Eikonphoto Posted March 20, 2007 Share #1 Posted March 20, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Okay, after doing several in studio headshots this week, I find I'm in need of the ideal portrait lens. On my D2x, I favor the 85mm 1.8, but the closest leica equivelent that I own - 90mm summicron 2.0 is just not working out as a comfortable focal length (I don't know why) Please give me the benefit of your experience - not smaller than 50 or as big as 90. I am very happy to consider alternatives to leica lenses (unless of course Guy is ready to gift me his 75 lux;) ) I'm really looking forward to hearing your suggestions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 20, 2007 Posted March 20, 2007 Hi Eikonphoto, Take a look here Favorite portrait lens suggestions?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wparsonsgisnet Posted March 20, 2007 Share #2 Posted March 20, 2007 Karen, with regard to the M8, the 50 is going to be a 67 and the 75 is going to be a 100. I would use either one, but like the 50 a lot. The 75 is harder to focus. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eikonphoto Posted March 20, 2007 Author Share #3 Posted March 20, 2007 Bill, yes I know. Back in the film days I had a 105mm that I loved. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidigital Posted March 20, 2007 Share #4 Posted March 20, 2007 Karen, the 75lux might be the answer. It is a little wider than the 90, it's a little softer from 1.4 - 2.0 (without being too soft), it has fantastic bokeh, and can be had for a good price on the used market as it has been around for awhile. For me, the 75mm length feels about right for portraits with the M8 crop. Kurt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eikonphoto Posted March 20, 2007 Author Share #5 Posted March 20, 2007 Yes the 75 lux is strong candidate - any non leica lenses anyone? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted March 20, 2007 Share #6 Posted March 20, 2007 Karen, on my 5D, the 80 Lux was my absolute favorite lens, and I did try the 85L for portraits as well. The 75 Lux-M is the same optical design, with a slightly smaller focal length to keep it from blocking the viewfinder too badly. The 75 Cron is very, very... very sharp, and probably too sharp for pleasing portraits of anything but babies and old men. Point in case: Guy had a 75 Cron, used it, loved it, sold it, and bought a 75 Lux. The 75 Lux is about one stop sharper than the 80 Lux, and is really wonderful. It is smaller than it looks, and fits perfectly inside my hand when I wrap it around the lens, mounted on the camera. Look around for a nice second-hand copy, and expect to pay at least €1300 or so for one with no or few visible marks, and perfect glass. I bought the first generation version (11814), which has no built-in hood, but a nicer feel to me, and a wider aperture ring. The second (11815) and third (and last: 11810) versions have the built-in hood. The last version only differs from the second one in weight: I: 490g, II: 600g, III: 560g. Is there anyone here who can compare the 75 Lux with the CV75? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted March 20, 2007 Share #7 Posted March 20, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Carsten took the words right out of mouth. The 75 lux is really such a pleasant lens and maybe the best way to describe it. You can buy the STEER from leicagoodies which i just got and it helps in the focusing the big glass. That is the only downside is the Lux is also the fatest lens and a 60 IR filter is a little tough to find. But the results are worth it and look for one used Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted March 20, 2007 Share #8 Posted March 20, 2007 Steer Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/19350-favorite-portrait-lens-suggestions/?do=findComment&comment=207284'>More sharing options...
Eikonphoto Posted March 20, 2007 Author Share #9 Posted March 20, 2007 That 'steer' looks very useful. I wonder if it would make focusing the noctilux any easier. Looks like I am shopping again - may sell the 90 summicron. Great info gentlemen. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted March 20, 2007 Share #10 Posted March 20, 2007 Guy, that is a 1st gen Summilux, btw. Notice how wide the aperture ring is? On either side of the ribbed area, there is a flat area which is also part of it. Very handy. M'lady, happy to be of service. Let us know what you decide on, and how you like the choice. About the steer, someone in the Leicagoodies thread used it on a Noctilux, IIRC. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Maio Posted March 20, 2007 Share #11 Posted March 20, 2007 Interesting. I also used the 85 on a D2X, which worked out to a 127.7mm equivalent. The 90mm Summichron APO on the M8 is an equivalent 119.7 mm. I'm curious as to why this feels "wrong". By the way, I always use the 1.5X viewfinder attachment with the 90 to help in focusing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted March 20, 2007 Share #12 Posted March 20, 2007 1.5x? 1.25x? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guy_mancuso Posted March 20, 2007 Share #13 Posted March 20, 2007 Guy, that is a 1st gen Summilux, btw. Notice how wide the aperture ring is? On either side of the ribbed area, there is a flat area which is also part of it. Very handy. M'lady, happy to be of service. Let us know what you decide on, and how you like the choice. About the steer, someone in the Leicagoodies thread used it on a Noctilux, IIRC. Yes that is a shot off the one posted on leica goodies . I have a newer version with sliding hood Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eikonphoto Posted March 21, 2007 Author Share #14 Posted March 21, 2007 Guy I also have the noctilux with sliding hood. Does that make a difference to whether the 'steer' would be an option? It seems pretty clear the 75 lux is the way to go. I will start to look out for one. Thanks for the advice - I will keep you posted. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted March 21, 2007 Share #15 Posted March 21, 2007 Why would you go the 75Lux instead of the 75Cron? Are you saying the Cron is too sharp? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eikonphoto Posted March 21, 2007 Author Share #16 Posted March 21, 2007 Why would you go the 75Lux instead of the 75Cron? Are you saying the Cron is too sharp? It seems to be the concensus, although since I own neither one as yet, I would not be the last word on that. Okay, one last thing ....... asph or non? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted March 21, 2007 Share #17 Posted March 21, 2007 I heard the m75cron apo asph to be one of Leicas stand out lenses? No good for portraits? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eoin Posted March 21, 2007 Share #18 Posted March 21, 2007 I heard the m75cron apo asph to be one of Leicas stand out lenses? No good for portraits? It's a fantastic lens, sharp beyond belief, contrast and colour in bucket loads, but unless your subjects (portrait) are young with flawless skin it can be a little unflattering. The Summilux has a softer glow from what I've seen, the Sumicron is very precise. I have a love hate relationship with this lens, love the focal length and size but just can't seem to be able to create mood or pastel colour bokeh. Must be an Apo Asph thing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy Flood Posted March 21, 2007 Share #19 Posted March 21, 2007 Okay, one last thing ....... asph or non? Karen, the 75 lux is a non-ASPH formula. It is not available in ASPH Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eikonphoto Posted March 21, 2007 Author Share #20 Posted March 21, 2007 Cindy Good to know, thanks for the head's up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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