Vario Elmarit R 28 90 F 2.8 4.5 ASPH

User Manual: Manual

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The use of zoom lenses brings great advanta-

ges: The variable focal length means that you

can adapt to the most diverse of subjects and

realize all of your picture ideas without having

to change lenses. Your camera is also ready

to use much more quickly: With subjects and

situations that are changing rapidly, this can

even be the difference between being able to

take the photo or not.

With the LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R 28–90mm

f/2.8–4.5 ASPH. Leica is presenting a

“normal” zoom with more than a 3x focal

length range. As a result, it is a lens which –

with only a slightly higher weight and larger

dimensions – offers considerably improved

versatility for practical photography, both in

the telephoto and wide-angle range, when

compared to the previous Leica zoom lenses

in the standard focal length range. With an

angle of view around 10° larger at 28mm

and around 7° smaller at 90mm (diagonally,

compared to a 35–70mm lens), it is able to

record a significantly larger area and to achieve

noticeably smaller trimming.

At the same time, it has outstanding reproduc-

tion characteristics. Distortion and vignetting

have been significantly reduced compared to

the LEICA VARIO-ELMAR-R 28–70mm f/3.5–4.5,

so that they will only become apparent in the

wide-angle range or for critical subjects in this

area (e.g. architecture). The sharpness, reso-

lution, and contrast are also excellent, even at

full stop. Overall, the LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R

28–90mm f/2.8–4.5 ASPH. achieves a picture

quality comparable

with corresponding fixed

focal length lenses.

The performance of the LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R

28–90mm f/2.8–4.5 ASPH. is based on an

optical design consisting of 2 groups with 11

lens elements in 8 components. The first

group is used for focusing. The focal length is

changed by simultaneously moving both

groups, with a sub-group of the 2nd group –

including the diaphragm – also moving inde-

pendently of the other components.

The use of two aspherical lens surfaces, two

lens elements of highly refractive glass, and

three elements with anomalous partial disper-

sion results in extraordinary lens performance

across the entire range of focal lengths with a

comparatively high initial aperture, combined

with a compact design. The aspherical surface

of the front lens is produced using a state of

the art “precision grinding and polishing pro-

cess”.

To achieve the large focal length range, the

optical components need to be able to move

relatively large distances within the lens body,

both overall and in relation to one another, in

some cases including reversal of the direction

of movement. In addition to this task, which

would be complex in any case, the mechanical

system, i.e. the corresponding tubes and

Product Information

LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R 28–90mm f/2.8–4.5 ASPH.

guides, must ensure that all optical elements

remain permanently aligned with one another

in every position, and at the same time that

they can be adjusted easily and with a con-

sistent amount of effort. On the LEICA VARIO-

ELMARIT-R 28–90mm f/2.8–4.5 ASPH. the

latest generation of modern CNC machines

are used, with tools and tool drive mechanisms

specially developed for Leica. As a result, the

above requirements are all met in full and, at

the same time, a relatively compact design

has been achieved.

Like the other Leica zoom lenses, the LEICA

VARIO-ELMARIT-R 28–90mm f/2.8–4.5 ASPH.

is a two-ring zoom, on which the focus – front –

and the focal length – back – are set using

separate rings. This design provides reliable

protection against accidental adjustments.

However, this principle also rules out the use

of a a clearly legible depth of field scale. The

instructions for the lens therefore contains

tables for the four most important focal

lengths

– 28, 35, 50 and 90mm.

For optimum convenience of use, the LEICA

VARIO-ELMARIT-R 28–90mm f/2.8–4.5 ASPH.

is equipped with a built-in pull-out lens hood.

This is optimally co-ordinated to the path of

the rays thanks to the petal shaped sections.

For optimum protection against mechanical

stress on the front mount mechanism situated

behind the lens hood, as well as to prevent

dust and sand from getting into the lens, in

addition to the snap-on cap, a slip-on cap is

also supplied, which encloses the focusing

ring.

This cap should always be used if you

are not using the lens for a long period of

time.

The LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R 28–90mm

f/2.8–4.5

ASPH. can be used with E67 screw-

in filters. Corresponding UVa and circular po-

larizing filters are available from Leica.

Summary:

Even though it is merely about 20mm longer

and 200g heavier than the LEICA VARIO-

ELMAR-R 35–70mm f/4, the LEICA VARIO-

ELMARIT-R 28–90mm f/2.8–4.5 ASPH. has a

significantly extendeded focal length range,

which allows you to handle the vast majority

of photographic situations and subjects

without having to carry any other lenses with

you. Its performance matches that of fixed

focal length lenses. As a result, the combina-

tion of a camera and this lens gives you a

compact Leica R system, suitable for most

subjects and situations.

The MTF is indicated both at full stop and at f/8

at long taking distances (infinity). Shown is the

contrast in percentage for 5, 10, 20, and 40

lp/mm across the height of the 35mm film

format, for tangential (dotted line) and sagittal

(solid line) structures, in white light. The 5 and

10 lp/mm will give an indication regarding the

contrast ratio for large object structures.

The 20 and 40 lp/mm records the resolution

of finer and finest object structures.

28mm (f/2.8) (f/8.0)

35mm (f/3.1) (f/8.0)

50mm (f/3.4) (f/8.0)

90mm (f/4.5) (f/8.0)

Trademark of the Leica Camera Group

© 2003 Leica Camera AG

Design subject to alterations without notice.

Order No.:

English 92064

Leica Camera AG / Oskar-Barnack-Straße 11 / D-35606 Solms

www.leica-camera.com / info@leica-camera.com

Telefon +49 (0) 64 42-208 -0 / Fax +49 (0) 64 42-208 -3 33

my point of view

Technical Data

Angle of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical)

at 28mm: 73.4°, 63.6°, 44.9°,

at 90mm: 27.6°, 23.1°, 15.5°

Optical design

Number of elements/groups: 11/8

Aspherical surfaces: 2

Front group focusing

Distance setting

Focusing range: 0.6m to infinity

Scale: Combined meter/feet-increments

Smallest object field: at 28mm: 400 x 600mm,

at 90mm: 133 x 200 mm

Highest reproduction ratio: at 28 mm: 1:16.7,

at 90mm: 1:5.5

Diaphragm

Setting: Preset diaphragm with click-stops (including half values)

Type: Fully automatic diaphragm

Smallest aperture: f/22

Bayonet: Leica R quick-change bayonet for LEICA R3 to LEICA R9 with mechanical,

and, for LEICA R8/R9, additional electronic exposure control

Focusing mount: Non-rotating

Filter (type): internal thread for screw-in type filters, size E67

Lens hood: built-in, extensible, scalloped

Finish: Black anodized

Dimensions and weight

Length from bayonet flange: 99mm

Largest diameter: 80 mm

Weight: approx. 740g

LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R

28–90 mm f/2.8–4.5 ASPH.

black anodized

Order No. 11365

Scope of Delivery

LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R

28–90mm f/2.8–4.5 ASPH. with front

and rear lens caps and slip-on front lens

cap, in a soft leather case

Accessories

LEICA UVa Filter E 67

Order No. 13 386

LEICA Circular Polarizing Filter E 67

Order No. 13 407

Replacements

Slip-on front lens cap

Order No. 422-502.006-000

Front lens cap

Order No. 14 291

Rear lens cap

Order No. 14162

Soft leather case

Order No. 439-399.087-000