75mm versus 90mm?

[Steinersing]

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I have finally decided to buy an SL2 and after reading a lot about different lense combinations thinking of going with an APO 35mm and for the occasional needs for longer reach the SIGMA 100 to 400. The third lense I have in mind is a second Leica APO prime,  just can’t make up my mind if 75mm or 90mm is the better pick. Don’t have any very specific area of photography that I look to cover - just thinking of the best combo to cater for most needs - assuming I will not buy more lenses other than these three. Well. Other than a macro lense at some stage perhaps.

Appreciate thoughts and advice on the 75 vs 90mm question here. Thank you. 

[jaapv]

Speaking from a purely focal length POV the jump from 35 to 90 is. rather large, I'd prefer 75, especially as you have 100 mm covered by the Sigma (albeit in another rendering class compared to the superb Leicas).  Furthermore, these questions become rather less relevant with such a high resolution camera, as a crop from 75 to 90 will not produce any discernible quality loss. A bit of leeway in framing is an advantage that might save the shot occasionally. 

So, all in all, I'd say 75.

Enjoy your new gear and show us some results.  

[trickness]

I have the SL75 and it is SO special, probably my favorite lens of all time. Fantastic pairing with a 35 SL (I own that one too, again, superb lens.)

Edited September 2, 2020 by trickness

[Ingo]

I own both, 90 and 75 and use the lenses mainly for portraits. 80% of the time I grab the 75mm because of the versatility. 

There is an interesting article on the leica camera blog. 

https://www.leica-camera.blog/2018/01/15/arndt/

 

[nicci78]

Don’t worry just buy 85mm 😉

best of both world 😌

[Fedro]

I had both and kept them for some time, in the end I kept the 90 as I liked the more compressed look for portraits, but also because I love 50s and 75 is too close.

I use the SL in conjunction with the M and I prefer to keep longer lenses for the SL to take advantage of the AF, so I don't have a 90 for M - where I have a 75 instead

[_Michael]

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I have settled in on 35/75 combo with my M...will end up there with SL (v1). As much as I love the M, I am finding I use it less and less. In no small part because my aging astigmatism impacted right-eye is not liking the traditional viewfinder. The SL is so incredibly versatile. 

[Dr. G]

I have the 35, 50 and 90.  I primarily use 50/90 and had the Q2, but I found 28 isn't something I'm comfortable with.  I use the 35 for landscape and as my wide angle lens.  If you use your 35 as a wide-normal, 75 would probably make more sense for gapping purposes.

[adan]

From Leica's perspective (hah!) there is no significant difference between the functionality of the focal lengths. When Leica introduced the 75mm Summilux in 1980, it would have been a 90, except the technology then would not allow the required speed (f/1.4), quality (better than the 90 f/2 - very slightly - at f/2) in a lens that did not block the rangefinder windows or balance poorly on an M camera).

Leica had to reduce the focal length to make it work. With similar weight and quality needs for the "sister" 80mm R lens. And now those have become acquired tastes.

I find I get substantially identical pictures using a 21/35/75 combo as I do with a 21/35/90 combo. and feel equally comfortable with both. (I actually use an M, BTW).

I agree with jaap that if one wants to crop afterwards, rather than in the viewfinder, it is easy to crop a 75 to 90mm "perspective" and framing. Even with 24 Mpixels.

I agree with Fedro that a 90mm can be a more complementary lens for portraits - less exaggerated noses and chins. Although that depends on the face. BUT - there is also a nice casualness and "in the moment" feel to the slightly wider 75mm portraits.

The technical specs for the two SL lenses are so nearly identical that it will really boil down to very small differences in personal visual taste.

[SJH]

I have the SL 35 and 50 APO’s, 24-90 plus the 100-400 Sigma and I do think the 75 would probably work best for you as per reasons in the responses already. Just a thought but if 75 worked for you the other option is to add the new Sigma 85mm 1.4 DN lens for an additional 1k. That way if you really do need a portrait lens with a 1.4 DOF you’ve got it and for 25% of the price of the 90mm APO. 

[Ingo]

vor 12 Stunden schrieb adan:

- there is also a nice casualness and "in the moment" feel to the slightly wider 75mm portraits.

That's exactly what I feel when I compare 90mm with 75mm portraits.