Leica 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar-T ASPH. APS-C Lens for Leica L-Mount, Black {E52} 11080

Leica's native T-mount standard zoom covering 27-84mm equivalent.

The Vario-Elmar-T 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. is the workhorse zoom built specifically for Leica's T-system. Its 27-84mm equivalent range spans wide-angle through short telephoto, covering the most-used focal lengths in a single lens. Ten elements arranged in seven groups include four aspherical surfaces, a construction that keeps contrast high and aberrations controlled across the zoom range. At 9 oz (255 g) and just 2.4 inches long, it adds minimal bulk to the already compact T-system bodies.

The 18mm end at f/3.5 gives you room to work in lower light when shooting wide, and the 0.30 m (1 ft) minimum focusing distance lets you get close to subjects at any focal length. Autofocus runs quietly with a manual override available when you want direct control. The 52mm filter thread is a common size, so your existing glass works here. For T-system shooters who want one lens that handles most everyday situations, this is the lens that stays on the camera.

Who It's For

Travel photographers working with T-system bodies get a single lens that covers landscapes at 27mm equivalent through compressed street scenes at 84mm equivalent, all in a package light enough to carry all day. Portrait shooters benefit from the 56mm end where subject separation becomes more workable. Documentary and street photographers who value quiet autofocus and unobtrusive size will find the 2.4-inch length fits the T-system's design intent. Anyone building out a T-mount kit will want this as the foundation before adding primes.

Key Features

• 18-56mm focal length with 27-84mm 35mm equivalent
• f/3.5-5.6 variable maximum aperture, f/16 minimum
• Ten elements in seven groups with four aspherical surfaces
• Leica T mount, APS-C format coverage
• 0.30 m (1 ft) minimum focusing distance
• 52mm filter thread, 9 oz (255 g) total weight
• Autofocus with manual override available
• 2.4 inches long, 2.5 inches maximum diameter

FAQ

What's the 35mm equivalent focal length of this lens?

27-84mm, which covers wide-angle through short telephoto on APS-C T-system bodies. That's the range you'd need two or three primes to replicate.

How close can you focus with the Vario-Elmar-T 18-56mm?

0.30 m (1 ft) minimum focusing distance. That's close enough for environmental portraits and detail work without switching to a macro lens.

What's the aperture range on this zoom?

f/3.5 at 18mm, dropping to f/5.6 by 56mm, with f/16 as minimum. The f/3.5 wide end gives you a stop or two in lower light when you're shooting at the shorter focal lengths.

Does autofocus have manual override?

Yes. Autofocus runs quietly, but you can take direct control when you want it.

What filter size does this lens use?

52mm. Standard size, so your existing filters mount directly without adapters.

How much does the Vario-Elmar-T 18-56mm weigh?

9 oz (255 g). Compact enough that it doesn't add noticeable bulk to T-system bodies, which are already designed to travel light.

What's inside the lens construction?

Ten elements in seven groups, with four aspherical surfaces. The aspheric design keeps contrast high and controls aberrations throughout the zoom range.