Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH Lens Announced

Lens News

by Omri Keren LapidotOctober 23^rd, 2023

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Leica has released a new ultra-wide lens for the L-Mount. The new 14-24mm is a constant f/2.8 lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. As an L-Mount lens, it will work with Leica, LUMIX, and SIGMA cameras as well as the newly announced Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K.

The new Super-Vario-Elmarit is Leica’s widest SL full-frame lens and one of the widest lenses across the L-Mount. Let’s take a closer look!

Build and optics

As expected from a premium manufacturer, the new Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH. is well-built. Aluminum construction will keep the lens tough and light (855g). The bulbous front element will extend during zoom but it moves inside the metal hood so a constant length of 131mm is maintained. Those of you using a steady shot may experience some weight shift since the front element is quite massive. The lens is sealed against harsh conditions to an unspecified extent. Focus is internal, quick, and silent, driven by Leica’s “Dual Synchro Drive AF”.

The optical formula consists of 18 elements in 13 groups. Three aspherical elements are included (hence the ASPH.). The 11 aperture blades will maintain relatively circular bokeh at narrower aperture settings. While not a macro lens, it will focus down to 28cm (measured from the sensor), so some nice ultra-wide close-ups are possible. The huge front element won’t allow threaded filters, but is coated with a protective “Hydrophobe Aqua-Dura coating”. So is the rear element. A rear filter holder is also in place for minimal aberrations and optical side effects.

Who is it for?

As a high-end, fast-aperture, ultra-wide lens the Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH. may find itself useful in various situations. Photojournalists and outdoor filmmakers will like its robust build and wide aperture. Landscape or architecture photo/videographers will benefit from its 112.4° field of view. It may also be good for sports and action content.

Alternatives

A true “Leicaphile” will be offended by this headline alone, but for every other reader here are some lenses that may be considered as an alternative. If 14mm isn’t a must but one still wants a Leica ultra-wide, the superb Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH. will suit your needs. Don’t let the modest aperture fool you, this lens is exquisite, and so is its price tag. As per Leica pricing, the current 14-24mm is quite affordable. That said, the L-Mount alliance offers some interesting options. If field-of-view is your main consideration, PANASONIC offers the LUMIX 14-28mm f/4-5.6 MACRO. Though not as impressive in terms of aperture and build quality, this lens is extremely compact and affordable. Front-threaded filters are available and the LUMIX costs a fraction of the Leica. Though not a direct alternative, SIGMA produces the world’s fastest 14mm lens. It is a prime lens but in some cases, the widest setting is the main selling point. In that case, SIGMA’s 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is worth considering. Two full aperture stops may just make the difference, especially when shooting the night sky. Perhaps the most direct competition to the Leica 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH. comes from the SIGMA 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art. At about half the price, the SIGMA 14-24mm boasts almost indistinguishable specifications. Materials and coatings do differ but other than that the two look fairly similar. The SIGMA also includes an AF ON/OFF switch and a customizable AFL button.

Price and availability

The Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH. is priced at $2495 and is available for pre-order.

Will this lens find its place as part of your L-Mount kit? Would you prefer some of the alternatives? Let us know in the comments.