World's Most Expensive Lens - Leica Apo-Telyt-R 1600mm f/5.6

Kristian Dowling
Kristian Dowling
Testing in-store at 'the Classic Store' Leica Camera, Wetzlar Germany. Liam Arning of the store was kind enough to let me take h ...
Testing in-store at 'the Classic Store' Leica Camera, Wetzlar Germany. Liam Arning of the store was kind enough to let me take his portrait.  While never created as a portrait lens in mind, I decided to see what the compression of the 1600mm focal length would do to his face when taking a portrait - watch the video and see. disclaimer: this was not meant to be a promotional video nor anything serious. Just something fun to try the lens out on the new Leica SL3. It was quite sharp at the closest focusing distance I shot at, however it's performance was optimised for longer distance shooting, so don't look too much into the quality - just the compression of the very simple image.

BACKGROUND ON THE LENS:

In 2006, Leica Camera AG unveiled a groundbreaking creation: the Apo-Telyt-R 1600 mm f/5.6 lens, a true marvel of engineering. This extraordinary lens, weighing in at a staggering 60 kg and boasting dimensions of 1.2 meters in length (expanding to 1.55 meters with the lens hood attached) and a barrel diameter of 42 cm, redefined the limits of telephoto capabilities.

The genesis of this colossal telephoto lens traces back to a unique request from Sheikh Saud Bin Mohammed Al-Thani, the former Minister of Culture of Qatar. His vision for an exceptionally large and heavy lens pushed the boundaries of traditional optics, resulting in a piece that stands out not only for its technical prowess but also for its sheer size and weight. While its practicality may seem daunting, its creation marks a testament to Leica's dedication to innovation and the pursuit of excellence in optical design.

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