Leica's new Elmarit-S 30 mm f/2.8 ASPH is a wide-angle lens manufactured specifically for the German firm's medium format camera system.

It is made of 13 glass elements, including two aspherical surfaces, in nine groups, and offers an angle of view equivalent to 24mm in 35mm format. "With outstanding imaging performance from the closest focus to infinity at all apertures, and brilliant colour rendition, the Leica Elmarit-S 30 mm f/2.8 ASPH. guarantees perfect results in a wide range of photographic situations," says Leica.

The Leica Elmarit-S 30 mm f/2.8 ASPH also features a robust bayonet mount and is fully sealed against dust and spray, "for absolute reliability even under the harshest shooting conditions," claims Leica. "Furthermore, the lens is supplied with a rectangular hood designed for optimum suppression of extraneous light."

This latest addition brings to five the number of lenses available for S2 camera users. Already available are the Summarit-S 35mm f/2.5 ASPH, the Summarit-S 70mm f/2.5 ASPH, the APO Macro Summarit-S 120mm f/2.5, and the APO Elmar-S 180mm f/3.5.

The lens will be available from December, retailing at £4950.

Visit www.leica-camera.co.uk for more details.