R 80mm/f1.4 vs. 90mm/f2; 3-cam used lens

[troyfreund]

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Any thoughts on these two lenses? I'm looking to add one to my lensbag and was wondering what you all thought. Any opinions? Is the 80 worth the extra cash for one extra stop of speed? Keep in mind I'm only considering older 3-cam lenses here, no ROM contacts or ASPH happening. Much thanks!

Troy

http://www.troyfreund.com

[rsolomon]

i have the 80/1.4 and love the lens. Then i bought the DMR, it changed the focal length and with the added weight of the DMR i find myself not using the lens as much.

 

Though i have never used the 90/2.0 i think the 80/1.4 is a classic beauty

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[fastdap@mac.com]

I love the 80mm 1.4! I use it as a standard lense for both film and digital. it has a beautiful old school feel.

mark

[mgcd]

The 90mm f/2 Summicron-R beats the pants off the 80mm f/1.4 IMO. I have used both and frankly the one I use constantly is the 90 Summicron. I have not given the 80 another thought.

 

Cheers,

[bono0272]

I don't have the 90/2 but I always use my 80/1.4 with the DMR. It won't disappoint you anyway.

 

For the 90 I will target the AA version.

[rsolomon]

i have found when shooting with the DMR the 50 has become my standard lens, along with the weight benefit i beleive that focal length is just right for me . Again i do love the 80 and will NEVER let that go.

 

rich

[leicapages]

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If you only want a 3 cam lens and not ROM, forget the Summicron-R 90/2.0 ASPH since that (newer) lens only comes with ROM contact as far as I know :-)

 

I have used and owned the Summilux-R 80/1.4 with my R8 and have been very satisfied with that lens. It is not easy to focus accurately at the widest f-stops, however, since the focusing margins are quite narrow. Also, the optical quality at f/1.4 and f/2.0 are so-so but this is to be expected from it's design. I must say I liked the lens a lot. It works very well on the R8, gives a very bright viewfinder screen, is not too big or too heavy and is a good match with the camera.

In the end I have sold it since I acquired the Vario-Elmarit-R 35-70/2.8 ASPH.

 

If put before the choice again today, I believe I would go for the Summicron-R 90/2.0 ASPH given its more modern design and its higher performance.

[4X5B&W]

The 80 Lux is a special lens, soft wide open with exceptional OOF image, yet sharp, with superb colour rendition when stopped down only slightly. My one is going nowhere.

 

Can't say I was ever that impressed with the 90 Crons that I have shot with, OK I guess but not in the same league as the 80 IMHO........YMMV!!

[troyfreund]

Thanks for all the input, folks. Since I've already got the 90AA for my M6, I think I'm gonna focus on trying to get the 80/1.4 for my R8. Thanks much!

Troy

[andybarton]

Have a look at Thorsten's website

 

http://www.overgaard.com (IIRC)

 

He has an 80/1.4 and it's a beauty.

[troyfreund]

Hey Andy,

The overgaard link didn't work. Am I missing something?

Troy

[andybarton]

Sorry Troy, make that overgaard.dk - Thorsten Overgaard Official Homepage

 

[rnocke]

Troy,

 

the 2/90 will be sharper at F2 than the 1.4/80 at F1.4, that's for sure. But also as of F4 you won't notice any difference anymore. The advantage of the extra stop is of course more usable speeds at low light but also more control of depth of focus. And the 1.4/80 is said to have a much more pleasing "bokeh", which is quite important for a lens in this focal range.

 

But the 2/90 is still a very good lens. And you mustn't forget that the price for a used 1.4/80 is about 3 times higher than for a used 2/90.

 

Conrad

[telewatt]

Troy,

 

.....the 2/90 will be sharper at F2 than the 1.4/80 at F1.4, that's for sure. ....

 

Conrad

 

the 2/90 at F2 and the 1,4/80 at 2F would be fair...

 

the Summilux 80 is my favorit lens on the R ..... ..great performer ...

 

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regards,

Jan

[rob_x2004]

Gee I cant think of much wrong with the 90Summicron 3cam.

[robsteve]

I have had both and sold the 80mm Summilux. At today's prices, it might be worth buying a 90mm Summicron first and see if it suits you.

[rosuna]

Troy,

 

the 2/90 will be sharper at F2 than the 1.4/80 at F1.4, that's for sure.

 

In fact, that depends on many other variables. You have a stop less at f/2, so you need a compensation. You must to increase the ISO or reduce the exposure time. These variables maybe have a negative impact on the resolution, depending on the conditions in which the photograph is taken. For instance, if you shot a moving subject, the f/1,4 could be absolutely necessary. The same if you are photographing handheld. If you use a tripod and the subject doesn't move, no problem. Etc.

[telewatt]

.... For instance, if you shot a moving subject, the f/1,4 could be absolutely necessary. ..... Etc.

 

 

..do you have a Summilux 80mm ?....

 

I did about 100 000 pictures with this lens and about 10 with the f/1,4...... .....the "Fingerprint" of the lens is it magic..and it is on his best at f/2 -f/4....

 

regards,

Jan

[rosuna]

Obviously, it depends on the type of photography you do. I am an user of the M Leicas, but the Summilux-M 75mm is the sister lens of the Summilux-R 80mm.

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[telewatt]

Obviously, it depends on the type of photography you do. I am an user of the M Leicas, but the Summilux-M 75mm is the sister lens of the Summilux-R 80mm.

 

 

Hello Rubén,

 

 

yes, the Summilux-M 75mm is a sister lens.. ..and you shot moving objekts with f/1,4..?. ....I can't...

 

I use the lens for "people" , "reportage" and "stage pictures" and the f/1,4 is the "emergency button"...

 

regards,

Jan