90 mm summarit

[Jaymuc]

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Hi there,

 

I am (as previously posted) on the market for an M Equipment (coming from Canon). As the M probably takes another couple of months to be´delivered, I have some time to decide on the lens Setting: 1.4/50 is set as probably the 2,0/35. For the 90 I am somewhat torn: I like the 2,0/90 for the slide out sunshield and for it being a 2.0 but the summarit for beinng lighter and nimbler (I will probably continue having a Canon fullframe slr with a 85/1,8 and a 2,0/135 and the M being nimbple and light seems to be a good contrast for an "always with you" camera.

 

Looking Forward to your Input,

 

Jay

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[01af]

Unless you prefer the Macro-Elmar-M 90 mm 1:4 for its extra-small size and close-focus capability, in my opinion the Summarit-M 90 mm 1:2.5 is the most recommendable 90 mm M lens. It's fairly small, pretty fast (only slightly slower than the mighty Apo-Summicron), comparatively affordable, and easily available both new and used. Some don't like the screw-in hood but I think it's the best hood—you can remove it completely when not using it, and when using it then it'll be actually effective, much unlike a built-in sliding hood which is always too short.

 

I also tried the Apo-Summicron-M 90 mm 1:2 Asph and the latest version of the (discontinued) Elmarit-M 90 mm 1:2.8. All these and the Summarit are wonderful in terms of sharpness and out-of-focus rendition. All have their individual fingerprints but none is clearly superior or inferior to the others. I keep using the Summarit.

 

While we're at it—you may also want to consider the older Tele-Elmarit-M 90 mm 1:2.8. It has the reputation of being slightly inferior to the more modern variants ... but in real life, you'd be hard-pressed to find any flaws or faults in the pictures, and it's very small and light and affordable in the used market.

[Guest Marc G.]

I would definitely recommend the 90 Summarit as the 90 of choice. Lighter than the 90 APO and with a mere loss of 2/3rds of a stop.

 

As a side note I would not recommend buying the current 2.0/35 asph (and 01af will probably agree with me on this point). It is sharp but in the current lineup of Leica lenses only a mediocre performer. The 35 Summarit is far less prone to flare, costs a bit more than half of the Summicron's price and its optical performance equals the Cron perfectly. If it has to be 2.0 I would rather recommend the excellent 28/2.0 instead. Just my 2 cents.

 

Cheers

 

Marc

[01af]

... I would not recommend buying the current 2.0/35 asph (and 01af will probably agree with me on this point). It is sharp but in the current line-up of Leica lenses only a mediocre performer.

I agree and disagree with your statement at the same time. I agree that I would not recommend the Summicron-M 35 mm Asph. I don't agree that it was only a mediocre performer. To the contrary, it's a strong performer. It has only one single weak spot which however I consider important—it can flare badly in some backlight situations. The Summarit-M 35 mm as well as the Summilux-M 35 mm Asph are less prone to flare, hence, in my opinion, preferable.

[Keith (M)]

My vote goes to the Elmarit-M 90mm. OK, it is 'only' f2.8 but it is small, relatively lightweight and has a slide-out lens hood. Performance? Two examples here... (Scroll down slightly to 'Images of the Week').

[Orient XI]

Jaymuc, I would not agree that the 90mm Summarit is "nimbler", the screw-in lens hood sees to that. Nevertheless, it is a fine lens, and, in Leica terms a bargain. Its definition is excellent, I append a photo of the brick base of an old windmill taken with it last week. Because of the subject's curved surface I played safe and stopped down to f/5.6. The light stripes are sunlight passing through the slats of a walkway which encircles the windmill.

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[Jeff S]

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01af mentions the small size and close focus capability of the Macro-Elmar-M 1:4. I'd add that it's a fantastic performer. Erwin Puts considers it the best general purpose 90 lens in the current lineup and, within the M range, one of the best performing lenses ever made.

 

If you don't mind the speed, and would like a portable 90 that excels, don't be fooled by the macro designation, which some mistake for a specialty lens; it's an all-around lens. And yes, it is small and light, too.

 

Jeff

[Guest Marc G.]

01af mentions the small size and close focus capability of the Macro-Elmar-M 1:4. I'd add that it's a fantastic performer. Erwin Puts considers it the best general purpose 90 lens in the current lineup and, within the M range, one of the best performing lenses ever made.

 

If you don't mind the speed, and would like a portable 90 that excels, don't be fooled by the macro designation, which some mistake for a specialty lens; it's an all-around lens. And yes, it is small and light, too.

 

Jeff

 

the only downside of the macro elmar is the price because you have to buy the bundle with the close focusing adapter and angle finder. it's in the same price segment as the 90 APO f/2 which makes it fairly expensive for 90mm leica lenses.

 

sold without that adapter set it would be a far better all purpose lens as the price would match the 2 stop loss

[Jeff S]

Yep, and that didn't used to be the case. But that 2 stop loss is in part what allowed Leica to design arguably the best performing 90 in the lineup, and the smallest. Speed comes at a price, in size and in design choices for performance at all apertures.

 

One chooses his/her tools for a task, so if this lens suits one's needs, then having the price no more than the other options is a plus. And you get macro. Glass half full. YMMV.

 

Jeff