Leica Apo-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm F2.8-4

Leica Apo-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm F2.8-4

The zoom range of the fast APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 f/2.8–4 follows on directly from that of the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 f/2.8–4 ASPH. Together, these two lenses cover a full range of focal lengths extending from 24 to 280 mm.
The newly developed dual internal focusing (DSD®) concept enables a fast autofocus. Its optical image stabilisation (OIS) compensates for up to 3.5 stops of camera shake.

The autofocus system shared by these lenses is fast, precise, and nearly silent. Their outstanding AF performance figures are thanks to the autofocus drive unit they both utilize. These are limited only by the mass of the glass elements moved when focusing; the speed of moving from infinity to the closest focusing distance. In order to preserve the compact dimensions of the lenses, the integration of these components must be perfectly optimized within all design constraints. 

Specialists from the areas of optical engineering, mechanical engineering and electronics worked together as an interdisciplinary team on the development of a unique lens concept based on double internal focusing. This system, comprising two especially light focusing lenses, allows the construction of particularly small and compact drive systems. While being able to work within tight space constraints, the drive motors used must maintain peak performance in all situations to be chosen for such a cutting-edge camera system.

Several contrast measurements at various focusing positions must be made before the correct direction for focusing can be determined and followed by precise focusing. In this procedure, the focusing lens elements must be moved rapidly in accordance with the speed specifications of the contrast AF system. This requires a dynamic drive system without any room for error.
In these lenses, the drive units installed are extremely powerful and robust stepping motors with Dual Syncro Drive™. Thanks to these, the entire focusing range can be traveled completely in fractions of a second. This means that the  lenses achieve values that are among the best in the full-frame system segment in terms of speed, precision, and operating noise. 

Of the 23 elements in seven moving groups, seven are made from glasses with anomalous partial dispersion for the minimisation of chromatic aberrations. The movement of the two focusing elements is provided by a newly developed drive concept with linear positioning of the lenses by stepping motors. A special feature of this is that the overall length of the lens does not change when either focusing or zooming. 

The lens hood supplied with the lens suppresses undesirable reflections and stray light. The lens also has a removable tripod plate for attaching it to a tripod. Its ergonomic design makes the lens easier to carry by hand and allows the attachment of a lens belt. A lockable rotating tripod collar allows the lens to be fixed at any angle. The collar has detents every 90 degrees for rapid switching from landscape to portrait format.


Specifications:

Order number 11 175
Angle of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) Focal length 90mm: 26.4°/22.1°/14.8°; 
Focal length 280mm: 9.1°/7.5°/5.0°
Position of entrance pupil 
Focal length 90 mm: 130.2 mm 
Focal length 280 mm: -21.1 mm

Working range Focal length 90 mm: 0.6 m to infinity 
Focal length 280 mm: 1.4 m to infinity

Smallest object field Focal length 90 mm: 114x 171 mm 
Focal length 280 mm: 120 x 180 mm

Aperture

Setting/function Electronically controlled iris, setting with the camera clickwheel control, third-stop and half-stop settings

Smallest value  22

ayonet/sensor format L-Mount, full-frame 35mm format

What Our Experts Think

• Professional telephoto zoom covering 90–280mm for sports, wildlife, and portrait work.

• Fast f/2.8–4 aperture delivers strong subject isolation and excellent low-light performance.

• APO optics ensure exceptional sharpness, high contrast, and minimal chromatic aberration.

• Built for the Leica SL system with robust, weather-sealed construction.

Q&A

• Q: Is this lens compatible with Leica SL cameras?
  A: Yes, fully compatible with all Leica SL-mount cameras.

• Q: What is it best used for?
  A: Wildlife, sports, portraits, and long-range photography.

• Q: How is image quality at long focal lengths?
  A: Outstanding, with consistent sharpness and color accuracy throughout the zoom range.

• Q: Is it suitable for professional use?
  A: Absolutely, designed to meet demanding professional standards.

Maintenance Tips

• Clean lens elements with a microfiber cloth and lens-safe solution.

• Use lens caps and hood to protect from dust, flare, and impact.

• Store in a dry, temperature-stable environment.

• Avoid sudden impacts and excessive force on zoom and focus rings.

• Periodically inspect mount and seals for optimal performance