Vario-Apo-Elmarit-R 2.8/70-180mm prototype *

Introduced in 1995, the Vario-Apo-Elmarit-R 2.8/70–180 mm proved that a zoom lens could match—or even surpass—the performance of prime lenses. It was a state-of-the-art construction with thirteen elements in twelve groups, incorporating no fewer than twelve different glass types.

The prototype presented here exhibits several notable differences from the production version, including a larger tripod mount, a straight barrel design, and visible machining marks on the metal components. It is fully functional and in excellent condition. To our knowledge, this is the only example of a prototype 70–180 mm APO ever seen!