Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/03/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]A LUG member asked: <snip>I am looking for a mid-tele lens, is there much to choose between 90mm Elmarit and the 90mm Summicron? Anyone has any experience? Please advice...<snip> I use the small older 90/2.8 tele-elmarit and a new 90/2 summicron lens with M6 bodies. I have to admit that the optics of the tele-elmarit are not up to the standard set by the newer 90 elmarit but the small size comes in handy at times. The newer design 90mm lenses are very close in overall length. The Summicron is significantly heavier. I have slowly gone from small light weight lenses to the versions with larger apertures. I get the benefit by being able to take picture where it would not be possible using slower lenses but the lenses are heavier. There is no free lunch in optics. This year on the LUG has been one great learning experience. I now prefer to shoot wide open and let the background go out of focus to offset where I am focussed. It certainly works for me. I have heard that the resolution/contrast of the new 90/2.8 is better than the 90/2. I have found the 90/2 to be a great performer. My trends in shooting now is either wide open or almost stopped down. Erwin has a great website for reviewing the resolution and micro-contrast of Leica lenses. Perhaps someone can post the location on the WWW. I don't think you can wrong with either lens in its current form. If you need a maximum aperture of 2.0, go for the Summicron. If you don't need it, go for the Elmarit. In either case, you'll walk a way with a great lens. Happy shooting, Richard - ------------------ Richard Clompus, OD West Chester, PA