Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm f/2.8
Leica · 100 mm · f/2.8 · APO
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
73
SCORE /100
What We Like
+True 1:1 macro capability at 30cm minimum focus distance without adapters
+Exceptional APO optical correction for edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration
+Versatile dual-purpose design excels as both macro and premium portrait lens
+Quick and accurate autofocus with focus limiter for precise operation
+Robust all-metal construction with dust and splash protection
Worth Knowing
−Premium price point of $2,700 places it in high-end segment
−Recently released (June 2026) with limited real-world user data available
−Relatively heavy at 862g may challenge some users seeking lightweight setups
−No aperture ring or manual focus switch on lens body
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensLeica's first macro lens for its SL range of mirrorless cameras, the APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm f/2.8 merges professional macro and portrait capabilities. With a reproduction ratio of 1:1, this L-Mount lens captures fine patterns and surfaces with complete sharpness and minute detail. Its apochromatic correction minimizes chromatic aberrations across the entire focus range, while autofocus was quick and accurate with outstanding image quality, featuring excellent microcontrast and pinpoint sharpness balanced out by luscious bokeh. | |
| Brand | Leica |
| Release Year | 2026 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. | APO |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Leica L |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Leica L |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical100/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 862 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 77 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 137.6 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 67 mm |
Optics82/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 100 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 2.8 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 22.7° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 20 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 9020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 30 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 1x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features52/100 | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Round |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification |  Yes |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction23/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 17 |
| Groups | 12 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 0 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |