Leica Introduces the APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8

Today, Leica is expanding the SL lens lineup with the introduction of the APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100 f/2.8. While the new lens delivers the exceptional optical performance we've come to expect from a Leica APO design, perhaps more significant is that the lens finally fills one of the few remaining gaps in the SL-System. More than a decade after the introduction of the original Leica SL, photographers now have a native autofocus macro lens capable of true 1:1 reproduction.

For years, we’ve considered the lack of a dedicated macro lens to be one of the most notable omissions in the otherwise comprehensive SL lineup. Whether photographing products, watches, jewelry, artwork, flowers, insects, or other close-up subjects, SL photographers have largely relied on adapting R, M or S lenses, 3rd party L-mount alternatives or just passing on true macro capability. We even did an entire RDFCT episode covering all the avaialble solutions.

Thankfully, Leica has finally answered the call with such an outstanding lens. It now joins the ranks of some legendary Leica macro lenses like the APO-Macro-Elmarit-R 100mm, APO-Macro-Summarit-S 120mm and APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm.

True 1:1 Macro Performance

The APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL focuses as close as just 30 cm (11.8 inches), achieving a full 1:1 reproduction ratio without requiring an ELPRO or macro adapter. Unlike a telephoto lens that offers close focusing, the new Leica is a true macro optic, designed to maintain exceptional image quality from infinity all the way down to life-size magnification.

More Than Just a Macro Lens

Although designed first and foremost as a macro lens, the APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL is equally compelling as a short telephoto and portrait lens. The 100mm focal length provides flattering perspective compression for portrait photography, while the nine-blade diaphragm produces smooth, natural out-of-focus rendering. Product photographers will appreciate the ability to move seamlessly between overall compositions and intricate close-up details without changing lenses, and landscape photographers can use the focal length to isolate distant subjects with remarkable clarity while also seeking out tiny details along the way.

Just like the 120mm Macro for the S-System, the 100mm APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL may prove to be one of the most versatile lenses in the SL lineup. The lens is also fully compatible with Leica’s 1.4x and 2.0x L-Mount teleconverters, which could be very interesting. The resulting 140mm or 200mm lens maintains the same minimum focus distance of 30cm, meaning you can actually achive 2:1 magnification without sacrificing focus out to infinity. This combination could also work nicely for space and weight-limited outings where the lens can pull double duty as a mid-range compact tele.

Optical Design

Inside the all-metal and weather-sealed barrel, the optical design is comprised of 17 elements in 12 groups, incorporating a floating focusing group to maintain peak optical performance throughout the focusing range. Interestingly, unlike many modern Leica lenses, this one doesn't use any aspherical elements. Rather, Leica has used highly corrected glass types with apochromatic correction to virtually eliminate chromatic aberration while maintaining excellent sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy across the entire frame.

Like all true macro lenses, effective aperture decreases as magnification increases due to the additional lens extension required for close focusing. At maximum 1:1 magnification, the effective aperture becomes approximately f/5.75, and Leica even provides an exposure compensation table within the technical documentation for photographers working at higher magnifications. In practice, the effective f-stop has little bearing on bokeh or DOF, but does require more light/ISO when working close.

MTF Performance

Looking at Leica’s published MTF charts, the APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL performs exceptionally. Wide open at f/2.8, contrast remains extremely high across nearly the entire image circle, staying above 70% contrast at the edges, while the sagittal and tangential curves remain closely grouped, indicating excellent correction of astigmatism and consistently high image quality from center to corner.

Stopping down provides only modest improvements toward the extreme edges, actually losing a tiny bit of center sharpenss by f8, suggesting that Leica optimized the lens to deliver outstanding performance at wider apertures.

Fast Autofocus with Limiter

The APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL incorporates a quick and silent autofocus system along with a three-position focus limiter that allows you to restrict autofocus to either the macro range, the standard shooting range, or the full focusing distance. Given the large focus range, this is a welcome addition and should minimize focus hunting, both in general use and more purposeful macro applications.

Shooting the APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm in Germany

During Leica’s press event in Germany, I had the opportunity to spend time shooting with the new APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm mounted on the SL3-P. While Leica certainly encouraged us to explore its macro capabilities, I quickly found myself reaching for it in a much wider range of situations.

The 100mm focal length proved equally capable for portraits, details and even candid street photography. Autofocus was quick and accurate. Handling was comfortable. And most importantly, the resulting image quality is simply outsanding, with excellent microcontrast and pinpoint sharpness balanced out by luscious bokeh, truly 3D rendering and gorgeous color rendering.

Be sure to click on the thumbnail images for the full images.

Pricing and Availability

The Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm f/2.8 will be available starting in September 2026, priced at $2,700. To pre-order the Leica 100mm APO-Macro, you can visit Leica Store Miami by clicking the button below, calling 305-921-4433, or sending an email to info@leicastoremiami.com. If you’re interested in trading in other Leica equipment toward this lens, please note it during the pre-order process.

Tech Specs

Exposure compensation macro range

The effective aperture is reduced as close focusing distances grow shorter.