Alongside the launch of its new SL3-P mirrorless camera, Leica also announced two new full-frame L-Mount prime lenses. The Summilux-SL 50mm ASPH. lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.4, while the APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm lens is a little slower at f/2.8.
Summilux-SL 50mm
Leica says its new Summilux-SL 50mm is the world’s most compact autofocus lens with this focal length and a maximum aperture of f/1.4. It measures just 3 inches (75.5 mm) in length and 2.9 inches (74 mm) in diameter. The lens still features a full-metal body, though, which makes it a little heavier than some competitors at 1.3 pounds (584 g). It’s also resistant to dust and water to the IP54 standard, with an AquaDura coating for additional protection.
Optical design
The Summilux-SL 50mm is constructed with 11 lens elements in six groups, including two aspherical elements. Autofocus comes from a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) drive, which Leica says is fast and quiet. The close focus distance is just under 20 inches (50 cm).
The f/1.4 aperture promises a very shallow depth of field and excellent low-light performance. An 11-bladed iris should deliver smooth, round bokeh too. The filter thread size is 67 mm.
APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm
Leica says its original APO-Macro-Elmarit-R 100 f/2.8 was a milestone in optical craftsmanship when it was released in 1987. Now the company wants to honor that classic with the new APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm. The lens packs 17 elements in 12 groups. It’s a true macro lens with a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1 and a close focus distance of just 11.4 inches (30 cm). Leica adds that the eight-bladed aperture, in conjunction with the entire optical design, “ensures a harmoniously rendered background.”
Build
The APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm has a robust, full-metal body. It weighs around 1.9 pounds (862 g) and measures 5.4 inches (137.6 mm) long by 3 inches (77 mm) in diameter, with a 67 mm filter thread. As with the 50 mm lens, the front element gets an AquaDura coating. The same IP54 dust and water resistance applies as well.
What we think
Leica’s two new lenses are ideal companions for its new SL3-P full-frame mirrorless camera. The Summilux-SL 50 delivers the classic 50mm focal length with a super-fast f/1.4 aperture. Expect a razor-thin depth of field and clean results in low light. Somehow, Leica has fitted all of this into a very compact design.
The APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 suits portrait work, and as a true macro lens it can capture striking close-ups. Of course, this is Leica glass, so the prices may make your eyes water. But if you’ve invested in a Leica camera, you’ll want the best lenses you can get.
Pricing and availability
The Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. will retail at $4,950. The APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm f/2.8 is a little cheaper at $2,700. Leica says both lenses will be available from the end of 2026.
