Leica has announced an L-Mount 35mm f/2 that will cost $4600

 

 

There certainly will not be a lack of lens options available for the L-mount when Panasonic enters the game in the next month, but a good chunk of those optics are going to cost a pretty penny. Adding to that, Leica has just announced the  APO-Summicron-SL 35 mm f/2 ASPH, which will be available mid-April 2019 for a staggaring $4595 USD. For those who have been following Leica's trends, that price point should not come as a surprise, but it still stings a bit to read, especially if you were looking to get into the new L-Mount alliance via the Lumix S1 and S1R. 

Leica provided a few details on the upcoming lens:

• Image Quality: In the construction of the APO-Summicron-SL lenses, particular attention has been paid to the prevention of stray light and reflections. Together with an optimization of the optical and mechanical design, the application of high-quality coatings to each lens surface reduces unavoidable reflections to an absolute minimum. This 35 mm promises high-level image output, corner to corner, especially at its maximum aperture of f/2.
• Durability: Built with effective sealing against dust and moisture, paired with a hydrophobic Aquadura coating of the exterior lens surfaces, the lens can be used without a second thought to perform in almost any weather conditions. By design, the Leica SL-System and its lenses instil confidence in the user that they will always be able to get the shot regardless of extreme environmental elements.
• Autofocus Speed: The autofocus drive of all Summicron-SL lenses, including the new 35 mm, employs extremely powerful and robust stepping motors with a DSD (Dual Syncro Drive) which completely travels the entire focus range in just 250 milliseconds.
• Compatibility: The lens utilizes the L-Mount standard, developed by Leica, enabling it to be fully compatible with other L-Mount cameras from the Leica portfolio as well as cameras manufactured by partners of the L-Mount Alliance.

 

 

As mentioned, the APO-Summicron-SL 35 mm f/2 ASPH. will be on sale beginning mid-April for $4,595 at Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers. Now excuse me while I go cry into my empty wallet.