How good is the 90mm f2.8 Elmarit M?

[Confusion Circle]

Hello, fellow Leicaphiles!

I had the opportunity to buy a new 90mm f2.8 Elmarit M the other day from a local camera store that was going out of business for a song & a dance. I was wondering how it compares to the 90mm APO?

[marknorton]

LFI did a comparative review in the 06/2006 issue of the 3 90mm lenses. I have the two smaller ones. The APO lens is the top performer and gives better performance at f2 than the Elmarit does at f2.8. That said, the Elmarit is compact and lightweight.

Depending on just how inexpensive the Elmarit is, you might well find it a good purchase. It's a good lens, just not in the APO class.

[ddp]

I had the 90 Elmarit before I got my 90 APO - main reason why I switched was because I tend to shoot wide open, as much as I can. And I preferred the look of the APO at F2.0. I was also able to snag one in black paint

[ddp]

I should add from a performance stanpoint, it's (Elmarit) a very good lens. There are those who say that the APO renders oof highlights harshly, and that the bokeh is rather unpleasant. I haven't been unhappy with the 90 APO at all. Either way, you can't go wrong.

[umb]

Originally Posted by marknorton

The APO lens is the top performer and gives better performance at f2 than the Elmarit does at f2.8. That said, the Elmarit is compact and lightweight.

Due to the extremely shallow DOF of the 2.0 and the "accuracy" of the rangefinder at 90mm you will have a hard time to experience the supremacy of the APO in your shots. The 2.8 is as good as it gets.

[leicabug]

90mm f2.8 Elmarit M is one of the best lens Leica ever produced.

[ddp]

Originally Posted by leicabug

90mm f2.8 Elmarit M is one of the best lens Leica ever produced.

I think I need to start a thread debating the best of the best...lol.

I believe the current 90 2.0 APO Asph is considered to be in the top 3 or 5 of it's best designs...of course it depends on who you talk to.

[rsh]

I Ilike the Elmarit M. I like the size and I like the imaging qualiites. If ever I need the extra sharpness, which quite frankly, I can never see, I go with the MP and 75 Summicron or the 100 Apo Elmarit on the Leicaflex.

[wizard]

Originally Posted by marknorton

Depending on just how inexpensive the Elmarit is, you might well find it a good purchase. It's a good lens, just not in the APO class.

I own 'em both and have to say you'd be hard pressed to tell any difference, except at f2, of course To fully exploit the Elmarit's potential you need very short exposure times (1/500s or better still, 1/1000s) or a tripod or good luck (not to mention exact focussing). I find myself using the Elmarit much more often than the Apo Summicron, simply because it is lighter, smaller and better balanced on the M, plus it produces outstanding results.

Andy

[cbretteville]

Go grab the lens! I've had mine for 18 months and just love it. A little more DOF wide open than a 'cron, but cost, size and weight is great. Negligable VF blockage. Even with the hood fully exended it just touches the lower right corner of the 90mm frame lines.

I wouldn't part with mine.

Edit: Here is a thred from photo.net that has some shots you might find interesting: Leica and Rangefinders Forum: What's the best choice for a 90 mm-M ?

- Carl

[wilfredo]

I love the size of the 90mm Elmarit, you can't go wrong with this lens. Here's a shot of my significant other I did with the lens recently.

Cheers,
Wilfredo+
Benitez-Rivera Photography

[sungnee]

Wilfredo

I am surprised she actually let you post her shot on the internet!

[Confusion Circle]

Wow...thank you all for the replies! I did buy the lens, but must wait until next week to go out and shoot. I need to buy some filters too. They gave it to me for $1800 CDN taxes included brand spanking new! How could I not refuse?