Today, Leica Camera has officially launched the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4 lens in the USA. Priced at $6,395, the lens is expected to ship in April. This will be the second SL-system lens released, following the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4.0 ASPH which debuted at the same time as the Leica SL (Typ 601). Just like the standard zoom, the new telephoto zoom will feature lightening fast and silent autofocus, along with optical image stabilization effectively reducing vibration the equivalent of 3.5 stops.
Me, holding the 90-280mm at the SL Launch Event in Germany
With the addition of this lens, SL users will have the full focal range of 24-280mm available with image stabilization and full weather sealing. The lens will also work on the Leica T (Typ 701) where it would be equivalent to a 135-420mm telephoto lens. Having already handled the lens at the SL Launch Event in Germany back in October, my initial thoughts were that it balanced really well on the SL, and yielded sharp results hand-held, even indoors at night. Subjects at various distances snapped into focus in the high-res EVF almost immediately, with no hunting. And, I especially like that Leica opted to extend the normal zoom range of a lens like this from the industry standard 70-200mm, to a more useful 90-280mm, while keeping the size and weight almost the same. For more of my thoughts on the 90-280 and future SL lenses, you can check out my full Leica SL (Typ 601) Review.
Me, holding the 90-280mm at the SL Launch Event in Germany
For more details or to place an order, you can view the lens online at Leica Store Miami here: Leica APO-VARIO-ELMARIT-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4. You can also send an email or call the store with any questions at 305-921-4433.
Click on the gallery thumbnails below for a larger view of the lens:
What would be a compact elegant leica-like camera if only for the fact that the only thing made for the front of it are metal munching monster lenses. They promised a 50mm normal i think…. thats the lens which should have come out. Whats needed is a pancake 40mm. Hold the blueberries… make is short stack..
I’m sure there will plenty of primes to come, starting with the 50 f/1.4 Summilux-SL coming later this year. In order to cover the widest range of focal lengths, the two zooms were launched first.
Is there no tripod mount or collar? Surprising given the size and weight of the lens
Yes, the 90-280 SL has a very nicely designed rotating, detachable tripod collar. There is a knob to lock the rotation and a knob with safety release for the tripod food.
Ahh, right on. I didn’t see any evidence in the pictures. So the collar itself isn’t integral with a removable foot (like the Nikon 70-200s)? Thanks.
The collar is part of the lens. The foot is removable.
Oops… I was only looking at the Product photos. Just noticed that the pictures of you holding the lens clearly shows the foot and it is pretty obvious where the collar is. Thanks!