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Leica 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Vario-Elmar-SL Full-Frame Lens with Tripod Collar/Foot for Leica L-Mount, Black {E82} 11191
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$1,747.00
Leica's 100-400mm SL zoom built for working in the field
The Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3 covers more focal length ground than any other lens in the SL system, giving L-mount shooters a single optic that reaches from moderate telephoto compression at 100mm out to 400mm of serious reach. The 22-element, 16-group optical design maintains sharpness across that entire range, and the built-in image stabilization handles the inevitable camera movement that comes with shooting at the long end. a 82mm filter thread runs front-of-barrel, and the lens weighs in at 3.26 lb, substantial, but reasonable for what it covers.
Weather sealing and AquaDura coating on the external elements mean this lens is built to work outdoors without babying. The tripod collar is ARCA-SWISS compatible, so it drops directly into a compatible head without fussing with a separate quick-release plate. Pair it with a Leica Extender L 1.4x and the range stretches to 140-560mm, with aperture and focal length data written correctly into the EXIF. For SL2 and SL2-S users, the autofocus ties into the camera's subject tracking, making it a legitimate tool for erratic, fast-moving subjects than just static or slow-moving ones.
For the cost of a single lens, you get the reach to cover nearly any outdoor shooting scenario the SL system demands.
Who It's For
Wildlife photographers working from hides or on foot get four stops of image stabilization at 400mm, which makes the difference between a sharp frame and a missed one. Sports shooters pairing this with a SL2 or SL2-S will find the subject-tracking autofocus keeps pace with field athletes and court action. Travel photographers who need one lens for safari or birding tours benefit from the compact form factor relative to the focal range. Nature documentary videographers gain weather-sealed reliability and ARCA-SWISS tripod compatibility for extended sessions on location.
Key Features
- 100-400mm focal length with widest zoom range in SL system
- 22-element, 16-group optical design for sharpness across entire range
- 4-stop optical image stabilization for handheld telephoto work
- Weather sealed with AquaDura coating for outdoor durability
- 82mm filter thread and 3.26 lb weight for field portability
- ARCA-SWISS compatible tripod collar for direct mounting
- SL2/SL2-S subject tracking autofocus for moving subjects
- Compatible with Leica Extender L 1.4x for 140-560mm reach
FAQ
- What's the effective focal length range if I use the Leica Extender L 1.4x?
- The extender stretches the range to 140-560mm, with both the extended focal length and adjusted aperture written into EXIF data so you know exactly what you used.
- How much does image stabilization help at 400mm?
- The built-in optical stabilization delivers 4 stops of correction, which makes handheld shooting viable at the long end, though a tripod with the ARCA-SWISS collar is still the move for critical work.
- Will this lens autofocus on moving subjects with my SL2-S?
- Yes. It integrates with the SL2 and SL2-S subject tracking system, so it locks onto and follows erratic, fast-moving subjects rather than just tracking static targets.
- How does the weather sealing work in real field conditions?
- AquaDura coating on the external glass elements plus full weather sealing means you can shoot in spray, dust, and wet conditions without worrying about damage, but it's not submersible.
- Is the 82mm filter thread standard enough to use filters I already own?
- Yes, 82mm is common across high-end telephoto lenses, so any quality circular polarizer or ND filters you have will thread on without adapters.
- What's the minimum focus distance, and does it change across the zoom range?
- Minimum focus is 3.6 feet (1.1 m) throughout the entire 100-400mm range, so you can focus close at any focal length.
- Can I use this lens on L-mount bodies other than the SL2 and SL2-S?
- The lens works on any L-mount camera, but subject tracking and advanced autofocus features require SL2 or SL2-S hardware; earlier L-mount bodies will get standard contrast-detect AF.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 100-400mm |
| Max Aperture | f/5 |
| Min Aperture | f/6.3 |
| Mount | Leica L |
| Stabilization | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 3.6 ft / 1.1 m |
| Aperture Range | f/5 to f/6.3 |
| Lens Format | Full Frame |
| Filter Thread | 82mm |
| Elements | 22 |
| Groups | 16 |
| Angle Of View | 23.8° to 6.4° |
| Package Weight | 4.78 lb |
| Box Dimensions | 12.3 x 6.5 x 6.4" |
| Weather Sealing | Yes |
| Weight | 3.26 lb / 1.48 kg |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Leica |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 82mm |
| Lens Mount | Leica L-Mount |
| Lens Type | Telephoto / Long |
| Max Focal Length | 400mm |
| Min Focal Length | 100mm |