75 or 90 mm

[Xavi]

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I would like to ask you for your opinion on which tele lens to buy. 
I am considering buying a 75 or a 90, especially for portraits and to have a somewhat longer focal length. 
I have doubts and I don't know if you could tell me which is the best distance for portraits between these two, since until now what I had used was the 85. 
On the other hand, since I am buying it second hand, I started looking and I see that there are Elmarit, Summarit and some others but I haven't really seen which one could be better and I haven't seen that second hand there is a big difference in price between all of them. 

I would like to comment that I have the 18-35 and 50 mm and with this new focal length I will try to cover everything I need 

Could you give me your opinion? 

thanks

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[Einst_Stein]

I had similar question on 24-70mm zoom or 24-90mm zoom. I suspected 24-70mm is a conspiracy to justify 70-200mm zoom. 

24-90mm will hurt 90-200mm zoom volume, but 24-70mm will nicely pair with 70-200mm zoom.

another combination is 24-120mm and 120-400mm zoom. 

==> between 70mm and 90mm,  think eventually people will want both. Not choosing one.

 

Edited November 11, 2024 by Einst_Stein

[TomB_tx]

I've used 90 for portraits for many years, and only recently added a 70 to work a bit closer, and I think I like it better for that use. But for general use the 90 gives more reach.

I have Summarits in both lengths, and like the fast focus. The 70 Summarit has a better reputation than the 90, but I find both are fine lenses. I've also had a 90 TeleElmarit (FAT version) for over 50 years and its also a fine lens (shorter than the Summarit), and has a longer focus throw, if you prefer than for precision.

[Eoin]

I know nothing about the 2 series of lenses you mention, Summarit and Elmarit.

However in the 2 focal lengths 75 or 90, I've shot the Summicron APO 75 and Non APO Summicron 90.
Personally I prefer the compression effect of the 90 and its Mandler glow adding a touch of softness to the detail when used for portrait work.

That being said, I've always settled on the 75 Summicron APO as I think it is a better match on more general photography to my other "modern" Leica lenses.
This has also come into its own now there are higher resolution sensors and greater ability to crop.

[lexffm]

vor 30 Minuten schrieb Xavi:

I would like to ask you for your opinion on which tele lens to buy. 
I am considering buying a 75 or a 90, especially for portraits and to have a somewhat longer focal length. 
I have doubts and I don't know if you could tell me which is the best distance for portraits between these two, since until now what I had used was the 85. 
On the other hand, since I am buying it second hand, I started looking and I see that there are Elmarit, Summarit and some others but I haven't really seen which one could be better and I haven't seen that second hand there is a big difference in price between all of them. 

I would like to comment that I have the 18-35 and 50 mm and with this new focal length I will try to cover everything I need 

Could you give me your opinion? 

thanks

Hello Xavi,

First of all, the question is what is a portrait? Here are two examples of mine that I call both "portraits":

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M 11-P with Apo-Telyt-R 1:4 /280, ISO 2000, f8, 1/2000 + LR with Noise reduction through AI

M 11 Monochrom with Noctilux-M 1:0.95 /50 ASPH., ISO 1600, f2, 1/125

As you can see, one was taken with a 280 and one with a 50. I also have the classic portrait focal length, but things change over time. I have also taken portraits with a 35. So there is neither a clear yes nor a clear no to your question. But in any case you should choose a fast lens (e.g. Summilux) to be able to work with the depth of field. Here is the third picture.

M 11 Monochrom with Noctilux-M 0.95:1 50mm ASPH., ISO 1000, f0.95, 1/250, orange filter

Regards
Alex

[fil-m]

For me it depends on the distance that I am expected to have with the subject in the context of "long focal/tele" portrait photography, knowing that I personally enjoy making all kinds of portraits from 24mm to 90mm.

For long focal portraits, 90mm is my upper limit at the risk of losing my connection with the subject. 75mm is more comfortable and I can always crop a bit. You can consider your experience with the 85mm as a reference: if you feel that moving a bit closer to the subject helps, then a 75mm is a good choice, otherwise 90mm, it does not change much from 85.

For portrait, a used Lux 75 in good condition is a highly creative lens with a unique signature, though becoming expensive, besides being bulky. The Summarit 75 is also a great, balanced and cheap option per Leica standards. The APO 75 if you prefer a sharp, modern signature. Beyond Leica, the Nokton 75 gets good reviews.

On the 90mm I use a Thambar but that's a very special soft effect lens. Any Leica 90 including the Summarit, Elmarit or Summicron is a good choice. Maybe the Cron 90 would be the most interesting, I've used it and it is quite balanced and great for portraits. It's APO 90 peer if you want sharper. 

Now I can't refrain from telling you that I get amazing portraits with my 70 years old Summarex 85  

[lct]

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Depends if you crop and/or use LPC (perspective control). If you do, you might find that a 75 can be used like both a 75 and a 90 with the advantage of smaller size and weight. As for models, Summilux, Summicron and Summarit are very good, i own them all but my favorite so far is the Ultron 75/1.9 SC for its gentle rendition, compactness and 0.5m MFD. Here at 0.5m f5.6 on M11.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Diverse/n-QFBj4/M11-CV-7519-SC/i-wDSfS4s/0/Kk74DSzCjJvKWJ2sTdh5ggMjssVgvbL89S4Z5933q/X4/M1109871_sips-X4.jpg

[ellisson]

From your post Xavi, it seems that you want a lens for more than portraits. If you were comfortable with the 85mm lens and you want the longer reach for more than portrait work, perhaps 90mm would be the best.   So I would suggest that you consider what other settings or purposes you would use the lens for besides portrait work.  For portrait work alone, there are so many FL choices as noted by others above.   

[Derbyshire Man]

6 hours ago, lexffm said:

Hello Xavi,

First of all, the question is what is a portrait? Here are two examples of mine that I call both "portraits":

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!

M 11-P with Apo-Telyt-R 1:4 /280, ISO 2000, f8, 1/2000 + LR with Noise reduction through AI

M 11 Monochrom with Noctilux-M 1:0.95 /50 ASPH., ISO 1600, f2, 1/125

As you can see, one was taken with a 280 and one with a 50. I also have the classic portrait focal length, but things change over time. I have also taken portraits with a 35. So there is neither a clear yes nor a clear no to your question. But in any case you should choose a fast lens (e.g. Summilux) to be able to work with the depth of field. Here is the third picture.

M 11 Monochrom with Noctilux-M 0.95:1 50mm ASPH., ISO 1000, f0.95, 1/250, orange filter

Regards
Alex

Your question is apposite! Jane Bowen mostly used a 90mm for more formal portraits and didn't use anything other than f2.8 as she didn't like using a light meter. The famous Samuel Becket photo is shot just that way. At 90mm and to a large degree 75mm having a super fast lens isn't probably that important f2.8 is still a small DoF at portrait distances. Unless aiming for a head an shoulders with no context, in which case it is! As you said it depends. I was addicted to my Canon 85mm f1.2 but now I'd prefer a 35mm or 50mm. For something as short as a 35mm I do agree that f1.4 is handy (although even still far from essential) to have;-)

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2014/dec/21/jane-bown-a-life-in-photography-in-pictures

 

[sometimesmaybe]

Portrait shooter here.

there's not much difference between the 2 focal lengths for portrait work. 90mm gives you slightly more shallow DOF while the 75mm is easier to focus (deeper DOF). I use 75mm as I often shoot in small spaces. the other lens I mainly use for portraits is a 35mm. I find the 35/75 is a good combo. Similarly if you mainly shoot 50mm then going 90mm makes sense.

Some images from my 75mm shot on the m246

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[Xavi]

I found all the comments great. 
And your posted photos too..
I would say as a summary that for portraits there is no clear winner and since I am going to use the lens on an M-11 I have the possibility to crop.

So,

The Summilux 75 is very heavy and bulky and I think it would be better not to use an M.

So the ones I think would work best are:

Summarit-M 75mm F2.4 ASPH 
APO-Summicron-M 90mm f2 ASPH

So you have to think about weight and measurements as well as price.
 

do you think the same?

[Derbyshire Man]

I have to admit, my biggest problem with portraiture is convincing people to sit! The lens is the easy bit!

[lct]

3 hours ago, Xavi said:

So the ones I think would work best are:

Summarit-M 75mm F2.4 ASPH 
APO-Summicron-M 90mm f2 ASPH

So you have to think about weight and measurements as well as price.
 

do you think the same?

OK for the Summicron 90/2 apo, although it is a rather bulky lens. I prefer using the more compact Summarit 90/2.4 or the tiny Macro-Elmar 90/4. As for the Summarit 75 my experience is limited to the f/2.5 variant. Very good lens optically but i prefer the Ultron 75/1.9 SC for its faster aperture in a compact package and its MFD of 0.5m. Matter of tastes though. You cannot go wrong with either.

[TomB_tx]

4 hours ago, Derbyshire Man said:

I have to admit, my biggest problem with portraiture is convincing people to sit! The lens is the easy bit!

Especially cats...

[Jeff S]

On my M bodies, I tend to stick with 28/35/50 FLs, using RF only.  Never bonded with the 75 frame lines, nor any particular 75mm lens. I had the Summicron long ago, but its size also contributed to infrequent use and eventual sale.  Similar experience with 90mm lenses. Bottom line, I now use the SL2 for longer FLs, just as I did with my SLRs (including Leica R) in film days.  The 24-90 has been my main lens, complementing my M bodies when size/reach or other shooting circumstances demand.  The issue of 75 vs 90 is then easily solved.

Jeff

[Xavi]

4 hours ago, lct said:

OK for the Summicron 90/2 apo, although it is a rather bulky lens. I prefer using the more compact Summarit 90/2.4 or the tiny Macro-Elmar 90/4. As for the Summarit 75 my experience is limited to the f/2.5 variant. Very good lens optically but i prefer the Ultron 75/1.9 SC for its faster aperture in a compact package and its MFD of 0.5m. Matter of tastes though. You cannot go wrong with either.

I really don't know why they reduced the lenses to just the Leica ones...

I've been reading about Ultron lenses and they seem to be cheaper and a great lens to consider. 
What's the difference between SC and MC?

Regards and thanks

[lct]

24 minutes ago, Xavi said:

What's the difference between SC and MC?

MC is multicoated and SC single coated. Most people prefer MC for better protection against flare. I prefer generally SC for less contrast and a smoother bokeh but it is a subjective matter and i am the Mandler or Mandler's sons generation.

Edited November 12, 2024 by lct

[pgk]

I've had 90/2 and 2.8s (various versions), and 75/1.4 and 2. I now have the 75/2.5 which is a great all rounder, small, light and easy to focus. It delivers without the bite of the 75/2 which is undoubtedly the most precise 75 I've tried but sometimes too unforgiving.

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[3D-Kraft.com]

Am 11.11.2024 um 16:36 schrieb Xavi:

I have doubts and I don't know if you could tell me which is the best distance for portraits between these two, since until now what I had used was the 85. 

In my opinion, 2 - 3m is a good portrait distance. Not everyone likes to get more "intimate" with the photographer. The closer you get, the more unflattering the perspective becomes (big nose...). At the given distance, it is now a question, if you want to take just a headshot or have more of the person in frame. On the rangefinder, 75mm is easier to focus and gives you more flexibility. With the M11 you have more than enough crop reserve.

Some years ago, I tested a Summarit 75mm and liked it very much. Compact, affordable, good quality. The 75mm Summicron is almost perfect and the 75mm Noctilux gives you comparable shallow depth of field like a 85/1.4. There are good Voigtlanders too.

Edited November 12, 2024 by 3D-Kraft.com

[DickieT]

Hi Xavi - the weight and bulkiness difference between the 75Lux (540gr), 75Summarit (325gr) en 90/2Cron (500gr) in my opinion is rather limited.

I love my 75Lux on a M body for portraits and have never used my 90/2 for a portrait. Reading the comments here - maybe I should! But I do use 35 and 50mm

It all depends on what kind of portrait you want to make, what kind of image rendering you are looking forward and what handling / size your are comfortable with shooting.

Have you considered going into a (classic) Leica store and try some of these lenses on your body ?

Good luck with your choice ! Dick