New Leica 60 Macro for the T Mount and a new….
Hey all! Leica has announced a new 60mm Macro lens for the T mount. Yep, the T mount. I’ll get a look at this lens at Photokina I am sure, in just a couple of weeks! Also, if I were a betting man I would say Leica has a new T camera up its sleeve for Photokina. I think there will be a few new products that many of you will be VERY interested in reading about. New M, New T, new Glass and something that if true, will be so unique and amazing….for M lovers.
The Leica Macro T comes in at $2995, and is available NOW for pre-order HERE at B&H Photo. They are considering it the “reference lens” for the T system. It must be THAT good. 🙂
Below is the press release on the new T lens from Leica…
Leica Announces Newest Addition to the T Lens Portfolio: the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm
September 1, 2016 – Beginning today, a new prime lens is available for the Leica T camera system – the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. Considered to be the reference lens in the APS-C segment, this lens delivers macro exposures with a reproduction ratio of 1:1 and impresses with best imaging performance.
Like the Leica Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH., the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. is available in both black and silver.
With this new addition, the lens portfolio of the Leica T camera system now offers a total of six lenses – including three prime lenses and three zoom lenses – that together offer a range of focal lengths for every photographic situation. The two fast prime lenses, the Leica Summicron-TL 23 mm f/2 ASPH. and the Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH, are classic focal lengths for reportage photography. The APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. complements them ideally as a lens for finely detailed close-up photography. Finally, the three compact zoom lenses, the Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 11–23 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., Vario-Elmar-TL 18–56 mm f/3.5–5.6 ASPH., and APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 55–135 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., cover an entire range of focal lengths equivalent to 17 to 200 mm in 35 mm format and deliver outstanding images with rich contrast from corner to corner of the frame.
As the Leica T and the new Leica SL share the same L bayonet mount, the name ‘TL’ will be implemented for all new Leica T lenses moving forward. Thanks to the flexibility offered by the TL-Lenses for a wide range of applications on cameras with the L-Bayonet, Leica once again showcases the company’s fundamental principle of system-compatibility and sustainability and offers users access to an even wider portfolio of Leica products.
All Leica TL-Lenses impress with outstanding imaging performance at lengths that range from infinity to their closest focusing distance and deliver images with the unique Leica look and bokeh. Designed by the optical engineering specialists in Wetzlar, the lenses all offer the exceptional imaging performance for which Leica lenses are renowned. The combination of optical and technical expertise and the use of only the finest materials guarantee consistent quality and reliability in every situation.
I just don’t get it. For less than $100 you can purchase a Nikkor 55 F2.8 AIS lenses which is virtually perfect optically, or if you need a bit more reach the 105 F2.8 MACRO. They are the GOLD standards of MACRO photography.
No one can get it until they try the lens. Then we will either get it or not. But the Leica T and Leica T glass is stunning in every way, and my guess is that it will beat the lenses you mentioned in many ways. Color depth and performance is one of them. Blisteringly sharp at the focus point, etc. But remember with Leica you pay at least double for the name. 100% quality product though, and to many, well worth it. To others, not worth it 😉 Id never pay $3k for a Macro lens as I rarely ever want to do a Macro shot but I suspect when some see the quality of this lens, macro fans, they will truly want one if they shoot with a T or SL. I’m hoping to test it on an SL and T.
Can someone explain why this lens has a price tag of $3000? Is it better than the L 100 Macro that much?
It is a Leica lens. It will be pretty damn amazing as well. But Leica glass is never ever low priced or cheap.
He talk about cinema lenses for new FF 4K M !
AF for macro, who needs this???
Most Macro lense are Auto Focus…in fact, I do not know of any macro lenses for modern day systems that are not auto focus, unless you go to the cheapie brands like Rokinon, etc. Also, many will use this for much more than macro, as it will do well as a standard lens as well.
AF on mirrorless cameras with good EVFs and focus AIDS can be remarkably effective. Olympus OMD is particularly enjoyable to use this way. Combined with the amazing IBIS you can easily get very sharp handheld macros using AF with small focus points and some magnification when needed.
CCD sensor / Maybe a Ricoh with M mount ?! 🙂
Let’s hope Leica uses a sensor in the new T-body that is worthy of this lens being in front of it. The current 16MP sensor is adequate, but serious macro users will want more.
PaulB
Three years ago I did a show with thirty 32 inch (0.8 meter) prints, macro of insects and flowers.
they were taken with a 10 MP sensor (12MP micro four thirds cropped to 3/2 ratio), and razor sharp. Some of these images I had cropped to half the sensor surface.
Dirk.
Dirk
I understand that as we get closer we get better image quality from our sensors and lenses. Which allows us to create wonderful images.
It also true that as technology advances we (I) want the perceived benefits the advance will bring. So if 10MP were good before 24MP will be better all else being equal. Which of course may not be true. As all else is very rarely equal after the change.
Which usually puts a big dent in my savings account. 😉
PaulB
There will be a new sensor given the resolution of this new lens and the T 35 f/1.4. My hope is for a built-in EVF as I tried the T and was really turned off by the optional EVF.
I think the new model will indeed have a built in EVF. Seems like the days of the external’s are over 😉
Hello Steve: I have the SL and seem to have a greater need for macro capabilities as of late. I have the Novoflex extension tubes (from my 240 days), but find them cumbersome with my M lenses. If I were to mount this new Macro on the SL, how would that effect the usability of the lens? Focal length, cropping, etc? I had also heard in past posts of T lenses not having updated firmware to allow full functionality on the SL? Any input would be appreciated and thanks for a great site!
ALL T lenses should work perfect on the SL, as they were made with that in mind. Same mount and all. This lens will be cropped in the camera as the lens is not full frame though the SL is. So the 60 will act much like a 90 I believe on the SL. A 90 macro should be a good thing 😉 I actually hope to review this lens on the SL as well as whatever new T camera body they release at Photokina (I feel one is on the way 100%).
TL lenses behaves as crop model on SL?
Hi!
Get a Canon FD 200mm f/4 macro and a $30 adapter to FD. The very best for serious macro (look at my postings here or on my website) and it ‘ll cost you $700. 60 and 100mm lenses just don’t cut it as you are too close to your subject. Background is much more beautiful with a 200mm. You can add a FD extender and shoot 400mm macro. And: no electronics!!!
Dirk.
If you want a 100mm macro, get a Kiron105mm f/2.8 macro for FD. It’s the best macro lens ever made. I bought it for $25.
For 50mm, get a Canon FD 50mm f/3.5 and a 25mm extension tube. Stunningly sharp, I bought it for $20.
Dirk.
From what I have seen, the sharpness from this lens, even with the current sensor, will produce images that compete with pretty much any DSLR 24Mpx and under. The Q is sharper than the D810, and by extension so too is the SL. The T is a better performer than one might assume.
What is the rumor that M lovers will be excited for??? Please do tell : )