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

Introduced in 1995, the Vario-Apo-Elmarit-R 2.8/70-180mm was the lens that proved the claim that a vario lens can be as good (or better) as a single focal length lens. It was a state-of-the-art construction, with thirteen lenses in twelve groups. It also used 12 different glass types! The offered prototype shows many different construction details to the production version, like the larger tripod mount, straight barrel, etc., it also shows machining marks visible on the metal parts. The lens is fully functional and in excellent condition. This is the first time we have a prototype of this type in our auction.