Leica Unveils the Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH for $4,495

Leica has just announced the new Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH, a new “all-purpose” lens for the Leica SL full-frame mirrorless system.

“Often seen as the standard focal length for full-frame cameras, this new 50mm promises a level of performance high enough to demand a spot in the gear bag of any photographer looking to take advantage of the L-Mount system,” Leica says. “Whether the task at hand is travel photography, studio work, architecture, landscape, portrait or documentary photography, the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50 mm f/2 ASPH is the new go-to L-Mount lens, delivering results that satisfy even the most discerning photographer.”

Leica says that features and specs of the lens include 12 elements in 10 groups, smooth bokeh, sharp and contrasty distortion-free images from corner-to-corner, weather sealing against dust/moisture/spray, an Aquadura coating that prevents water beading, apochromatic corrections (“APO”) that keep chromatic aberrations in check, and Dual Syncro Drive (“DSD”) stepping motors that travel the focus range in 250ms.

“[N]early all elements used in the construction of the lens are made from specially formulated, high-quality glass types for the highest possible light transmission,” Leica says. “The end result marks an advancement in imaging performance with the venerable ‘Leica look’ and signature rendering.”

There’s also a “totally new” focus ring construction for improving manual focusing. Leica has embedded a ring magnet with alternating polarization into the manual focusing ring alongside a sensor that monitors the magnetic field. Turning the ring changes the magnetic field’s polarity, and this is read by the sensor and used to precisely drive the focus.

“This intricate process happens near-instantaneously at the simple turn of the focus ring, enabling even faster and more precise manual focusing with a nicely dampened and weighted feel,” Leica says. “The photographer can quickly access the finest manual focus micro-adjustments when they need it, right at the reach of their fingertips.”

Here are some official sample photos captured with the new Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH:

The new Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH is available now from Leica Stores and authorized dealers with a price tag of $4,495.