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
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Lens Overview — Leica 11842
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
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Birding |
| Lens Type | Telephoto |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 400–800mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Leica R |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 112mm |
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









