colint544 Posted June 1, 2013 Share #41 Posted June 1, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) I don't think you can go wrong with any Leica 90mm. I have a 1966 copy of the Tele-Elmarit 'fat' version 1. This version is frequently maligned as not being very sharp, or needing to be stopped down for best results. I haven't found that to be the case. Wide open, there is a little softness at the edges, but there is a character to the results that I find very pleasing. Across most of the frame, I find it to be razor sharp. Aside from being superbly made and extremely compact - similar in size to the 50mm Summilux ASPH - this lens is also a veritable bargain (in Leica terms). Here is a shot taken using the Tele-Elmarit, wide open at f2.8, on my M Monochrom. Best wishes all, Colin 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/205670-what-90mm-lens/?do=findComment&comment=2336254'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 1, 2013 Posted June 1, 2013 Hi colint544, Take a look here What 90mm lens?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Tonki-M Posted June 1, 2013 Share #42 Posted June 1, 2013 but ANY lens look good on the Monochrom nice shot though! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted June 1, 2013 Share #43 Posted June 1, 2013 Any reason for not recommending the Summarit? I have no enough experience with it sorry but the Elmarit is so good that i could not justify the cost of the Summarit when i bought a mint sample of the former last year (1,100 vs 1,450 €). Also the Summarit is softer in the corners according to J.M. Sepulchre and feels a bit "cheap" due to the rubber grip and the slightly loose focus ring of the sample i've tried whereas the Elmarit feels built like a tank by comparison. I could have chosen the Summarit if speed and size had been more important for me though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted June 2, 2013 Share #44 Posted June 2, 2013 My thinking:1. Portraits 2. 2000 dollar 3. Rendering can be both pre-ASPH or ASPH but I like my 50mm Summicron OK - so I'd go for the Summicron 90/2 pre-ASPH. Not as clinical as the ASPH wide open, which is more flattering for portraits IMO. A good copy will be well under 2,000$. Rendering will be in line with that of your 50/2. The Elmarit-M 90/2.8 would be my (close) 2nd choice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brusby Posted June 2, 2013 Share #45 Posted June 2, 2013 Here is a shot taken using the Tele-Elmarit, wide open at f2.8, on my M Monochrom. Great shot Colin with beautiful light and very nice shadow detail. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonki-M Posted June 2, 2013 Share #46 Posted June 2, 2013 OK - so I'd go for the Summicron 90/2 pre-ASPH. Not as clinical as the ASPH wide open, which is more flattering for portraits IMO. A good copy will be well under 2,000$. Rendering will be in line with that of your 50/2. The Elmarit-M 90/2.8 would be my (close) 2nd choice. +1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul J Posted June 2, 2013 Share #47 Posted June 2, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) -1 Different Strokes and all that. I have a Pre ASPH Summicron and don't particularly the softness wide open. I would much rather have a sharper lens and create softening for portraits with lighting and/or other techniques. The 90 APO is on my list, one I will buy very soon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted June 2, 2013 Share #48 Posted June 2, 2013 +1 for the 90/2 pre-apo as well. I much prefer its softness at f/2 than using PP tools to refresh less than perfect skins. Not to say that i would not like the apo as well but i would reserve it for other applications. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinnfell Posted June 3, 2013 Share #49 Posted June 3, 2013 Much has been said about the APO-ASPH 90.It is the sharpest lens I have ever tried. Period. BUT. I had this lens, which replaced an earlier 90/2,8 (type 2 I believe). I then sold it because it never got used. First, it is an extremely heavy lens on the M cameras. To me this was kind of a shock, since I have a full set of Canons, whiteys and all. But it FEELS like a solid block of steel on your camera. I just struggled to hold it and focus it. You will probably quickly find the need for a grip or the very least a thumbs up. Without a grip I had a hard time getting critical sharpness under 1/500s. If critical sharpness does not matter then paying extra for this lens should not matter much either. Secondly, it is very hard to focus on objects that arent absolutely still. Not hard to focus precisely, but being that focus is just a tad thicker than a toothpick, even the slightest movement will bring it out of focus. If you need to put it on a tripod, then do you need F2? Combine this with the weight issue, then you have a diffucult beast. To me, a big part of the attraction to the M system is the compactness of the whole rig. I don't mind using my gitzo traveller tripod for critical shots. Hence, I am now looking for a nice, used Elmar 90/4-ASPH, hopefully without the cumbersome macro adapters. While this lens is two stops slower, it is also about half the weight and size of the AA90/2, while offering similar performance. I would not make a decision solely based on what is reported image-quality wise. Focus technique and calibration, in combination with shutter speed is going to be your biggest factor in getting crisp pictures. Even my 90 elmarit from 1969 outperformed my canon 85 (in the picture) in all regards except flare resistance. And that was because I didnt have the hood for it. As long as you make sure it is clean and tight, any leica 90 will give you excellent pictures. Make a decision based on handling and price, then go out and shoot! 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/205670-what-90mm-lens/?do=findComment&comment=2337839'>More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted June 5, 2013 Share #50 Posted June 5, 2013 AA Summicron 90/2 is one of my absolute favourite lenses on both the M9 and the Monochrom. It is heavy (feels like it is chockablock with glass, which it probably is), but it is reasonably compact. Reliable focus, and a pleasure to use. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted June 5, 2013 Share #51 Posted June 5, 2013 Is the AA cron heavier than the Pre AA, which I have? I find my version very manageable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted June 5, 2013 Share #52 Posted June 5, 2013 500g vs 475g (black) IIRC. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
erl Posted June 5, 2013 Share #53 Posted June 5, 2013 25gm doesn't seem like a concern. I think I could be happy with the AA, if I didn't already have the Pre AA. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
egrossman Posted June 5, 2013 Share #54 Posted June 5, 2013 I now have both the AA and the Elmarit and can't see myself as keeping both. Given how rarely I shoot at f2 given the depth of field for portraits I think it will have to go in favor of the awesome Elmarit. Having done back and forth comparisons on bother M9 and MM with both lenses, from 2.8 onwards I find it hard to tell the lenses apart. Erik Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
algrove Posted June 5, 2013 Share #55 Posted June 5, 2013 I own many 90's. Get the best one you can afford for YOUR needs. Start with the latest 90/2 and if not possible then get the older 90/2. If that still too pricy get the 90/2.8 Elmarit M and be done with it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony740607 Posted July 9, 2013 Author Share #56 Posted July 9, 2013 Thanks for all of your answers. After a lot of consideration, based on your input, I decided to buy a 90mm f/2.8 Tele-Elmarit-M (1981). I got it today and this was the first picture I took of my wife just outside our house. One in color from LR and one in B&W from Silver Efex Pro. Already now I can say I very much like the weight and the size of it. I will need to evaluate what I will think of the f/2.8. When I was shooting with Nikon I had a 85mm f/1.4 so I think I am a bit spoiled. 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/205670-what-90mm-lens/?do=findComment&comment=2370322'>More sharing options...
Tonki-M Posted July 10, 2013 Share #57 Posted July 10, 2013 congrats on the buy, you will enjoy the lens not ultra fast, but its weight is enough incentive to carry around all the time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mr. B Posted July 13, 2013 Share #58 Posted July 13, 2013 For the price and considering just how often you will use it compared to a 35mm or 50mm I'd recommend a 90mm Tele-Elmarit M. It is very light weight and very sharp. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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