Best portrait lens

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I am looking at alternatives for portrait lens to my Leicas. So far I have looked at 3 alternatives, and would like to hear your advice and experience with them (or other obvious candidates) as portrait lenses:

 

#1: Noctilux f0.95

#2: 75mm Summilux

#3: 90mm Summicron APO

[mirekti]

I'd vote for 75mm lux.

Too big for me so I use 75mm Cron.

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[jackstraw]

75 lux

The end justifies the means.

[fotofool]

I own and use #2 and 3 for portraits. As is often said when comparing almost any two Leica lenses... They are both magnificent in their own way but have very different rendering styles. I would suggest that you look through the Flickr groups for each lens and decide which rendering style you prefer.

[DigitalHeMan]

It depends a little bit on which body you are planning to use. Digital or film? Full frame M9/M or crop sensor M8? What other lenses do you own already?

[lct]

It depends a little bit on which body you are planning to use...

.... and for whom... Forget super sharp lenses if you intend to shoot your mother in law . Just kidding but my favorite lenses for middle-aged subjects are the Summilux 35/1.4 pre-asph, the Sonnar 50/1.5 and the Summicron-R 90/2 pre-apo.

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Some additional info.... I use M240 and M6. For film a prefer Tri-X, also Portra for color.

 

I already have a 50 Lux, 50 Summarit, 50 Zeiss Sonnar 1.5 and a 90 Summarit.

 

My preference at the moment are some caracter like the Sonnar, but find the focal length a bit short. The 90 Summarit is plenty sharp, but lack some caracter I think. I really like the color on it though.

[NightSun]

I have two further suggestions based on own experience.

 

1. Summarit 75/2.5: Draws with a modern, sharp, but beautifully balanced character. Some say it's a bit too clinical for portraying ladies, even though it comes down to personal preference. Nevertheless it's also very well suited for general use, while not heavy, and the most affordable Leica lens among 75mm alternatives.

 

2. Nikkor 85/2 (LTM): An old, but very capable lens, absolutely fit for portraits. It has a Sonnar lens design. So if this is the character of drawing what you die for, then it's a perfect candidate.

[satijntje]

one more candidate from my side: the 90mm Elmarit-M

Small and light lens and reasonable priced (800€)

 

John

[Universalb50]

Have you ever considered an Elmarit 90/2.8, either M or LTM? You certainly would save yourself some money, as compared with those others you mention?...or maybe even a Nikkor 105, in any of it's various incarnations? Someone might mention a Summarex, if only for older people photos?

[DigitalHeMan]

one more candidate from my side: the 90mm Elmarit-M

 

Small and light lens and reasonable priced (800€)

 

 

 

John

 

 

I have been using this lens a fair amount recently and also find the results quite acceptable.

[philipus]

In my experience, the Elmarit-M is an excellent lens, and not only for portraits. And if one finds it for 800€ it's a good deal. They're usually around 1000€ these days.

 

I used to shoot with the Nippon Kogaku 8,5cm f2 and liked it a lot. I eventually sold it because it is a large chrome-brass lens (though I believe there is more than one version of it, including a lighter black model) which is also very front heavy because almost all of the glass is in the front part. The aperture ring also rotates as one focuses which means that it's necessary to look at the lens when adjusting it. However, if one accepts these things then it's a fun lens. It has a bit of a cult following so while prices are not in Leica territory, they tend to be higher than expected. I've posted this one before:

 

M6TTL Ektar

Edited September 26, 2014 by philipus

[algrove]

90 Elmarit-M 2.8

 

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[drew.saunders]

I have a 90mm Tele-Elmarit "Fat" and it's a great portrait lens. Since it's less desirable than the TEM that followed, it can be quite a bit less expensive, but it's still a great lens. I've never been unhappy with the sharpness or look of any image from this lens. You should be able to find one for under $900, possibly quite a bit under.

 

I also have a 90/2 "scalloped focus" from c. 1960 (I'm guessing, as it has no serial number) that's a more gentle portrait lens. It has plenty of character. Those are nice ways of saying it's not all that sharp, nor is it very contrasty. It works great on my Visoflex and bellows for indoor flower shooting as well. These go for under $800.

 

The CV 75/1.8 Heliar Classic is an excellent portrait lens, especially wide open, and at $700 new, is quite a bit cheaper than any of the Leica lenses you list. Actually, a used 90/2.8, old 90/2 and Heliar Classic together would be cheaper than any one of the lenses you list.

[sblutter]

I'm happy w either Summi 50 2.0 & Voight 75 2.5

 

You don't need to spend a lot to get the job done excellently

[thighslapper]

The apo 50 is stunning .... but you need to get in close and sell a kidney to buy one ......

 

The 75/2 gives great results ...... as does the 100/2.8 R on the M240......

 

.... and I have a 90/2.8 which is an excellent choice ...... I found the 90/2 very iffy when it came to accurate focussing ....

 

Nice as the Nocti 0.95 is .... and produces unusual and often very effective photos wide open ..... I have been won over by it's much smaller sister ........

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Edited September 26, 2014 by thighslapper

[satijntje]

Not a real portrait, but I liked it.

 

90mm Elmarit-M

 

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[Ecar]

For character, the Summilux 75/1.4 is hard to beat.

I find the Summicron 90/2 pre-ASPH "better" (ie, more forgiving) than the APO or the Summarit for portraits.

Another lens to die for when it comes to portrait is the Canon 85/1.8 LTM (or its longer 100/2 sibling). A somewhat more modern look compared to the Nikkor 85/2. Hard to find and not cheap, though.

[Delcredere]

Summilux 75mm

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[CheshireCat]

I find the Noctilux f/1 a great lens for portraits.

 

I would stay away from:

- The 90 APO, as it is optimized for infinity, and is really hard to focus correctly (I don't know why).

- The Elmarit-M 90, as it has dull colors.