A Leica trifecta: 3 new M-mount lenses announced!
posted Friday, January 15, 2016 at 5:31 PM EDT
Leica has introduced three new M-mount lenses: the Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH, Leica Summicron 35mm f/2 ASPH, and Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Per Leica’s press release, these updated versions of three "classic M lenses" each deliver “enhanced image performance and quality, thanks to their new optical design.” Further, each lens has received improvements to their build quality, including full metal, rectangular screw-on lens hoods. When the lens hood is not attached, you have access to a threaded protection ring on the front of the lens. The lens caps are even made of metal. All three lenses are manually manufactured in Germany using the “highest quality” materials.
The Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH wide-angle lens provides “outstanding speed” and delivers “rich contrast…and high resolution” even when shooting at the maximum aperture. Leica has made improvements to the optical design of the lens to improve image performance across the entire frame. There has been a significant reduction in “image field curvature” which “guarantees better resolution of details from corner to corner…”
The other new Summicron-M lens, the 35mm f/2 ASPH is a classic fast prime lens that provides great performance and a unique bokeh. The 35mm lens features an eleven blade iris, which creates a circular aperture that produces images with very smooth out of focus areas. Leica states that the lens is sharp and almost distortion free with “superb bokeh at all apertures and distances.”
As the new most compact M lens that Leica makes, the Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH should work well for street and reportage photographers. Compared to the previous Elmarit-M 28mm model, this new lens has a “significantly reduced image field curvature,” which brings with it improved performance and resolution. Like the 35mm lens above, the Elmarit-M 28mm is “practically distortion-free from infinity to its closest focusing distance of 2.3 feet (0.7 meters.)”
All three of the new lenses will be available at the end of the month. The Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2.0 ASPH lens will be available for $3,995.00. Available in both black and silver, the Summicron-M 35mm f/2.0 ASPH lens will sell for $2,795.00 and $2,995.00 respectively. The compact Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH lens will be available for $2,195.00.
If you are interested in purchasing any of these lenses, please support our site and purchase them through our trusted affiliates:
- Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2.0 ASPH lens: Adorama and B&H
- Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2.0 ASPH lens (Black): Adorama and B&H
- Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2.0 ASPH lens (Silver): Adorama and B&H
- Leica Summicron-M 35mm f/2.0 ASPH lens Black Chrome Edition (comes with circular lens hood and distinct design): B&H
- Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH lens: Adorama and B&H
(Seen via Leica Rumors)
