Leica, APO-MACRO-ELMARIT SL, 100mm f2.8, black annodized

Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 — Key Specs & Highlights

• True 1:1 macro: 17 elements in 12 groups, minimum focus distance 29 cm, maximum magnification 1:1 — reveals detail barely visible to the naked eye.
• Full apochromatic correction: Outstanding sharpness and contrast across the entire image field, from macro to infinity.
• f/2.8 maximum aperture: Smooth, harmonious background rendering — an exceptional portrait and short telephoto lens as well as a macro.
• E67 filter thread: 77 mm diameter, 137 mm length, 801 g — dust and splash water protected aluminium body.
• AquaDura coating: Hydrophobic coating on all external elements, firmware updatable via camera.
• L-Mount compatible: Works with all L-Mount cameras from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma.

A Legend Reborn — The APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8

The Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 is a tribute to one of the most celebrated lenses in Leica's history: the legendary APO-Macro-Elmarit-R 100 f/2.8 from 1987, widely regarded as one of the finest macro lenses ever made. Redesigned from the ground up for the SL-System and L-Mount, this new version brings full apochromatic correction, autofocus, and modern optical engineering to a lens that photographers have admired for decades. Whether you are photographing the intricate surface of an insect at 1:1, or capturing a portrait at comfortable working distance, this lens performs with distinction.
 

Optical Excellence — Full APO Correction

The APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 is built around a sophisticated optical construction of 17 elements in 12 groups. Full apochromatic correction eliminates chromatic aberration across the entire focusing range — from close-up macro distances to infinity — ensuring that every detail is rendered with outstanding sharpness, contrast, and colour fidelity. At maximum aperture f/2.8, the lens delivers a smooth and harmonious background rendering that makes it equally outstanding as a portrait and short telephoto lens. The minimum aperture is f/22.
 

True 1:1 Macro

With a minimum focusing distance of just 29 cm and a maximum magnification of 1:1, the APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 reveals a world of detail that is barely visible to the naked eye. The smallest object field measures just 23.9 × 35.9 mm at maximum magnification — delivering full-frame coverage of subjects at life size. A dedicated focusing group ensures consistent optical performance throughout the entire focusing range, from close macro distances to infinity. Autofocus and manual focus can be selected directly on the camera.
 

Portrait and Telephoto Performance

The 100 mm focal length and f/2.8 maximum aperture make the APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 an outstanding portrait lens in its own right. At comfortable working distances, it separates subjects naturally from the background with smooth, gradual focus falloff. The full APO optical design ensures that this background rendering is as harmonious and free from colour fringing as the in-focus rendering is sharp — a combination that is the hallmark of the original APO-Macro-Elmarit-R and now carried forward into the SL-System.
 

Build and Handling

The APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 is built to the same standards as every professional SL lens. The aluminium full-metal body is dust and splash water protected, and measures 137 mm in length (187 mm with lens hood) with a 77 mm diameter (82 mm with lens hood), weighing 801 g (862 g with lens hood). The E67 filter thread accepts standard filters. AquaDura hydrophobic coating on all external elements repels moisture and grease. The included lens hood attaches via a male bayonet. Lens firmware can be updated directly via the camera.
 

What's in the Box:

• Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 lens
• Lens hood
• Front and rear lens caps

 

Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 — Frequently Asked Questions

What does APO mean, and why does it matter?

APO stands for apochromatic — a designation indicating that the lens corrects chromatic aberration across all three primary wavelengths of light (red, green, and blue). This results in exceptional sharpness, contrast, and colour fidelity with virtually no colour fringing, across the entire focusing range from 29 cm to infinity.

What is the maximum magnification?

1:1 — true life size. The smallest object field at maximum magnification measures 23.9 × 35.9 mm on a full-frame sensor, making it possible to fill the frame with a subject the size of a postage stamp.

What is the minimum focusing distance?

29 cm — measured from the sensor plane to the subject. This gives a comfortable working distance at 1:1 magnification, important for lighting and avoiding disturbing subjects in nature photography.

Can it be used as a portrait lens as well as a macro lens?

Yes — the 100 mm focal length and f/2.8 maximum aperture make it an outstanding portrait lens. The full APO optical design produces smooth, harmonious background rendering that complements the exceptional in-focus sharpness across all distances.

Is the lens weather-sealed?

Yes — the aluminium full-metal body is dust and splash water protected, with AquaDura hydrophobic coating on all external elements for reliable use in variable conditions.

What is the filter thread size?

E67 — the same filter thread as the new Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH., allowing one set of filters to be shared between both lenses.

Is it compatible with other L-Mount cameras?

Yes. The APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8 uses the Leica L-Mount and is fully compatible with all L-Mount cameras from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma.