Leica has unveiled two new ultra-wide SL lenses, a zoom and a prime. Both feature an L-Mount and offer some creative options for both photographers and filmmakers, provided they have the cash.
The first Leica ultra wide angle lens is the Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH, and features a lightweight, aluminum design, fast and quiet autofocus (Dual Synchro Drive AF), supports full-frame cameras, up to a 114° field of view, the f/2.8 is constant throughout the entire zoom range, and pairs up well with similar zoom lenses from Leica in this category.
In addition to pairing up nicely with a Leica featuring an L-Mount, it also supports specific cameras including the new Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K and those from Sigma and Lumix.
The lens features a suggested retail price of $2,495, which is in line with the pricing of other Leica cameras and lenses. Check out the full specifications here.
The other ultra-wide angle lens from Leica is a prime, the Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH. It’s a little faster than the 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom and fairly wide.
This new wide angle SL lens works with full-frame cameras, features a Dual Synchro Drive AF system, lessened chromatic aberrations and color fringing thanks to its apochromatic lens design (APO), and much more. It’s a nice addition to Leica’s other APO-Summicron .
Priced at $5,495, it’s also what you’d expect for high-quality glass from Leica. Get full specs here.
Leica is definitely a luxury brand and is priced accordingly. It’s no surprise that some celebrities and famous musicians regularly use Leica cameras and glass. Having said that, they make fantastic cameras and lenses (I have a family member who uses them for pro photography work, including sports and architecture).
These two new ultra-wide angle lenses offer more creative choices for photographers, filmmakers, and video production, and not just Leica owners.
As Leica introduces more new cameras, some of which film in 8K, having high-quality lenses such as these will maintain high production standards.