The already impressive line-up of TL lenses for the Leica T mount gets a fast 90-mm equivalent macro to add to the versatility of the APS-C system camera. It will also work on the Leica SL but addresses the centre of the full-frame sensor with a reduced pixel count. The APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH is claimed to deliver impressive macro exposures with a reproduction ration of 1:1.
When the new lens is included, the T portfolio now comprises six lenses, three primes and three zooms. The classic primes, a 23mm f/2 Summicron and 35mm f/1.4 Summilux (equivalent to 35 and 50mm respectively) are complemented by three compact zoom lenses: 11-23 f/3.5-4/5, 18-56 f/3.5-5.6 and 55-135 f/3.5-4.5. The trio offers a 35mm-equivalent range of 17-200mm.
Leica has also confirmed that the TL designation will apply to all APS-C system lenses in the future. Full-frame lenses, using he identical mount, will continue with the SL designation.
The new APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH will be available in black or silver anodised finish. On sale from the middle of September they will have a suggested retail price of £1,800. Unusually, the hood is not supplied with the lens and costs a further £80.
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Leica press release
Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH. prime lens added to Leica T lens portfolio
All lenses for Leica T camera system to be marketed under the new designation ‘TL’
Leica Camera has released a new prime lens for the Leica T camera system: the Leica APO-Macro- Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH. This macro lens is considered to be the reference lens in the APS-C category, and delivers impressive macro exposures with a reproduction ratio of 1:1.
With this new addition, the Leica T lens portfolio now comprises a total of six lenses. Three prime lenses and three zoom lenses are currently available, offering a range of focal lengths for every photographic situation. The two fast prime lenses – the Leica Summicron-TL 23mm f/2 ASPH. and the Summilux-TL 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. – provide classic focal lengths for reportage photography. The APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH. complements these lenses, and is designed for finely detailed close-up photography.
The three compact zoom lenses – Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 11–23mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., Vario- Elmar-TL 18–56mm f/3.5–5.6 ASPH. and APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 55–135mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH. – cover an entire range of focal lengths equivalent to 17 – 200 mm in 35mm format, and deliver outstanding images with rich contrast from corner to corner of the frame.
As the Leica T and the new Leica SL share the same L bayonet mount, the designation ‘TL’ will be applied to all new lenses manufactured for the Leica T camera system going forward. Thanks to the versatility offered by TL-Lenses for an extensive range of applications, this once again highlights Leica’s commitment to system compatibility and sustainability, offering users access to an even more diverse portfolio of Leica products.
All Leica TL-Lenses deliver outstanding imaging results at all ranges from infinity to their closest focusing distance, and capture photographs with the inimitable ‘Leica look’ and unique bokeh.
Each lens has been designed by Leica’s optical engineering specialists in Wetzlar, Germany, and offers the exceptional performance for which Leica lenses are renowned. A combination of extraordinary optical and technical expertise, together with the use of only the finest materials, guarantee consistent quality and reliability in every situation.
The Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH. is available in a choice of black or silver anodised finish.
Pricing and availability
The Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. is scheduled to be available from mid- September at a suggested retail price of £1,800 including VAT. The lens hood retails at £80.00 including VAT.
Holy cow! 1800 pounds and no lens hood!
The same thought crossed my mind. Most Leica lenses I can think of some with a good as part of the price–unlike Zeiss, for instance, where the hood is usually a costly extra. I hope this isn’t the shape of things to come.
If you download the pfd-file from the Leica site it says a hood is included with the lens.
Part of the text in the file: "External bayonet mount for lens hood (included), internal thread for E60 filters, filter mount does not rotate"
So it looks like this 1800 pound lens does have a hood.
Erica, I checked with Leica UK and it is definitely listed as an £80 extra and is not included in the £1.800 price. I suppose it could be different in other countries but I have no knowledge of that.
Steve Huff just reported a new Leica TL with an EVF
Thanks… Yes, I agree with him. I think the TL will be styled on the Q and will have an EVF. If it doesn’t have an EVF it will be dead in the water and Leica must know this (at last….)