Today, Leica Camera has announced the new Leica Summicron-S 100mm f/2 ASPH, equivalent to an 80mm lens in the 35mm camera system. This looks like it could be one of the more interesting lenses in the Leica S-System lineup. One could informally call it the “Noctilux for the Leica S-System” and we expect it to render the “Leica look” at its finest. It's the fastest S lens available; the only Summicron, and in fact is now one of the fastest medium format telephoto lenses available today. With it's minimum focus distance of 0.7 meters (28 inches) it will also work well as a macro lens. At 910 grams in weight, it is a bit lighter than the Leica Summarit-S 35mm f/2.5 ASPH (930 grams) which is a lens we've never had a problem hand-holding. Without the lens hood attached the overall length is 102mm (4 inches) which falls in between the length of the 35mm (122mm) and the S-70mm (93mm). More from Leica:
Leica Camera is pleased to introduce the Leica Summicron-S 100mm f/2 ASPH, a new addition to the Leica S-System. The lens is ideal for portrait, beauty, landscapes, and available light photography and corresponds to an 80mm lens in the 35mm system with a natural-looking perspective. The sophisticated lens engineering is optimized for perfect skin tones while maintaining the highest level of brilliance.
The Leica Summicron-S 100mm f/2 ASPH uses a sophisticated design where a total of 7 lens elements are used to achieve the highest optical performance. This meets the high expectations of the Leica S-System users of a professional tool.
There are three lens elements of glass with anomalous partial dispersion – another is made of high-refraction extra low dispersion glass for correction of chromatic aberrations. One double aspherical lens element minimizes monochromatic aberrations. A floating element moves independently to ensure the close range imaging capability of the lens.
The very elaborate construction is designed for maximum contrast performance even at full aperture, and at the nearest focusing distance keeps the lens free from artifacts. Chromatic aberrations are corrected to an absolute maximum.
The stable lens body and the perfect seal against dust and splash water guarantee durability and reliability.
It is important that the Leica S (Typ 006) has firmware version 2.4.0.0 and the Leica S2/S2-P has firmware version, 1.4.0.0 when using the Leica Summicron-S 100mm f/2 ASPH.
We expect this lens to be on display at Photokina and will have a full hands-on report from the show. To place a pre-order for this new lens, you can visit the Leica Store Miami website. Feel free to call or email us with any questions.
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