Today, Leica introduces the fifth S lens to the S-System, the Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. With a 35mm equivalent of 24mm, this lens will offer an option for those looking for something a bit wider than the 35mm Summarit-S. Just a few millimeters longer than the 35 and about 100g heavier, the new 30mm uses 13 elements in 9 groups to achieve its near-perfect imaging capabilities. The lens will start to ship starting in December of this year and will cost $7,495. Dale Photo & Digital is now taking pre-orders.
Leica's focus on fast wide-angle lenses will continue with the introduction of the 24mm f/3.5 next year, giving the S2 perhaps the best line-up of wide angle glass on any medium format system.
I had a chance to play with the new lens yesterday at the Leica studio here in New York and from what I've seen so far, I think it's fair to say that the 30mm is nothing short of extraordinary. I will be heading back today to take some sample images and maybe even a few comparison shots versus the 35mm. So, stay tuned for an update later tonight.
Tech Specs:
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[TD]Lens type[/TD]
[TD]High-speed wide angle lens with 2 aspherical lens surfaces for outstanding reproduction on Leica S cameras[/TD]
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[TR]
[TD]Compatible Camera[/TD]
[TD]Leica S models[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Image View[/TD]
[TD]Approx. 84°, 74°, 53°(diagonal, horizontal, vertical), corresponding to approx. 24mm in 35mm format[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Optical Design[/TD]
[TD]Number of lens elements and groups 13/9, 2 aspherical surfaces, position of entrance pupil 33,3mm (from 1st lens element)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Distance Settings[/TD]
[TD]Distance range 0,5m to 8, combined scale meter/feet Smallest object field/largest repro ratio approx.: 330x495mm/1:11[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Aperture[/TD]
[TD]Electronically controlled diaphragm, selection dial on camera, including half values Lowest value: f/22[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Filter Mount[/TD]
[TD]Internal thread for E82 filter; filter mount does not rotate[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Lens Hood[/TD]
[TD]Lens hood (included), bayonet mount[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Surface Finish[/TD]
[TD]Black anodized[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Dimensions[/TD]
[TD]Length to bayonet mount approx.128/156mm (without/with lens hood) largest diameter approx. 88/132mm (without/with lens hood)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Weight[/TD]
[TD]approx. 1060g / 37.4 oz[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
The press release follows:[INDENT]To fulfill the high-level demands of our professional customers, Leica’s design and engineering team has made enormous efforts to achieve a perfect optical design with the Leica Elmarit-S 2.8/30mm ASPH with the 13 lens elements which provides for first class optical performance.
The new Elmarit-S 2.8/30mm ASPH features 5 lens elements with anomalous partial dispersion and 3 flouride elements for superior color correction. There are 2 aspheric lens elements to minimize monochromatic aberration such as distortion and sharpness fall-off at the edges.
The use of high quality materials and the dust and spray water resistance guarantees reliability and a long life-cycle. Like all Leica S-Lenses, the ELMARIT-S 2.8/30mm ASPH delivers perfect imaging results without digital corrections, so that the photographer can completely focus on creative looks and composing the image.
BENEFITS:
• Maximum contrast transfer and highest detail reproduction; even with wide open aperture
• Outstanding reproduction performance with all f-stop and distance settings leads to 3-dimensional image results
• Brilliant and clean colors with minimal distortion
• Due to high lens speed of 2.8 predestined for available light and selective sharpness photography
• Dust and spray water resistant[/INDENT]
Has Leica priced this yet??