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Leica 11842 400/560/800mm APO-Telyt R Lens Head

The Leica 11842 is a 400–800mm f/5.6 lens designed for Leica R mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Leica 11842 400/560/800mm APO-Telyt R Lens Head

Leica 11842 400/560/800mm APO-Telyt R Lens Head

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Lens Overview — Leica 11842

The Leica 11842 APO-Telyt R Lens Head is a manual-focus prime telephoto optic designed for the Leica R mount system. What makes this lens head particularly distinctive is its modular design, which allows photographers to achieve three different focal lengths — 400mm, 560mm, and 800mm — by pairing the head with compatible extender modules. This flexibility makes it a compelling option for professional photographers who need to cover a wide range of super-telephoto working distances without carrying multiple lens systems.

The lens is designed for full-frame coverage and is classified as a super-telephoto optic, with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 across its configuration range. Autofocus is not present; all focusing is handled manually, which is consistent with the precision-oriented nature of Leica R system glass. A 112mm filter thread accommodates large-diameter front filters suited to the lens's physical scale.

At 4,500g, this is a substantial piece of equipment that demands appropriate support and handling. Image stabilization is not included. For collectors and working photographers invested in the Leica R ecosystem, this lens head represents a serious super-telephoto solution built to exacting standards.

Key Features — Leica 11842

Modular Three-Focal-Length Design: Pairs with compatible extender modules to deliver 400mm, 560mm, and 800mm configurations from a single optical head.

APO Apochromatic Correction: Apochromatic optical design minimizes chromatic aberration across all three focal length configurations for high-contrast, color-accurate images.

f/5.6 Maximum Aperture: Consistent f/5.6 aperture across all focal length configurations maintains predictable exposure settings when switching between modules.

Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover the full 35mm frame with no image circle compromise on Leica R system bodies.

Leica R Mount: Native Leica R bayonet mount ensures full mechanical compatibility with Leica R-series SLR bodies.

112mm Filter Thread: Large-diameter front filter thread accommodates professional-grade filters appropriate to the lens's physical scale.

Lens Specifications — Leica 11842

Leica 11842 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesWildlife, Sports, Birding
Lens TypeTelephoto
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length400–800mm
Maximum Aperturef/5.6
Camera SystemDSLR
Lens MountLeica R
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual Focus
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread112mm

Description — Leica 11842

The Leica 11842 APO-Telyt R Lens Head is a manual focus, prime super-telephoto optic built for the Leica R mount system. Its modular architecture enables use at 400mm, 560mm, and 800mm focal lengths by combining the lens head with compatible extender configurations, offering significant reach versatility from a single optical unit. The lens provides full-frame coverage and carries a maximum aperture of f/5.6.

At 4,500g, it is a physically demanding piece of glass that rewards photographers who invest in proper support equipment. The 112mm filter thread at the front accommodates large-diameter filters appropriate to the lens's scale. There is no image stabilization and no autofocus — operation is entirely manual, consistent with the Leica R system's design philosophy.

This lens head is aimed at serious professionals and dedicated Leica R system users seeking an exceptional super-telephoto solution across a versatile range of working focal lengths.

Pros — Leica 11842

  • ✓Modular system delivers three focal lengths — 400mm, 560mm, and 800mm — from a single lens head
  • ✓Designed for full-frame coverage, ensuring no image circle compromise on compatible Leica R bodies
  • ✓Large 112mm filter thread supports professional-grade front filtration

Cons — Leica 11842

  • ✗No autofocus — manual focus only, which can be limiting for fast-moving subjects at super-telephoto distances
  • ✗At 4,500g, the lens head is very heavy and will require dedicated support such as a gimbal head or monopod
  • ✗No image stabilization, which increases the challenge of handholding or shooting at slower shutter speeds

Resources & Downloads — Leica 11842

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Leica 11842

What focal lengths can I use with this lens head?+
The APO-Telyt R Lens Head supports configurations of 400mm, 560mm, and 800mm. These focal lengths are achieved through the lens head's modular system when paired with the appropriate extender units. The lens head itself is the core optical component.
Does this lens have autofocus?+
No. The Leica 11842 APO-Telyt R Lens Head is a manual-focus-only optic. All focusing must be performed by hand, which is standard for Leica R system lenses.
What camera mount does this lens head use?+
This lens head is designed for the Leica R mount. It is intended for use within the Leica R system and is compatible with cameras and extender bodies that accept the Leica R mount interface.
How heavy is this lens head, and what support do I need?+
The lens head weighs 4,500g. Given this substantial weight, especially when combined with extender modules and a camera body, a sturdy tripod with a gimbal head or a heavy-duty monopod is strongly recommended for comfortable and stable shooting.
Is image stabilization included?+
No, image stabilization is not present on this lens. Photographers should account for this when selecting shutter speeds, particularly at the longer 560mm and 800mm focal length configurations.
What filter size does this lens use?+
The lens head has a 112mm filter thread. Filters of this diameter are specialized and less common than standard sizes, so sourcing compatible filters should be considered before purchase.

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