novice9 Posted December 23, 2009 Share #1 Posted December 23, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I am wondering what folks think about the relative IQ produced by these two lenses? They both get great accolades, but the 75 would appear to be a bit new design (inclusion of floating elements that I don't believe are in the 90, etc., more elements). (Please note that I'm not asking about the relative usefulness of these focal lengths.) Any insights would be much appreciated. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 23, 2009 Posted December 23, 2009 Hi novice9, Take a look here Current Product 75 vs. 90 Asph 2.0's, IQ?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted December 23, 2009 Share #2 Posted December 23, 2009 Which 75 vs which Summicron:confused: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard Posted December 23, 2009 Share #3 Posted December 23, 2009 Assuming you are refering to the Summicron 75 asph and the Summicron 90 apo asph, those two lenses are certainly among the best lenses ever produced in their respective focal length. There is no perceivable difference in IQ in my opinion, at least not with regard to contrast, sharpness and resolution. Bokeh may be somewhat different, some say the 90 apo asph is a bit harsh in that respect, but I have always found my copy to be very pleasing. You can't go wrong with either of them, the choice just depends on personal preference. Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
novice9 Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share #4 Posted December 23, 2009 Thanks much Andy. And yes, sorry for not being more clear, I am talking about the 2 current production summicrons. Personally, I like both focal lengths alot on a FF camera, they both seem to fall right in the heart of what I like to shoot, probably because I do a lot of portraits. Thx. t. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted December 23, 2009 Share #5 Posted December 23, 2009 I think the floating elements in the 75 make a difference, as closeups are awesome with that lens. I sold my 90AA and bought the pre-ASPH 90, much happier with that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
novice9 Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share #6 Posted December 23, 2009 Thanks Peter -- if others have a view I would love to hear it. That was precisely my question, whether the floating elements make a material diff. Sounds like Andy doesn't believe so. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doug_m Posted December 23, 2009 Share #7 Posted December 23, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have owned both and prefer the 75 cron over the 90 AA if I had to choose one. The 75 cron also focuses down to 0.7M and actually has a higher reproduction ratio than the 90. However, I do know that some others prefer the 90. The 75 seems to be easier to focus with a shorter focus throw as well. Good luck. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
novice9 Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share #8 Posted December 23, 2009 I actually has a higher reproduction ratio than the 90. Good luck. what does this mean? thx. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoppyman Posted December 23, 2009 Share #9 Posted December 23, 2009 They are both stellar designs. I have the 75 and appreciate its close in performance especially. M8 Fruit Loops photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com Careful pour photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com Lunch photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com M9 Adrienne confronts Lisette photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com Spiral Ginger photo - Geoff Hopkinson photos at pbase.com Buddy casual profile Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thrice Posted December 24, 2009 Share #10 Posted December 24, 2009 what does this mean? thx. I believe he's referring to the magification available at close focus. Because of the 0.7m close focusing on the 75 apo vs the 1.0m close focusing on the 90 apo. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alnitak Posted December 24, 2009 Share #11 Posted December 24, 2009 I have both and both are superb, although I would give an edge to the 75 in sharpness and microcontrast. It's very slight, but its there. The big advantage of the 75 has already been pointed out--the 0.7m close focus distance. It's a great lens on the M8 or M9, and one of my favorites. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doug_m Posted December 24, 2009 Share #12 Posted December 24, 2009 Yes, Daniel Kennedy has it right. If you Google the two words, reproduction ratio, you will get better definitions than I can provide. I also think the IQ is better on the 75, but not all agree. In addition, the 75 cron is quite small for the amount of punch it provides- especially as compared to the 90 AA. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lars_bergquist Posted December 24, 2009 Share #13 Posted December 24, 2009 The reproduction ratio is the size ratio of image-to-subject. 1:100 means that (e.g.) a 1m size object is 1cm large on the sensor or film (1000mm : 10mm = 100). 1:1 means same size. The 90mm summmicron, like nearly all Leica 90mm lenses, focuses to 1m and has a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:8.9. The 75mm Summicron focuses to 0.7m and has a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:7. But a 50mm lens that also focuses to 0.7m has a max repro ratio of c. 1:12. Tyros often believe thast the important thing is how close you can get. But reproduction ratio is a function of BOTH close focus limit AND focal length. An 18mm lens that can focus to 0.5m has a maximum reproduction ratio of c. 1:23! That is what the 75mm Summicron does at a little less than 3 meters. The old man from the Age of Guess Focus Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
horosu Posted December 24, 2009 Share #14 Posted December 24, 2009 Very detailed explanation, Lars! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noah_addis Posted December 24, 2009 Share #15 Posted December 24, 2009 I have both and they are very good lenses. They're both so good that I would choose based on focal length preference and ergonomics. The 75 is much smaller than the 90 (and my 90 is black paint so it's heavier than a normal black chrome model). The 75 focuses closer as others have mentioned. Personally, I like the 90mm framelines better since I find them easier to use than the corner-mark 75mm framelines. Also, and this may be sample variation, but my 90 has a much smoother focusing action than my 75. I don't know if it's because it's a brass lens or just the lens design, but my 90 has the smoothest, best feeling focusing of all of the Leica lenses I've used. Size is a big issue for me though, since I travel a lot. I plan to sell one of these lenses soon, since I rarely use a long lens. (On my last project out of around 4K frames I think I used the 90 for about 50 and one or two made the final edit.) Since I don't use it much, keeping the 75 is very tempting since it's very compact. Though I may decide to sell the 75 and get a 90 Tele-Elmarit for travel and keep the 90 'Cron for assignment work where I may need the lens speed. Both lenses are very sharp even wide open, and I don't personally find the 90 to be harsh at all. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicaiste Posted December 24, 2009 Share #16 Posted December 24, 2009 Personally, I like the 90mm framelines better since I find them easier to use than the corner-mark 75mm framelines. IMO, the 75mm framelines are improved on the M9. Now there is more than the corners-mark. Lucien Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
d2mini Posted December 24, 2009 Share #17 Posted December 24, 2009 So out of all modern M lenses, which is the closest focusing? That's the only thing that disappoints me a little about the 35 asph... can't get very close to you subject. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noah_addis Posted December 24, 2009 Share #18 Posted December 24, 2009 IMO, the 75mm framelines are improved on the M9. Now there is more than the corners-mark. Lucien I haven't noticed much difference, the corner marks on the M9 are still pretty small, though admittedly if they were larger they might be distracting when using the 50mm frames. Anyway, it's a matter of opinion, but it's something worth thinking about since the focal lengths are pretty close and both lenses are excellent so small differences in usability could be the deciding factor. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamiji Posted December 24, 2009 Share #19 Posted December 24, 2009 So out of all modern M lenses, which is the closest focusing? Correct me if I am wrong (I know many will!), but that lens is the WATE with a close focus of 1ft (.3m), Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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