Introducing the Leitz 800mm f/6.3 Telyt-S Lens
What is the Leitz 800mm f/6.3 Telyt-S Lens?
The Leitz 800mm f/6.3 Telyt-S Lens is a high-quality telephoto lens produced by the German camera manufacturer Leitz. It was designed for use with Leica R-mount film cameras, specifically the Leica R series. This lens offers an incredible reach of 800mm, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects with exceptional clarity and detail.
Release Date and Price
The Leitz 800mm f/6.3 Telyt-S Lens was released in 1984, and it quickly gained a reputation for its outstanding optical performance. At the time of its release, it was considered one of the best telephoto lenses available on the market. However, due to its high-quality construction and advanced optical design, it came with a hefty price tag, retailing at around $5,000.
Optical Design and Features
This Leitz lens boasts a complex optical design consisting of 6 elements in 5 groups. It incorporates high-quality glass elements and advanced coatings to minimize aberrations and maximize image quality. The lens features a maximum aperture of f/6.3, which allows for excellent low-light performance.
The Leitz 800mm f/6.3 Telyt-S Lens also features a built-in rotating tripod mount, which provides stability and easy maneuverability when used on a tripod. Additionally, it has an integrated sliding lens hood to reduce flare and improve image contrast.
Experiences with the Leitz 800mm f/6.3 Telyt-S Lens
Photographers who have had the opportunity to use the Leitz 800mm f/6.3 Telyt-S Lens rave about its optical performance and build quality. Its long focal length allows for stunning close-ups of wildlife, sports events, and other distant subjects. The lens delivers sharpness throughout the frame, with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration.
However, it is important to note that the Leitz 800mm f/6.3 Telyt-S Lens is quite heavy, weighing approximately 3.5 kilograms. This makes handheld shooting challenging and necessitates the use of a sturdy tripod or monopod for stability.
Conclusion
The Leitz 800mm f/6.3 Telyt-S Lens is a highly-regarded telephoto lens known for its exceptional image quality and long reach. Although it was originally designed for Leica R-mount film cameras, it can also be adapted to work with some digital cameras using appropriate adapters. If you’re a professional photographer or an avid enthusiast who wants to capture distant subjects with incredible detail, this lens is definitely worth considering, despite its weight and price.
