Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm f/2.8

The Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm f/2.8 is a full-frame autofocus macro lens for the Leica SL system and other L-mount cameras. Leica announced it on 25 June 2026 together with the SL3-P and the new Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4, with availability from the end of 2026. It is named after the APO-Macro-Elmarit-R 100 f/2.8 from 1987. With a 1:1 reproduction ratio, it covers close-up work, and Leica also positions it as a portrait telephoto.

Optical design

The lens has 17 elements in 12 groups. According to Leica, the apochromatic correction reduces chromatic aberrations across the entire focus range. The maximum aperture is f/2.8 and the smallest aperture is f/22. The press release mentions an eight-blade diaphragm, while the technical data lists nine blades, so the blade count is uncertain. The outer lenses have a hydrophobic AquaDura coating.

Autofocus and handling

The lens focuses automatically or manually on the camera, and the close focus distance is 0.29 m, giving a largest scale of 1:0.997. A focus limiter can restrict the range, either from the close limit to 0.5 m or from 0.5 m to infinity. Leica lists an exposure compensation table for the macro range, because the effective aperture drops at short focus distances. Aperture is set electronically from the camera, and lens firmware can be updated via the camera. The lens has no stabilizer of its own.

Build and size

The lens weighs approximately 801 g without the lens hood and 862 g with it, is about 137 mm long (187 mm with hood) and about 77 mm in diameter, and takes E67 filters. The aluminum body is black anodized and protected against dust and splash water to IP54 on SL cameras. The hood is included.

Where it fits

Within the database, the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro (715 g, 1:1) is the other 100mm-class macro for L-mount, and the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH covers a shorter focal length. The APO-Summicron-SL 90mm F2 ASPH is the closest Leica option for portrait work, but it is not a macro lens. The original APO-Macro-Elmarit-R 100 is an R-mount lens and is not in the database.

Pros and cons

Pros

• True 1:1 macro with close focus at 0.29 m
• Apochromatic correction according to Leica
• Focus limiter for faster close and far focusing
• IP54 sealing on SL cameras, AquaDura coating
• Doubles as a 100mm portrait telephoto

Cons

• At 801 g, heavier than the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro (715 g in the database)
• Effective aperture drops at close range
• No built-in stabilizer
• Not available until the end of 2026

Verdict

The APO-Macro-Elmarit-SL 100mm f/2.8 fills the macro gap in the Leica SL lineup with a dedicated, sealed, apochromatic design. It suits SL users who want one lens for macro work and portraits.