11.4 (14 mm), 1:7.4 (24 mm)
- Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
- Housing: Aluminum alloy with anodized coating
- Dust and moisture protection: yes
- Light filter: installation from the bayonet side
- Dimensions: Ø85 x 131 mm
- Weight: 855 g
Prices
Both lenses are already available for pre-order. Leica APO Summicron SL 21mm F2 ASPH. offered for $5495.
Price Super Vario Elmarit SL 14-24mm F2.8 ASPH. is $2495, note that its analogue, the above-mentioned Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art, will cost half as much.
