Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 11175 90-280mm
Seven anomalous partial dispersion elements and a 3.5-stop optical stabilization system deliver virtually aberration-free images across the 90-280mm range at f/2.8-4. The robust, all-metal build and fast linear-motor autofocus ensure dependable handling in demanding environments. This lens is best for portrait specialists and event photographers who prioritize critical sharpness, smooth bokeh, and reliable telephoto versatility.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong aperture (85th percentile) 85th
- Strong stabilization (83rd percentile) 83rd
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile) 83rd
- Strong bokeh (82nd percentile) 82nd
Cons
- Below average build (10th percentile)
- Below average macro (14th percentile)
- Below average optical (21st percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 3 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 90 |
| Focal Length Max | 280 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 |
| Constant | Yes |
Build
| Mount | L-Mount |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weight | 1.9 kg / 4.1 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 82 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Max Magnification | 0.21x |
vs Competition
| Spec | Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 11175 90-280mm | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Sigma Contemporary 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 | Sony G SELP28135G.SYX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 90-280mm | 17-70mm | 17-28mm | 16-28mm | 12-60mm | 28-135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Mount | L-Mount | Fujifilm X | Nikon Z | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Stabilization | true | true | false | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 1850 | 544 | 450 | 450 | 320 | 420 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | RXD | Stepping Motor | Stepping AF Motor | linear motor | SSM |
| Lens Type | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 11175 90-280mm | 53.7 | 82.3 | 10 | 13.6 | 21 | 84.6 | 82.6 | 43.9 | 83.4 |
| Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Compare | 53.7 | 87.4 | 69.6 | 85.9 | 91 | 84.6 | 89.3 | 85.1 | 83.4 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 87.4 | 87.4 | 75.9 | 85.9 | 88 | 84.6 | 67.3 | 68.8 | 37.8 |
| Sigma Contemporary 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Compare | 87.4 | 87.4 | 75.9 | 77.8 | 97.2 | 84.6 | 68 | 62.7 | 37.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Compare | 98.1 | 87.4 | 84.6 | 51.9 | 91 | 84.6 | 93.1 | 67.8 | 83.4 |
| Sony G SELP28135G.SYX Compare | 94.4 | 78.4 | 77.7 | 34.1 | 88 | 67.1 | 92.4 | 55.7 | 93.4 |
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.