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 $2,875.38 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
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