New Leica SL ultra-wide-angle lenses: 14-24mm F2.8 and APO 21mm F2

The Transcontinenta group, distributor for Leica in the Netherlands, presents an extension of the Leica SL system with two new ultra-wide-angle lenses: Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24 f/2.8 ASPH. and Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 ASPH.

Both new lenses strengthen not only the Leica SL system, but also the ever-expanding portfolio of the L-Mount alliance, with two excellent ultra-wide-angle lenses for capturing photos and videos in the unique Leica image quality and look.

Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14–24 f/2.8 ASPH.

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.

Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 ASPH.

With the Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 ASPH., Leica Camera AG 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 DriveTM 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. The 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.

Availability and prices

The Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24 f/2.8 ASPH. has a retail price of €2,500.00 including VAT. The Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 f/2 ASPH. has a retail price of €5,300.00 including VAT. Both new Leica SL lenses will be available very soon at the Leica Store Amsterdam, Leica Store Lisse and Leica dealers in the Netherlands.

Leica Camera – A Partner for Photography
Leica Camera AG is an international, premium manufacturer of cameras and sports optics. The legendary reputation of the Leica brand is based on a long tradition of excellent quality, German craftsmanship and German industrial design, combined with innovative technologies. An integral part of the brand's culture is the diversity of activities the company undertakes for the advancement of photography. In addition to the Leica Galleries and Leica Akademies spread around the world, there are the Leica Hall of Fame Award. In particular, the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA) is considered one of the most innovative sponsorship awards existing today. Furthermore, Leica Camera AG, with its headquarters in Wetzlar, Hesse, and a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, has a worldwide network of its own national organizations and Leica Retail Stores.