Which 90mm Lens

[Grego]

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I am new to the Leica family, but am fast approaching photo-bankruptcy nevertheless. What a way to go!

 

I have read good reviews about both the Summicron-M f/2 ASPH and the Elmarit-M f/2.8. Would appreciate any input to help me decide if the Summicron is worth the extra money. Thank you. This is a great forum

[leicapfile]

Greg,

 

As with all 'modern' lenses produced today by Leica, the 2 you mention share both greater sharpness and contrast compared with those of the previous generation(s).

 

Its difficult to say which is 'better'. The 'chart' people lean toward the current lenses in the ASPH version. However, photography (both in image content and how the lens/film combination treats it) is ultimately a subjective medium.

 

Given that, I'd try to get hold of each and let your own eye make the comparison. After all, you're the one who must be satisfied.

 

For sure though, the ASPH version is bigger, heavier, and more expensive (around $7-800 used) but has that extra stop.

 

Jerry

[ns_ng]

Hi,

 

I have both these lenses. The Elmarit is just slightly softer in comparison to the AA Summicron at the edges at 2.8. At f2.0, the AA Summicron's performance is better than the Elmarit at f2.8. By 5.6, the performance is about equal. However, there is something about the Leica aspherical design that gives the image an extra 'snap'. I noticed this in both my 21 Asph and 35 1.4 Asph as well.

 

N.S.

[mwilliamsphotography]

Jerry, do yo mean a used 90/2 ASPH is $700 to $800. more than a used f/2.8? It sounded like you could get a used 90/2 ASPH for $700 to $800. ... which if true please share where : -)

 

Grego, I have both lenses mostly for their size difference, the 2.8 makes for a smaller lighter kit when traveling. The f/2 does indeed have more snap, but if it's portrait work you do, you'll want to get the 2.8 ... it's a bit more forgiving when shooting the ladies, at least ones over the age of 13 : -)

[frc]

Hi Greg,

 

This is wha I thinkt Fotografz means.

Not the pearl of youth anymore but a nice portrait though.

Elmarit 90 @ 5.6 or so.

 

Regards,

 

Francis

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[Grego]

You're right; the Elmarit produces a very nice "soft' effect to the portrait. Thanks for the info.

Greg

[peter_n]

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There is also, if I may mention it on this forum, the very excellent Konica M-Hexanon 90/2.8. Doesn't flare, only 330g in weight, tremendous optics and built like a brick. A worthy alternative.

[leicapfile]

Marc,

 

Info on the delta betwixt the AA90 and the 2.8 Elmarit M is a few months old (and e-bay completed sales was source).

 

Have the 2.8 Elmarit M and found used going for @ 7-850 (depending on condition of course). Was thinking of going up to the AA90 (no truly rational reason, only the APO-ASPH computation, rather than extra stop) and found around 16-1700 was the price at the time.

 

One factor that may have an enhanced effect today v then, was that I looked at chrome lenses of these models only. With their discontinuance (chrome), the spread may be more pronounced today.

 

Best,

 

Jerry

[Photoskeptic]

Greg, I had the 'cron. I mostly used it indoors for portraits, but occasionally shot outside. It's a very sharp lens with good bokeh. It's also a rather large lump stuck on an M. There is nothing subtle about the 90 'cron. The Elmarit is a bit smaller and lighter. If you don't need the extra stop, I would go for the Elmarit.

[tom0511]

I once had the 90cron (pre-asph), but didnt use f2.0 much so Isold it for the 90/2.8 and do like this alens a lot. For me its the perfect mixture of sharpness and chracter, in a nice size.

However I do use 75mm (lux) more often than the 90/2.8, because I prefer the shorter focal length.

[xrogers]

I have a 90AA Summicron and a Tele-Elmarit (the thin, small 90). When I want small, I use the TE, and when I want a softer look, I use the TE at f4 or lower. When I want fast, or super-sharp, or know I'll be shooting into bright light, I use the Summicron.

 

Either of the current 90s is much bigger and heavier than the TE. In fact, I don't see enough difference in size and weight between the current 90s to think much of it (410 vs. 500 grams, the cron a touch fatter in front). I would choose one or the other based mainly on rendering differences and the extra stop versus the cost.

 

Until later,

 

Clyde Rogers

[budrichard]

The reason I use M lenses is sharpness and light gathering. I have a chrome 90mm f2.0 with attached shade for my M3 and I acquired a 90mm A for my M6 & M7 use. The 90mm A is so sharp, I never use the earlier lens. Size just does not concern me and these lenses certainly are not that large or heavy. All my portraits are always sharp as I think that adds charachter, for soft focus, someone can go to a commercial photographer. I don't have the Noctilux or 75mm f1.4 for that reason, but do have the 75mm AA. It's great for portraiture. -Dick

[espana]

What about the 75mm AA? How does it perform compare to the 90mm ASPH or 90mm Elmarit? Which one is better for street photos?

 

I am debating which one to buy now, as my second lens, to complement my 35mm summicron. Althought I kind of prefer 75mm AA to the 90mm ASPN for it weights less, and it blocks less the view finder, I do like to hear more before making yet another huge investment (to me).

 

Also, I would appreicate if you could share with me some sample pictures of these lens. Thanks.

[peter_n]

I'm an APO 90mm ASPH user and the lens is OK. Very good (sharp) if the main subject is a distance from you, not so hot with close subjects.

 

See post # 16 in this thread: http://www.leica-camera-user.com/film-forum/19046-c41-b-w.html Not great pictures but they will give you a sense of the lens.

 

I am new to the 75mm Summicron and don't have pictures to post yet but I like the lens a lot and a roll I got back from using it looks very good under the loupe. I recommend it.

 

I'm going to sell the APO 90mm ASPH when the project I bought it for is done.

[think]

35 to 90 is a big gap. As a complement to the 35 in a light kit, I would go with the 75 Cron. I often travel with 21, 35 & 75...not the lightest weight kit, but for me a useful range. The 75 is a nice lens, though a bit sharp for my taste in portraiture. I use the 75 Lux instead.

 

I have a couple of 90's, a pre-asph Cron and a late build TE, but don't use them as much as the 75. The TE, as is often said, in a good general purpose 90 and is most compact for its 2.8 aperture and a good travel kit lens.

[innerimager]

I opted for the 90 2.8 and am very happy with it. Certainly by f4 I find it tack sharp and 2.8 is excellent as well. It's light, easy to focus. I love the amazing clarity of the newer ASPH, just got the 50 lux asph,but for the 90 I went for lightness and the quality is very satisfying. best....Peter

here's an example @ f4