Leica 180mm f/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R ROM Lens
The Leica 180mm f/2.8 is a 180mm f/2.8 lens designed for Leica R mount cameras. Used copies start from $3,058.98 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Leica 180mm f/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R ROM Lens
Used Leica 180mm f/2.8 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Leica 180mm f/2.8
Key Features — Leica 180mm f/2.8
180mm f/2.8 APO Telephoto: Apochromatic optical design corrects chromatic aberration across all three primary wavelengths, producing sharp, color-accurate images at longer working distances.
Leica R Mount with ROM: ROM (Read Only Memory) contacts enable electronic data communication between the lens and compatible later-generation Leica R bodies for exposure and EXIF data exchange.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full 35mm frame, making it fully compatible with all Leica R-series film and digital bodies without vignetting.
f/2.8 Maximum Aperture: Fast maximum aperture for a 180mm prime, allowing subject isolation with shallow depth of field and reliable performance in lower light conditions.
Manual Focus Only: Precision manual focus ring gives photographers direct, tactile control suited to portrait, nature, and deliberate telephoto shooting.
77mm Filter Thread: Common filter diameter that works with a wide range of readily available filters including polarizers, ND, and UV options.
Lens Specifications — Leica 180mm f/2.8
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Wildlife, Sports, Landscape |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 180mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Leica R |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 77mm |
Description — Leica 180mm f/2.8
The Leica 180mm f/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R ROM is a manual focus, full-frame telephoto prime lens built around the Leica R mount. With a fixed focal length of 180mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, it offers significant light-gathering capability and depth of field control at telephoto distances. The ROM designation ensures electronic communication compatibility with later Leica R camera bodies, allowing lens data to be recorded alongside image metadata.
The lens accepts 77mm front filters, a standard size that integrates easily with most professional filter systems. Weighing in at 1.2kg, it is a solidly built optic that reflects the engineering investment typical of a dedicated telephoto prime. There is no image stabilization, so users should be mindful of shutter speed when shooting handheld.
This lens is purpose-made for photographers operating within the Leica R DSLR ecosystem who value manual focusing precision and a dedicated long telephoto focal length.
Pros — Leica 180mm f/2.8
- ✓Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture provides meaningful depth of field control at 180mm
- ✓Full-frame coverage ensures compatibility with the full Leica R-series sensor and film area
- ✓Leica R mount with ROM designation supports electronic data communication with compatible camera bodies
Cons — Leica 180mm f/2.8
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability, which may limit use in fast-action scenarios
- ✗No image stabilization, requiring careful technique to avoid camera shake at 180mm
- ✗At 1.2kg, the lens is heavy and may require additional support for extended shooting sessions
Videos — Leica 180mm f/2.8
Leica R Series Lenses — Tamarkin Camera
Frequently Asked Questions — Leica 180mm f/2.8
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No. The Leica 180mm f/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R ROM is a manual focus lens only, as indicated in the specifications. All focusing must be performed by hand.
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Leica R mount. It is designed for use with Leica R-series DSLR camera bodies. The ROM designation enables electronic communication between the lens and compatible Leica R cameras.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No. The specifications confirm that image stabilization is listed as None. Photographers should use appropriate shutter speeds or support to ensure sharp images at 180mm.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 77mm filter thread, which is a widely used size compatible with many third-party and brand-name filter systems.
Is this lens suitable for full-frame cameras?+
Yes. The lens format is specified as Full Frame, meaning it is designed to cover a full-frame image circle, appropriate for Leica R-series full-frame camera bodies.
How heavy is the Leica 180mm f/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R ROM?+
The lens weighs 1.2kg according to the specifications. This is a substantial weight, so photographers should account for this when planning handheld or extended shooting sessions.