Leica's early R tele zoom — the manual-focus Vario-Elmar-R 80-200mm f/4.5, a constant-aperture telephoto.
The Leica Vario-Elmar-R 80-200mm f/4.5 is an early telephoto zoom for the Leica R reflex system, covering short to medium telephoto at a constant f/4.5 maximum aperture. It was one of the first R telephoto zooms and preceded the later f/4 design. It gave R users a single lens across the popular tele range.
This is a manual-focus Leica R lens covering 80-200mm with a constant maximum aperture of f/4.5 across the range. It is a full-frame reflex telephoto zoom. Buyers should confirm the filter thread and cam configuration on the specific example, and take care to distinguish this f/4.5 version from the later f/4 design, which is a separate lens.
The 80-200mm range covers short-telephoto portraits through to medium reach for distant subjects, making it a flexible tele zoom for portraits, travel and general use. The constant f/4.5 aperture holds exposure steady through the zoom. It replaces several telephoto primes for photographers who prefer one lens over the range.
On the used market this earlier f/4.5 zoom is one of the more attainable R telephoto zooms. Check the zoom and focus actions for smoothness, look for internal haze, fungus and dust, and confirm the aperture works cleanly. Verify the cam setup for correct metering on your R body, and distinguish it from the later f/4 version before buying; a Leica R adapter allows mirrorless use.