Leica Unveils Line of ‘Made in Portugal’ Lenses that are Cheaper for US Buyers

Putting the words “Leica” and “Cheap” in the same headline is usually an oxymoron, but the company has just announced that it will be selling cheap-er “Made in Portugal” versions of nine popular M-mount lenses in order to bypass a controversial US tariff established last year.

As mentioned above, the reason behind this move is a punitive 25% tariff that the US imposed on the EU after it was discovered that airplane manufacturer Airbus had received some illegal subsidies that gave it an edge against US-based Boeing. One of the items affected by the tariff was lenses, and so Leica “made a large investment to establish a second production line,” in Portugal, allowing US-based photographers to purchase these ‘Made in Portugal’ lenses at a discount compared to their German counterparts.

Leica will release 9 of its most popular M-mount lenses as a ‘Made in Portugal’ variant, with the MiP discount ranging from $300 to $500 depending on the lens:

• Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH, Black – MiP Price: $4,395, German Price: $4,895
• Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH, Black – MiP Price: $2,295, German Price: $2,595
• Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6, Silver – MiP Price: $2,595, German Price: $2,895
• Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH, Black – MiP Price: $3,295, German Price: $3,695
• Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH, Silver – MiP Price: $3,495, German Price: $3,895
• Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Black – MiP Price: $3,995, German Price: $4,395
• Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Silver – MiP Price: $4,195, German Price: $4,695
• Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH, Black-Chrome – MiP Price: $4,595, German Price: $5,095
• Summicron-M 50mm f/2, Black – MiP Price: $2,395, German Price: $2,695

Special ‘Made in Portugal’ lenses now available from various US retailers. Credit: Leica Store Miami

Speaking with us over email, Leica USA confirmed the reason for this announcement and shared the following statement, promising “pristine quality” from these Made in Portugal lenses:

We are committed to excellence and craftsmanship. As a result of the US Tariffs on Made in Germany products, we are offering select lenses made in our Portugal facility, delivering the pristine quality and service our customers expect from Leica.

These specially discounted lenses are only available to US buyers, and they will be released in three stages. The three 50mm f/1.4 lenses will be available this month, followed by the two 35mm f/2 lenses and the 28mm f/5.6 in September, and ending with the final three lenses in December.

All are currently available to pre-order online from various retailers.

(via Red Dot Forum)