Exceptional imaging quality and low weight:
The LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH.:
the first zoom lens for the S-System
Photokina, Cologne, 17 September 2012: Leica Camera AG today presents the first zoom lens for the
Leica S medium format system. The range of focal lengths covered is equivalent to that of a 24-72 mm
zoom for 35 mm format. This means that S-System users now have access to a lens that possesses the
flexibility to cover the majority of photographic needs, and simultaneously delivers the outstanding
performance of primes. Photographers can now avoid time-consuming lens changes in many areas of
photography, allowing them to concentrate on their subjects when time is a critical factor.
Despite its elaborate mechanical and optical construction, the new Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-
5.6 ASPH. is extremely compact and, with a weight of just 1,345g (with lens hood), surprisingly light –
which means that photographers can use the lens for many hours at a time, without the lens feeling heavy
or awkward to use.
The lens construction is based on 14 lenses assembled in four groups. For a zoom construction, the lens
achieves extraordinarily high contrast rendition and maximum resolution wide open, thanks to the use of
nine lenses manufactured from glass with anomalous partial dispersion, three of which are fluoride lenses
with particularly low dispersion. Two aspherical surfaces on the rear-most lens element, and one on the
front lens of the second group, reduce monochromatic aberrations to a minimum and ensure that image
performance remains constantly high at close focusing distances.
As with the prime lenses of the Leica S-System, the Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. is
distinguished by rugged and enduring design, and construction that guarantees years of dependability,
even in frequent use. The lens features an extremely robust bayonet mount and is fully sealed against
dust and spray. This ensures absolute dependability even under the harshest shooting conditions.
Alongside the new Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH., the current S-System portfolio offers a
total of eight lenses (five of which will also be available in CS versions with a central shutter), that
guarantee uncompromising imaging quality for almost all areas of photography.
The lens is supplied with a dedicated lens hood designed specifically for the ray paths of light through the
optical system, which reliably prevents stray light entering the lens at all focal lengths.
Pricing and availability
The Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. is scheduled to be available in the UK at a suggested
retail price of £7,380 inc VAT from November 2012
