Leica goes wide with SL zoom lenses: Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35 f/3.5–4.5 ASPH officially announced

Leica has just announced a new addition to their SL zoom lens family: Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35 f/3.5–4.5 ASPH. It’s made for Leica’s full frame mirrorless SL system, and it’s made to let you take “a wider view of the world.” With the new 16-35mm, Leica aims for architecture and landscape photographers, but this lens can also be useful for group portraits, weddings, reportage, documentary or travel photography.

Broader horizons!
Say hello to the new high-performance Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16–35 f/3.5–4.5 ASPH. This lens expands the spectrum of the existing portfolio of SL zoom lenses into wide-angle: https://t.co/e5X1Axy7nq

(Photo: Alex Habermehl) pic.twitter.com/PA9qxiQpPp

— Leica Camera AG (@leica_camera) April 9, 2018

The Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35 f/3.5–4.5 ASPH is made of 18 lenses in 12 groups. It has the working range from 250mm to infinity. The aperture ranges between f/3.5 and f/22 at 16mm or f/4.5 and f/22 at 35mm. Leica promises exceptional image quality throughout the entire range of focal lengths, as well as super-fast and quiet autofocus.

The lens’ construction promises correction of chromatic aberrations and control of reflections. Due to the front lens coating and the barrel that doesn’t extend when zooming, the lens is made to endure a variety of weather conditions.

Here are the full specs of the latest Leica’s lens:

Field angle (diagonal, horizontal, vertical)

Focal length 16mm: 105,6°/95,3°/72° Focal lenght 24mm: 84,7°/74,4°/53,7° Focal length 35mm: 64,6°/55,5°/38,7°

Optical design
Number of lenses/groups	18/12
Number of aspherical lenses	2
Entrance pupil position	Focal lenght 16mm: 105,9mm Focal lenght 24mm: 101,5mm Focal lenght 35mm: 105,0mm

Distance setting
Working range	250mm to infinity
Smallest object field	Focal length 35mm: 90 x 135 mm
Largest reproduction ratio	Focal length 16mm: 1:7,7 Focal length 35mm: 1:3,7

Aperture
Setting/function	Electronically controlled aperture, set using turn/push wheel on camera, including half values
Aperture setting range	Focal length 16mm: 3,5-22 Focal length 35mm: 4,5-22
Lowest value	22

Bayonet/sensor format

Leica L bayonet, full-frame 35mm format

Filter mount

E82

Dimensions and weight
Length to bayonet mount	123 mm (without lens hood)
Largest diameter	88 mm
Weight	990 g

There are now three Super-Vario-Elmar-SL lenses: 24–90 f/2.8–4, 90–280 f/2.8–4, and the latest 16–35 f/3.5–4.5. With these three lenses, Leica hopes that they’ll fulfill the needs of all typical genres of photography.

The Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35 f/3.5–4.5 ASPH will be available starting from 23 April. You’ll be able to get it at Leica stores, boutiques and dealers worldwide, and it will come with a price tag of $5,495.