Two new ultra-wide-angle lenses for the SL system

With the Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14–24 f/2.8 Asph, Leica offers a focal length of 14 mm for the SL-System for the first time. With its consistently high aperture ratio of f/2.8 over the entire zoom range, impressive panoramas and videos of the highest quality and brilliance are created. The very wide diagonal viewing angle of up to 114 degrees leads to unavoidable distortions and aberrations in ultra-wide-angle lenses, which are excellently compensated by the elaborate optical construction of the Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14–24 f/2.8 Asph. Thus, subjects are sharp right into the corners at any aperture and focal length. Inside the new Vario lens, 18 lenses in 13 groups compensate for chromatic aberrations and three aspherical lenses ensure the best image and video quality. The focal length range of 14 to 24 mm makes this versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens an excellent tool for numerous photographic applications: from architecture and interior shots to reportages close to the action right up to astro and landscape photography.

In the new zoom lens, unwanted stray light is prevented by a sophisticated multi-coating of the glass surfaces and a fixed metal lens hood. The latter also serves as a robust protection for the strongly curved front lens. The Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14–24 f/2.8 Asph is equipped with a special filter holder on the side of the bayonet mount. In combination with the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 Asph, this new ultra-wide-angle zoom lens covers a wide focal length range and ensures comparatively light luggage with full flexibility.

Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 Asph
With the Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 Asph, Leica Camera simultaneously introduces the world’s first APO lens with a focal length of 21 mm. Hence, the high-performance wide-angle lens meets even the highest professional requirements and provides consistent sharpness right into the outer corners of the picture. This way, it becomes the latest family member of the APO-Summicron-SL lenses which stand for top performances in the optical field and impress with their fast, reliable Dual Synchro Drive™ autofocus.

Just like the already available lenses with a focal length of 28, 35, 50, 75 or 90 mm, the Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 Asph has the same compact dimensions with the same E67 filter diameter – despite the extreme viewing angle. This viewing angle of the Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 Asph is predestined for the challenging use in landscape photography, indoors, during reportages, in the studio and in architectural photography. A closest focusing distance of only 21 cm also ensures effective detail shots while the big maximum aperture allows for additional creative possibilities due to the selective usage of sharpness and blur.

The 14 high-precision made lenses – three of them with an aspheric surface – are divided in 11 groups and contribute to the highest possible degree of 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. Most of the used lens elements are therefore made of high-quality special glasses whose demanding processing needs the most innovative methods of manufacturing.

The retail price of the Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14–24 f/2.8 Asph will be €2,500.00 including VAT. The retail price of the Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 Asph will be €5,300.00 including VAT. Both lenses will be available globally at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and authorized dealers starting now.