LEICA VARIO ELMAR R 80-200 mm F4

This lens fogs up easily

A review and photo examples of the Vario Elmar 80-200mm F4.

Gallery

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Review

Overview
Usage
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1．Overview

The Leica Vario-Elmar 80-200mm F4 is a zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 80mm to 200mm. This focal length has been leased for the past three generations, and this is the fourth generation.

The version with a ROM terminal can control TTL flash with the LEICA R8 and R9. In addition, the DMR (Digital Module R) and the genuine R adapter L + LEICA L digital camera series can record shooting information such as lens name, aperture value, and focal length in exif in addition to flash control.

2．Usage

The lens controls have a zoom ring at the base and a focus ring in the middle, which is a standard style for Leica R-mount rotary zooms.

From the outside, it looks like an internal zoom, but when you turn the focus ring, the overall length of the lens changes slightly. The lens hood is built-in and is used by pulling out the tip, but since it is not pulled out very far, it seems that the hood length is not enough at 200mm. The lens barrel is decorated with the Leica red badge, which is unique to zoom lenses and telephoto lenses, and matches the cylindrical barrel design.

As you can see from the sample images, the bokeh is beautiful among zoom lenses, and although it is not a lens that can get close to the subject with a minimum shooting distance of 1.1m, it is also suitable for nature photography. I sometimes wish I could get as close as 0.7m, but I gave up because I thought it was a trade-off with the convenience of a zoom lens. It is possible to attach a macro adapter, so you can use that when you really want to get close.

As long as you use it during the day, the maximum aperture of F4 is not an issue, and although the slim lens is a little difficult to hold, its light weight makes it perfectly usable in the field.

3．Add info.

Like the VARIO ELMAR 35-70 F4, it is stamped “Made in Japan” and is said to be manufactured by Kyocera.

The drawback of this lens is that the center lens is prone to clouding due to balsam cracking.
Around 2022, it seems that Kanto Camera Service accepted repairs, but it is necessary to contact Kanto Camera Service to see if it is still possible at this time. Cloudy lenses are sold at a fairly low price, but considering the repair costs, it may be better to look for a normal lens from the start.

The Vario Apo-Elmarit 70-180mm F2.8, a luxury lens with a close focal length, is about twice as heavy as this lens, so it is hesitant to carry it around casually.

Specification

Lens name	VARIO ELMAR	←	←
Focal length(mm)	21-35	35-70	80-200
Max aperture	3.5-4	4	←
Min aperture	22	←	←
Leaf blade	6	←	←
Lens Construction	9elements in 8groups	8elements in 7groups	12elements in 8groups
Min distance(m)	0.5	0.5 (0.26 macro)	1.1
Lens length(mm)	66.3	79	46
Max diameter(mm)	75	74	62.5
Filter Size(mm)	67	60	60
Weight(g)	500	505	1020
Lens hood	Plastic claw hood 12438	Screw hood 12437	Build in hood
Production number*1	3,400(Up to 2005)	8,680(Up to 2005)	14,350(Up to 2005)
Release date	2001-	1996-	1995-