Light Lens Lab Debuts New Apochromatic M-Mount Lens
Light Lens Lab has unveiled its latest photographic innovation, introducing pre-orders for its first apochromatic lens, a 35mm f2 optic engineered for Leica M-mount cameras. This release signals the launch of the company's new 'High Performance Series,' promising future additions to its lineup. The lens, designed to reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing, is available in standard aluminum and a special limited titanium variant, the latter exclusively open for pre-order until September 10, 2026.
The 35mm f2 lens from Light Lens Lab incorporates four aspherical elements alongside several elements crafted from ultra-low-dispersion and anomalous partial-dispersion glass. This intricate construction is characteristic of apochromatic designs, specifically chosen to combat color fringing and chromatic aberration, ensuring pristine image clarity. Furthermore, the lens is treated with a novel multilayer coating, enhancing contrast and sharpness while minimizing flare and producing a smooth bokeh effect. Its minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters positions it favorably against many traditional rangefinder lenses, and it boasts an 11-blade aperture for appealing out-of-focus areas. The lens securely attaches via Leica's M-mount quick-change bayonet.
Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum or a Grade Two titanium alloy, the lens offers durability and a premium feel. The aluminum version weighs approximately 327 grams with the hood, while the titanium variant comes in at around 360 grams. The barrel design offers two options: a smooth finish without knurling and a knurled version for improved handling. The smooth barrel is expected to be available between December 2026 and January 2027. The exclusive titanium edition provides additional benefits, including a magnetic clip-on lens hood, a matching titanium UV filter, both standard and grey leather pouches, a screw-on hood, and a one-year warranty.
Apochromatic lenses are highly valued for their ability to deliver exceptional image quality, particularly in challenging scenarios such as backlit portraits or capturing foliage against bright skies, where conventional lenses often exhibit distracting color fringes. For photographers seeking precision optics without the steep price tag of premium brands, Light Lens Lab presents a compelling option. For instance, Leica's comparable 35mm f2 lens can cost upwards of $9,000, whereas Light Lens Lab offers a similar performance at a significantly more accessible price point, under $3,000. While the performance of this new lens has yet to be independently verified, its specifications suggest a strong contender in the market. A key consideration for both the Light Lens Lab and Leica lenses, however, is the absence of weather sealing, which can be a drawback for photographers working in diverse environmental conditions. Light Lens Lab has also indicated that a 50mm APO version is currently under development.