Latest in the growing list of L-Mount primes is the 28mm APO-Summicron-SL. It joins its existing f/2 siblings, with their 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 90mm focal lengths. It will sell in the UK for £4,050, including 20 percent Value Added Tax.
According to Leica, the 28mm Summicron “combines a classic wide-angle focal length with state-of-the-art technology. The focal length allows for a sharp overview from edge to edge without distorting the perspective too much.
“The ability to separate the focal plane without loss of performance by using an open aperture provides even more extensive creative possibilities.”
PRESS RELEASE
The APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPH.: A state-of-the-art, wide-angle lens for the Leica SL-System
Wetzlar, 18th February 2021. Leica Camera is delighted to launch the first true wide-angle lens for the SL-System, the APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPH. This latest addition joins the APO-Summicron-SL series – a lens range renowned for its fast, top-level optical performance and reliable autofocus.
Joining the existing focal lengths of 35, 50, 75 and 90mm in the series, the APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPH. features the same dimensions and filter size as its relatives. Its angle of view makes the lens particularly suitable for reportage, interior and architectural photography.
Both the construction and the design of the cutting-edge Summicron-SL series represent the next step forward in the development of lenses for the Leica SL-System. New, extremely precise manufacturing methods and measuring technologies have been developed specifically for the production of these lenses – resulting in more compact dimensions and a considerably lower weight, as well as a truly outstanding imaging performance.
In the construction of the APO-Summicron-SL lenses, particular attention was paid to the prevention of stray light and reflections. In addition to optimising the optical and mechanical design, the developers also reduced unavoidable reflections to an absolute minimum by applying a high-quality coating to the lens surfaces. Thanks to their effective sealing against dust, moisture and water spray, as well as the Aquadura coating of the exposed lens surfaces, these extremely durable lenses can be used in almost any weather conditions without any reason for concern.
As is generally the case with Leica lenses, the maximum aperture is synonymous with the effective aperture. Its maximum aperture – which is large for this focal length and can be used without any loss of image quality – offers additional creative possibilities through the controlled application of sharpness and blur. Consequently, there is no need to stop down to increase the image quality – instead, reducing the aperture is only necessary for compositional purposes. Natural skin tones, soft transitions into bokeh, exceptionally contrast-rich details and edge-to-edge sharpness across a distortion-free image: these qualities are very much the norm for Leica lenses. Thirteen lens elements (three of which feature aspherical surfaces on both sides) in ten groups contribute to a maximum level of image quality even at a wide open aperture.
The APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPH. is further distinguished by its apochromatic correction, which is a notable feature in a lens of this focal length. To ensure the optimal correction of chromatic aberrations, the majority of the grouped lens elements feature anomalous partial dispersion and are made of high-quality, specialist glass types whose construction is so elaborate that even Leica’s most innovative production methods are utilised to every inch of their capacity.
The autofocus drive of all Summicron-SL lenses employs extremely robust and high-performance stepping motors with DSD® (Dual Syncro Drive™). This enables the AF to travel the entire focusing range in around 250 milliseconds. At the same time, Leica Camera also takes an innovative approach to manual focusing technology: Summicron-SL lenses feature an entirely new manual focus ring construction in the form of an embedded ring magnet with alternating north-south polarisation. When the ring is turned, the magnetic field changes its polarity. A sensor monitors the status of the magnetic field and sends the data to the main processor. The drive then shifts the lens to the corresponding focusing position based on the angle of rotation and the rotational speed – this, in turn, enables even faster and more precise manual focusing.
Thanks to the L-Mount standard, the APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPH. is equally compatible with cameras made by other partners of the L-Mount Alliance that have been equipped with the Leica-developed lens mount.
The Leica APO-Summicron-SL 28 f/2 ASPHis available now at the Leica retail stores (book your virtual appointment here) or online at store.leica-camera.com/uk.
RRP: £4,050
@Slowdriver Yes, I’m aware that for me unfortunately they are strictly following what the M stands for. I’ve the A7c, finally bought it last month with the kit and have been playing with my M mount sonnar 50/1.5. I’m a bit disappointed by the smaller evf though I think as a smaller full frame camera with the swivel screen, fewer buttons and reasonably good grip, it is unique.
It is a very tempting system I find especially since GM lenses like the 24m and the 35mm are not that big and heavy. Once the 35mm GM becomes available I might also give it a try. Two things holding me back: 1) the already mentioned EVF 2) only one dial/wheel for both shutter speed and aperture might be too minimal.
The value is not added by the tax! 🙂
Certainly not. It should be VST. While British readers know all about this, more than half our readers are outside Europe and I suspect most don’t understand the system, so I like to point out that we have this huge amount of tax included in the RRP. This is especially important since our prices in the USA have always been quoted without tax.
I went a different route. I bought an Elmarit-R 28mm. It is a ROM lens, perfectly recognized by the Leica SL using the R-L adapter, it costs a fraction of the Summicron-SL and if the L-mount alliance were to go bust I can still continue to use it on my Canon R body or sell it without making much of a loss (if any) at all. No offense, I am sure this is a stellar lens, but if Leica wants to the L-mount to survive they will need to do more than what they are currently doing, eg. like adding a lighter body and lighter lenses.
The most obvious candidate for a small bodied L mount camera body for Leica would be to iron out the quirks on the Leica CL by adopting the proven control philosophy from the SL2 and SL2-S (like the focus toggle switch). Then offer it in two variants. One a full frame 24MP version and the other a 24MP APS version. The full frame could comfortably use the Sigma Contemporary and Panasonic S lenses in 24MP format, as well as adapted M lenses in a more compatible size. Plus produce approx 11MP images using the excellent suite of TL lenses. The APS version retains the full 24MP output from the TL lenses and the Panasonic S and Sigma Contemporary lenses (the latter with a 1.5 crop factor). Sony’s A7C has shown that the form factor could work, but Sony seems to have cobbled the A7C with a fairly basic and small EVF. The Leica CL EVF was already pretty good in my view.
I really like the idea of the two variants. In my mind it was always APS-C or FF but not both but you are absolutely right, it could be both. The only thing that I am afraid of is that a lighter L-mount body is still 2-3 years (if not more) away. IMO Leica is very afraid of cannibalizing M and Q sales and they will push this back as far as possible till it becomes inevitable
With no disrespect, I still do not get when people mention Leica does not want to cannibalise M sales. If they produce something different that people buy, then how does it matter that other products sell not as much? For me, I’ve saved cash for a smaller body with EVF and will buy that without hesitation even if it costs more than an SL2S. SL2S was too heavy for me, with some chronic neck issue. I rented it but couldn’t imagine using it however nice that was.
Hi Mahesh, the M is Leica’s legacy, it is their link with history, they don’t want to throw that away, they want to sell products in addition to the M but not at the expense of the M, I am 150% convinced of that. In the meanwhile have you been able to give that Sony A7c a try?
I am delighted that they finally found the glass to make it since it was announced years ago along with the 21 and 24. If they had not done the L mount alliance this system would have died. I wonder when it will actually be available to order an in stock item. Originally I wanted one but I am loving the Panasonic S Pro 16-35 and probably do not really need f/2 in a wide angle.
It will be a great addition to the l mount family.