Leica 14-24mm f/2.8 Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL ASPH. Full-Frame Autofocus Lens with Built-In Petal Hood for Leica L-Mount, Black Anodized 11194

Leica's 14-24mm f/2.8 SL: the ultra-wide that started at 14mm first.

The Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH. was the first lens in the SL lineup to reach 14mm, and Leica built it to justify that distinction. Eighteen elements in 13 groups, three of them aspherical, keep distortion and chromatic aberration controlled across a field of view that swings from 112.4° at the wide end down to 85° at 24mm. At f/2.8 constant across the zoom range, it pulls in enough light for astrophotography and dim interiors without forcing a compromise at either focal length.

The built-in metal petal hood addresses a real engineering problem: a front element this curved can't accept a screw-on filter, so Leica integrated the hood directly and added a filter holder at the bayonet connection instead. AquaDura coating handles dust and spray, which matters when you're shooting architecture exteriors or coastal landscapes in weather you can't control. At 855g and 131mm long, it's a substantial piece of glass, but the aluminum housing keeps that weight purposeful than excessive. For L-mount shooters building a serious wide-angle kit, this lens closes a gap that no other SL optic addressed before it.

Who It's For

Landscape photographers shooting at first or last light will find the f/2.8 constant aperture useful when the sky is moving fast and exposure latitude is tight. Architecture and interior work benefits directly from the 14mm end, where the 112.4° angle of view pulls in full room context without keystone distortion left uncorrected in post. Astrophotographers gain the same wide-open aperture advantage at 14mm for sky coverage. Street photographers who want a rectilinear ultra-wide with autofocus and weather protection on a L-mount body have a well-matched tool in the 28cm minimum focusing distance and integrated hood that protects the front element in close-quarters use.

Key Features

• 18 elements in 13 groups with 3 aspherical elements for distortion control
• f/2.8 constant aperture across entire 14-24mm focal range
• 112.4° angle of view at 14mm, first SL lens to reach this width
• Integrated metal petal hood with bayonet-mounted filter holder
• AquaDura coating protects against dust and spray
• 855g aluminum housing, 131mm length, full-frame L-mount
• 11" minimum focusing distance enables close-range wide compositions

FAQ

Why does the 14-24mm f/2.8 have a built-in hood instead of accepting filters?

The front element's extreme curve can't accommodate a screw-on filter thread. Leica integrated a metal petal hood directly to the barrel and added a filter holder at the bayonet mount instead, solving both the protection problem and the optical limitations.

How much distortion and chromatic aberration does this lens control?

Three aspherical elements across 18 total elements in 13 groups manage distortion and chromatic aberration across the full 14-24mm range. The optical design keeps these aberrations controlled, though no ultra-wide zoom eliminates them entirely.

What's the angle of view at 14mm compared to 24mm?

At 14mm you get 112.4°, dropping to 85° at 24mm. That's a significant shift in field of view, so you're trading extreme width for a more moderate ultra-wide angle as you zoom in.

Is this lens weather-sealed for outdoor shooting?

AquaDura coating protects against dust and spray, making it suitable for architecture exteriors and coastal landscapes in uncontrolled weather. It's not a sealed bayonet mount, so the protection is limited to the lens surfaces themselves.

How heavy is the 14-24mm f/2.8 compared to other SL lenses?

At 855g and 131mm long, it's a substantial piece of glass. The aluminum housing keeps the weight purposeful rather than excessive, though it pairs with equally heavy SL bodies for a system that demands respect from your shoulders.

Can you shoot astrophotography wide open at f/2.8 across the entire zoom range?

Yes. The constant f/2.8 aperture across 14-24mm means you're not stopped down at the longer end of the zoom, which matters for pulling in starlight and dim interior light without forcing exposure compromises.