Rationalizing a 75/90 combo

[Sohail]

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11 minutes ago, adan said:

Of course, if you find that 28-75 is already too much of a jump, I'm afraid 28-90 will be an even larger jump.

Nor if you include a 50 into the mix

[Herr Barnack]

6 hours ago, jaapv said:

You are confusing me now. Isn't one of the main arguments for high-MP cameras the ability to crop?

My view on cropping is that the primary purpose of a high megapixel sensor is to be able to make large size prints (full frame 16x24 inches is my preferred size) with higher printed image quality. 

Not everyone makes prints these days, though I still cannot imagine why 🤔.  A skillfully rendered image, made into a fine print is truly a thing of beauty.  Perhaps it is the elusiveness of that end result and the difficulty of creating fine prints which puts off so many people from printing these days.

My aversion to cropping is something I learned from Constantine Manos during one of his workshops; Costa taught us to crop by getting closer to our subject. That's something that has stuck with me throughout the years. 

Truth be told, I will crop more if an image is to be presented electronically.  For an electronic presentation, I will crop an image to a 1x1 or 1x2.7 aspect ratio if doing so strengthens the image so I'm not dead set against cropping.  When it comes to print making however, I endeavor to keep cropping at an absolute minimum.

I always endeavor to do my cropping before pressing the shutter release rather than after.  That's my approach; it works for me. 

 

 

Edited January 10, 2020 by Herr Barnack

[Exodies]

How do you get a 16x55 image without cropping? No cropping seems a bizarre restriction on what you can create.

[Herr Barnack]

4 hours ago, Exodies said:

How do you get a 16x55 image without cropping? No cropping seems a bizarre restriction on what you can create.

Well, a 16x24 inch print is full frame from a 24x36mm sensor.

I don't see not cropping as bizarre.  It is a decision that I make because it requires me to think more and work to improve my composition and framing before pushing the shutter release button.  JMHO but I am of the view that thinking about the composition and working to make it stronger before exposure is a good thing.

[tom0511]

I have had times when I used just 35+90 on a Leica M.

over the last years for me 75 has become the more useful focal length, just the right in between 50 and 90.

If you like more compressed images the 90 might serve you better.

Personally I like to be close to the subject and therefore 75 works better for me.

Besides focal length differences alone - I think the 90 Summicron has a little smoother bokeh than the 75.

I think carryig 75 and 90 would be too much for me. I could imagine owning both and then see which works better.

 

[PeterGA]

I like to shoot a lot in "XPan" ratio and enjoy the ability to compose in camera to that ratio - 3:1 is Leica's offer which is wider than what Hasselblad and Fuji offer as an option in their menu. The only reasons I bought the SL2 is the useful fact of IBIS and the higher megapixel count - leaving me with a 25MP file when shooting XPan aspect ratio - instead of 12MP from SL - the difference is significant when printing large - incidentally getting a 50MP file shooting XPan ratio was the reason I bought the FujiGFX100 - again also blessed with IBIS - and other stuff not relevant to this conversation.

On choice between 75/90 or both - I prefer the 75 and like others my favourite 2 lens combo is 35/75 or 21/50 - depending on what I will be shooting - I see the 90 as a very specialised focal length a bit too long at times and not quite long enough at others...

 

[Rob L]

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50mm is not getting any love in this thread! I happen to like 50s. My SL kit is 35, 50 and 90. If Leica made a SL 28, I might have gone for that, except that the SL 35 is such a great lens. Could be a 24 in my future? While I doubt that the difference is visible, the 90 is the better lens between 75 and 90 according to the MTFs. My M kit stops at 75 because I don't like the tiny frame lines of the 90 and 135mm.

[megamanex]

One thing worth noting in all cases here is that all lenses have optical limits in regard to distortion. The 70 and 90 will have slight barrel or pincushion distortion that will render their output slightly different. Software allows for post correction but Shooting either lens with the subjects off true center will incur a slight variation.

The APO lenses are very good at controlling things but it will still be present.

I deal with this all the time with Panavision lenses and film optics where we tend to embrace the differing distortion qualities as part of a look but it’s worth adding that the 75 and 90 will have slight curvature changes with distortion that adds to their individual character.

 

 

 

[megamanex]

I’d say both lenses are wonderful and I agree that having both may be a little overkill.

Edited January 11, 2020 by megamanex

[Sohail]

22 hours ago, megamanex said:

I’d say both lenses are wonderful and I agree that having both may be a little overkill.

An overkill, yes, but there is perhaps a case (albeit a very expensive one) for having both. Perhaps I'm trying to convince myself, but I think the 75 works well as a general purpose lens (street, architecture, details, and portraits). The 90 can cover some of that too but it means removing yourself further from the action especially with people subjects. The 90 is great for street portraits (particularly headshots) and gives you a comfortable talking distance from your subject. 

I can see myself using the 75 in a crowded marketplace, busy street or busy piazza. I'd use the 90 maybe at a demonstration, concert or a sporting event. It's all theoretical of course. When you're out there in the field, stuff always happens!  Happy to hear users' rationale.

Edited January 12, 2020 by Sohail

[setuporg]

Of course, the next step is APO Telyt, for removing one even further!:)

[jplomley]

Just added the 35 APO Summicron to my 75 APO Summicron, and could not be happier with this two lens kit on the SL for street work in inclement weather. For me, 50/90 combo is still a bit too telephoto-ish. I'll add the 21 APO whenever it's released and be done with it.

[Jeff S]

11 hours ago, Sohail said:

 The 90 can cover some of that too but it means removing yourself further from the action especially with people subjects. The 90 is great for street portraits (particularly headshots) and gives you a comfortable talking distance from your subject. 

 

And if you use the 90 at greater distance than you would with a 75 for the same subject, then you could properly conclude that it provides a different perspective (but not inherently due to the FL).  

Jeff