Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 is a Variable aperture Auto Focus (AF)
Telephoto Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with
L Mount cameras.
What type of photography is the Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 lens good for?
The type of photography that you are planning to use the Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:
Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 is a member of Leica's Elmarit-SL series of lenses. Below you can see the latest lenses in this series.
Elmarit-SL Series Lenses in Leica L Mount
Reasons to Buy Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 Lens
Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.
Optical Image Stabilization |
Weather-sealed |
Autofocus |
Hood supplied |
Tripod Collar |
Fast Aperture at Wide end |
Fast Aperture at Tele end |
Covers Full-Frame Sensor |
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Buy Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 from Amazon or B&H PHOTO
Lens Extends while zooming |
Variable Aperture |
Heavy |
Pricey |
Lens Mount
Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 is compatible with cameras that have a Leica L lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Leica L lenses are Panasonic S5 II, Panasonic S5 II X and Sigma fp L.
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Size, Weight and Filter Thread
Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 has a maximum diameter of 88mm and total length of 238mm when not extended. It weighs 1710g / 60.3 oz.
Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 has a filter thread of 82mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4:
Focal Range
Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 has a focal range of 90-280mm and 3.1X zoom ratio.
Weather Sealings
The Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 with a weather-sealed camera body such as the Panasonic S5 II, Panasonic S5 II X and Sigma fp L.
Optical Image Stabilization
The Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting.
Tripod Collar
With a total length of 238mm and a weight of 1710g, the Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 is a large lens. Fortunately, it comes with a tripod collar which you can use to attach the lens directly to a tripod or monopod instead of attaching the camera. This connection helps to better balance the lens/kit combination.
Zoom Method
Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 features Rotary (extending) zoom method where the length of the lens changes as you zoom in or out. This makes it possible to design the lens with a smaller minimum length ( generally when it is zoomed out) compared to internal zoom lenses. The disadvantages of this design are being harder to seal against dust and moisture, weight balance shifting while zooming and zoom creep in certain lenses.
Below are the 3 Telephoto Zoom type Leica L mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:
Aperture
Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 is a variable aperture lens with a max aperture of f2.8 and a minimum aperture of f at 90mm, and a max aperture of f4 and minimum aperture of f at 280mm .
Focal Length |
Max Aperture |
Min Aperture |
90mm
|
F2.8 |
F |
280mm
|
F4 |
F |
Optical Formula
Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4's optical formula consists of 23 elements in 7 groups . Special elements used in this design is 4 APD.
Lens Hood
Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos.
Body Colour
Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 is available in Black color.
Popular Comparisons of Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4
Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 amongst Camera Decision readers.
Top Alternatives of Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 Lens
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