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Leica

Leica APO-Vario-Elmar-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4

The most capable telephoto zoom ever made for the L-mount system — Leica's APO-Vario-Elmar-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4 applies apochromatic correction across its entire zoom range, eliminating chromatic aberration at focal lengths where it most commonly appears. The result is stunning resolution and colour rendering from 90mm through to 280mm, with a maximum aperture that begins at f/2.8 at the wide end. Weather-sealed to the same standard as the SL camera bodies. Compatible with Leica SL2, SL3, Lumix S-series, and Sigma L-mount cameras.

GearFrame's Take

The reference telephoto zoom for L-mount — APO correction across 90–280mm sets a benchmark for chromatic aberration control that no other telephoto zoom in any system matches.

Starting from
£5500 new
Average price across retailers: ~£5850
Available at 1 retailer
✓ Available at 1 retailer 🔒 No signup needed 📦 UK stock only
RetailerPrice
Prices are synced live from UK retailers. Not every product will be stocked by every retailer; older models may only be available second hand.
Core
Released
2016
Aperture
f/2.8-4 (variable max aperture)
Compatible Mount
Leica L-mount
Dimensions
98mm diameter × 222mm length
Weight
1850g
Weather Sealed
Yes
Optics & Focus
AF Motor
Internal AF motor — fast and near-silent; full-time manual override
Optical IS
None (relies on body IBIS)
Min. Focus Distance
150cm minimum focus distance

Select up to 2 cameras to compare against the APO-Vario-Elmar-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4. It's always pinned as the baseline.

Select 1–3 cameras to compare

6 cameras compatible with the Leica L-mount mount.

GearScore™ — Suitability by Genre
Wildlife
9.0
Portrait
9.0
Sports & Action
7.0
Great For
🦅
Wildlife APO-corrected 90–280mm with weather sealing — reference-quality reach for wildlife photography on any L-mount body.
👤
Portrait f/2.8 at 90mm produces outstanding subject separation — the finest portrait telephoto available for L-mount cameras.
🏅
Sports & Action Fast AF and a maximum f/2.8 at the wide end — capable of most professional sports situations where L-mount is in use.
⚠️ Not Ideal For

No significant limitations identified — this is a versatile camera without obvious weak spots for most shooters.

📝 How suitability scores are calculated Scores reflect the aggregated consensus from verified purchaser reviews across tracked UK retailers, weighted by photography genre tags applied by reviewers. This is community opinion — not GearFrame editorial assessment. See our full methodology →
Price History — APO-Vario-Elmar-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4