Description: Introduced in 1984 and originally designed for professional sports and wildlife photographers, the Leica APO-Telyt-R 280mm f/2.8 remains every bit as impressive today as it was four decades ago. At a time when most long telephotos relied on autofocus and image stabilization to get the shot, this lens achieved its reputation through sheer optical excellence, delivering extraordinary sharpness, contrast, and color correction even wide open at f/2.8.

Mounted on a modern Leica SL camera, the 280 APO-Telyt-R offers a photographic experience unlike anything currently in production. The bright aperture, beautifully compressed perspective, and unmistakable rendering make it equally at home photographing wildlife, motorsports, aviation, portraits, or distant landscapes. And with the included APO-Extender-R 1.4x, it transforms into a 400mm f/4 while maintaining the exceptional image quality that made Leica's APO telephoto system legendary.

For photographers who appreciate the deliberate process of manual focus and the character of Leica's finest R lenses, the APO-Telyt-R 280mm f/2.8 remains one of the crown jewels of the system.

Serial Number (280mm): 3351059

Serial Number (Extender): 3583430

Catalog Number (280mm): 11245

Catalog Number (Extender): 11249

Production Year (280mm): Approx. 1985

Production Year (Extender): Approx. 1991

Condition: This lens is in excellent condition, especially considering its age. The barrel shows some wear marks from normal use, but there are no dents, dings, or signs of damage. Optically, there are some cleaning marks under the front element. This is common on vintage R lenses and has a negligible impact on image quality. We tested the lens on an SL3 and it performed incredibly well. The optics have been cleaned by DAG as thoroughly as possible. The focus ring turns smoothly, and the aperture ring has firm, well-defined click stops. The extender is in excellent shape with clean glass and smooth mechanics. 

Service: This lens and extender were recently sent to DAG Camera, who performed a full overhaul service on both items.

Video Overview: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jvnvs052sht7ddh91iylf/3351059.mov?rlkey=7tudv40o2w4l4eozcoy0qtcle&st=pwqzshfe&dl=0

What’s Included (280mm): Fitted lens trunk, rear lens cap, front push-on lens cap, Leica E112 screw-on front protective filter, grip handle, neck strap, and DAG CLA paperwork.

What’s Included (Extender): Case, rear lens cap, front lens cap, and DAG CLA paperwork.

Warranty: 6 Month DAG Warranty