My experience is that the Leica 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R is arguably the best 90mm lens I have ever owned/used (and I've had two copies of it). I sold my first copy some years back and deeply regretted it. I was finally able to get another copy in better condition. It will not be sold until I have departed this earth.😏 It's an outstanding lens that can be had for a reasonable price in excellent condition.
Thanks for the 90mm lens video. I shoot with the following 90mm and 85mm lenses: Leica 90mm f/2 Summicron for Leica M6 and M10 rangefinders (48mm filter) Zeiss 90mm f/2.8 Sonnar for Contax G1 rangefinders (46mm filter) Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 for Nikon F, F2, F3, and F4 SLRs (52mm filter) Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 D auto focus for Nikon F2 and F4 SLRs (77mm filter) I primarily use them for reportage, half-length portraits, head & shoulder portraits, and vacation/travel. I purchased the Nikkor 85 f/1.8 in 1969. I usually used it with a 35/85/180mm lens kit. I purchased the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 in 2016. I primarily use it for portraits. I use the Zeiss 90mm Sonnar in a 21/45/90 lens kit. I primarily used it for vacation/travel. I use the Leica 90mm Summicron in a 21/35/90mm lens kit. I have been so satisfied with the images produced by these four lenses that I have never taken the time to perform a direct lens comparison.
Great! I used to own the Nikon 1.8 and 1.4 D in my Nikon days. 1.4 wasn't good enough wide open so sold it eventually. Samyang 85 1.4 was sharper* (First generation around 2012)
The Carl Zeiss Sonar 90mm is an absolutely amazing lens. One of the sharpest lens I've ever used. It is close to the Jupiter 37a in terms of sharpness.
very nice. after years owning my leica M2 with only a 35mm i wanted to explore another focal length but felt that 1) 50mm was too close to 35mm and 2) i already had a couple of 50mm on my nikon but i dont have any 90mm lenses on any platform. so i ordered the 90mm f4 elmar-c and should arraive in a few days. very excited.....
Yea as I have always said (one of my old mentors thought me), with a wide angle Lens and a short tele Lens you can cover 90% to 95% of all types of Photography, I never use a 50mm Lens, any Lens shorter or longer in focal length. 90 mm is a very nice focal length and have been around "forever", I hope that Voigtländer will make a 90mm APO for Sony E-mount. The 90mm 2.8 Sigma are great and very compact for an AF Lens.
I know you like getting in close for portraits but I prefer 6-7' and the compression it gives. Love my zeiss 85 1.4 planar on nikon digital and film bodies. For head and shoulders, 135 2.0 dc will have to be pried from my cold dead fingers. For black and white, they have only 6 or 7 elements respectively, so intertonal contrast yields gorgeous tonal transition especially on skin. Use fuji acros 100 or t max 100, amazing larger prints!
I bought the Voigtlander 90 APO for VM a few months ago and just love it. My older Tele-Elmarit f2.8 is now sitting back in its original box feeling rather un-loved..
On the period clothes, you’d probably really enjoy the Goodwood Festival of speed in September, practice day on the Friday is a tad less busy. Amazing for photography
You left out the smallest and lightest of all Matt, the Leica tele-elmarit M 90mm f2.8 (Canada). It’s lovely and sharp as light as a feather (225g) and tiny in comparison to the summicron 90 f2. I picked mine up really cheap a few years ago and wouldn’t be without it.
Thanks Ian, sorry I could only include the lenses I own. Yes I never did get the Tele-Elmarit (I use the big f2 for portraits and the compact f2.8 APO for travel. A Patreon had the 90 f4 C this weekend at a meetup - that's also super small.
There are several other excellent Leitz 90s. The 90/4 you show was followed up by an improved 90/4 with three elements. Then the original 90/2.8 Elmarit, two versions of 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit, and then the later 90/2.8 Elmait-m.
I have tried many 90's. For portraits the pre-asph Summicron 90 is king for me. I have the R version instead of the M. However, the look is very similar to medium format with how the focus falls off. The MFD is also one of the shortest of any lens around that focal length. It is not without issue, but for portraits I have found nothing better. I prefer to use it at f/4. That's the sweet spot for me.
@@Zetaphotography I don’t post any RUclips reviews like Matt. I have some samples in my Flickr album if RUclips won’t delete the link. They usually do.
Excellent video Matt. Those 90's are underrated IMO. I love those tram shots, they are magnificent. Pity you didn't get those people in vintage clothing I would have approach them and ask them to stand somewhere a bit more isolated and shoot a ton of pictures But never the less GREAT VIDEO Thanks for sharing
Cool lenses! 2.8 also more than enough for 90mm. I shoot the 90mm summicron at f4 and still get nice bokeh, not to mention just difficult to focus at f2... Still love that big chunk of metal :) Who knows maybe one day you could do a comparison between the biggest 90mm from Leica and the smallest, I think there is an f4 collapsible from the same period no?
Hey Thomas. Thanks mate. Just catching up after teaching at the weekend. Yes 2.8 is enough for film for sure. Yes either 90 Macro-Elmar M f4 or old f4 is the smallest.
I have other brighter and sharper lenses between 85mm and 105mm but none of them are 90mm and this small/light ... still I'm not very impressed by the 2.8 max aperture ... I have a hard time justifying buying myself a 90mm Voigtländer for my Nikon :') It clearly has fantastic micro contrast and tonality though ... hmm
Hi Matt, excellent video, as always. I have read in some FM forums that the 90mm VM version suffers from front-focus focusing issues on rangefinders. Could you please share your experience?
Haha, I could have turned her anyway (I have to direct everything as many girls I shoot haven’t modelled before. I promised I’d give her bum shots after all her hard work in the gym. Great to put the hours to use!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaComI was just about to comment on this. have been a follower of your channel ever since I embarked on my GAS for m mounts lenses (vintage ltm) and it led me to you. I was shock that you sold the macro but I can understand why since there are more compact alternatives these days (and cheaper too) and the sharpest of these alternatives are comparable and some even better. I look forward to the update on why though! I just got myself the macro, in fact, for travelling and now I’m questioning my life choice haha (jk)
Thanks Louis, sorry about that. It sounded fine on iPad while editing but did sound strange on my phone (like more bassy). I was using a different mic so will go back to normal.
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My experience is that the Leica 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R is arguably the best 90mm lens I have ever owned/used (and I've had two copies of it). I sold my first copy some years back and deeply regretted it. I was finally able to get another copy in better condition. It will not be sold until I have departed this earth.😏 It's an outstanding lens that can be had for a reasonable price in excellent condition.
Thanks, yes I love the hood and size too!
I have it on my R8. Didn’t. Think about getting an adapter as the Voigtlander is more modern weighs less.
Thanks for the 90mm lens video.
I shoot with the following 90mm and 85mm lenses:
Leica 90mm f/2 Summicron for Leica M6 and M10 rangefinders (48mm filter)
Zeiss 90mm f/2.8 Sonnar for Contax G1 rangefinders (46mm filter)
Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 for Nikon F, F2, F3, and F4 SLRs (52mm filter)
Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 D auto focus for Nikon F2 and F4 SLRs (77mm filter)
I primarily use them for reportage, half-length portraits, head & shoulder portraits, and vacation/travel.
I purchased the Nikkor 85 f/1.8 in 1969. I usually used it with a 35/85/180mm lens kit.
I purchased the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 in 2016. I primarily use it for portraits.
I use the Zeiss 90mm Sonnar in a 21/45/90 lens kit. I primarily used it for vacation/travel.
I use the Leica 90mm Summicron in a 21/35/90mm lens kit.
I have been so satisfied with the images produced by these four lenses that I have never taken the time to perform a direct lens comparison.
Great! I used to own the Nikon 1.8 and 1.4 D in my Nikon days. 1.4 wasn't good enough wide open so sold it eventually. Samyang 85 1.4 was sharper* (First generation around 2012)
The Carl Zeiss Sonar 90mm is an absolutely amazing lens. One of the sharpest lens I've ever used. It is close to the Jupiter 37a in terms of sharpness.
Thanks Steven, is that 90mm or 85mm? I know of the 85mm f2.
I own the 90 Skopar f2.8 and that lens is the best 90mm I’ve tried
Great lens on film and digital! I love mine.
very nice. after years owning my leica M2 with only a 35mm i wanted to explore another focal length but felt that 1) 50mm was too close to 35mm and 2) i already had a couple of 50mm on my nikon but i dont have any 90mm lenses on any platform. so i ordered the 90mm f4 elmar-c and should arraive in a few days. very excited.....
Congrats! Great little lens. Enjoy!
Yea as I have always said (one of my old mentors thought me), with a wide angle Lens and a short tele Lens you can cover 90% to 95% of all types of Photography, I never use a 50mm Lens, any Lens shorter or longer in focal length. 90 mm is a very nice focal length and have been around "forever", I hope that Voigtländer will make a 90mm APO for Sony E-mount. The 90mm 2.8 Sigma are great and very compact for an AF Lens.
Thanks, yes I’m impressed with all the small 90s, I think it’s worth carrying one of them. (Looking forward to testing the Sigma!)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I will wait for that test
I know you like getting in close for portraits but I prefer 6-7' and the compression it gives. Love my zeiss 85 1.4 planar on nikon digital and film bodies. For head and shoulders, 135 2.0 dc will have to be pried from my cold dead fingers. For black and white, they have only 6 or 7 elements respectively, so intertonal contrast yields gorgeous tonal transition especially on skin. Use fuji acros 100 or t max 100, amazing larger prints!
Thanks! Yes less elements look good
I bought the Voigtlander 90 APO for VM a few months ago and just love it. My older Tele-Elmarit f2.8 is now sitting back in its original box feeling rather un-loved..
Yes despite popular belief I don’t buy lenses lightly but the 90vm is a must have for me!
On the period clothes, you’d probably really enjoy the Goodwood Festival of speed in September, practice day on the Friday is a tad less busy. Amazing for photography
Thanks Marcus, great shout. I will try to plan to attend this year/ look into it.
Hello Matt.
I have the APO SKOPAR 2.8/90mm, do you think that Sigma 2.8/90mm is optically superior to it?
Both are nice. I’ve not compared. I’d only get the Sigma if you need AF
You left out the smallest and lightest of all Matt, the Leica tele-elmarit M 90mm f2.8 (Canada). It’s lovely and sharp as light as a feather (225g) and tiny in comparison to the summicron 90 f2. I picked mine up really cheap a few years ago and wouldn’t be without it.
Thanks Ian, sorry I could only include the lenses I own. Yes I never did get the Tele-Elmarit (I use the big f2 for portraits and the compact f2.8 APO for travel. A Patreon had the 90 f4 C this weekend at a meetup - that's also super small.
CZJ 85mm f/2.0 LTM, 1944 Done :-) I know, I know, but hey, someone has to be the bad bay ;-) Cheers my friend !
Thanks Eric! I might try to get a 85 for my Kiev at some point :)
There are several other excellent Leitz 90s. The 90/4 you show was followed up by an improved 90/4 with three elements. Then the original 90/2.8 Elmarit, two versions of 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit, and then the later 90/2.8 Elmait-m.
Thanks Adam! I had the 90/4 macro version. I still haven't tried the 2.8s.
I know it’s not popular but for LEICA L adapted i use the contax g Zeiss sonnar 90/2.8 and that lens is fantastic and light for portraits
Nice! I’ve not seen people adapting the G glass to L mount
I’ve seen conversions but not adapted. AF lens to what adapter exactly?
I have tried many 90's. For portraits the pre-asph Summicron 90 is king for me. I have the R version instead of the M. However, the look is very similar to medium format with how the focus falls off. The MFD is also one of the shortest of any lens around that focal length. It is not without issue, but for portraits I have found nothing better. I prefer to use it at f/4. That's the sweet spot for me.
Thanks, yes for sure I love the pre-asph! Portrait king!
Do you have a video review or good samples?
@@Zetaphotography I don’t post any RUclips reviews like Matt. I have some samples in my Flickr album if RUclips won’t delete the link. They usually do.
After shooting with my 90 mm M lenses on SL2 for a few years, I am getting lazy and use more of my 60 mm Macro-Elmarit TL lens.
Both nice Wilfred! The Sigma gives you a small AF lens too. Video to come!
Excellent video Matt.
Those 90's are underrated IMO.
I love those tram shots, they are magnificent.
Pity you didn't get those people in vintage clothing
I would have approach them and ask them to stand somewhere a bit more isolated and shoot a ton of pictures
But never the less GREAT VIDEO
Thanks for sharing
Thanks! Yes I enjoy shooting old trams on film ..I have a trip coming up specific for this :)
Cool lenses! 2.8 also more than enough for 90mm. I shoot the 90mm summicron at f4 and still get nice bokeh, not to mention just difficult to focus at f2... Still love that big chunk of metal :) Who knows maybe one day you could do a comparison between the biggest 90mm from Leica and the smallest, I think there is an f4 collapsible from the same period no?
Hey Thomas. Thanks mate. Just catching up after teaching at the weekend. Yes 2.8 is enough for film for sure. Yes either 90 Macro-Elmar M f4 or old f4 is the smallest.
Is there a magnifier on the rangefinder?
If you use M bodies you can get them. See my Leica viewfinder magnifier video
The Leica 90mm f/2.0 APO-Summicron-M Asph is rumoured to get an update this summer 2023.
Thanks David, great info!
90 Elmar-C for the win !
Great bang for the buck!
You opend my mind for 90mm....
Thanks Hans! Great my job is done then :)
Naturally the best 90mm for a Leica M body is the Leica 90mm f/2.2 Thambar-M. ;)
Hey Jesse! Yes the most unique look for sure!
I have other brighter and sharper lenses between 85mm and 105mm but none of them are 90mm and this small/light ... still I'm not very impressed by the 2.8 max aperture ... I have a hard time justifying buying myself a 90mm Voigtländer for my Nikon :') It clearly has fantastic micro contrast and tonality though ... hmm
Thanks, it will give you Leica images from any cheap / old Nikon camera ;) that’s why I got it..and then was so impressed got for Leica next!
Hi Matt, excellent video, as always. I have read in some FM forums that the 90mm VM version suffers from front-focus focusing issues on rangefinders. Could you please share your experience?
Thank you! I’ve non experienced this and shot 1000+ shots on M240. I’ll keep an eye on it.
Nikon's 85/1.8 afs is beyond words... Leica is about wide, baby
I had the AF-D version and 1.4 when I shot Nikon. Samyang 85 1.4 beat 1.4 D wide open.
@ 8:oo just shooting into the sun to get some backlight uh-huh sure 😉😇😁🤥.
Haha, I could have turned her anyway (I have to direct everything as many girls I shoot haven’t modelled before. I promised I’d give her bum shots after all her hard work in the gym. Great to put the hours to use!
A pity you missed out the Macro Elmar 90mm f4. Small and extremely sharp.
Hi David, I’ll cover why in a future video..I no longer have it and replaced it with the new APO. Nice lens but I wanted less money tied up in glass.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaComI was just about to comment on this. have been a follower of your channel ever since I embarked on my GAS for m mounts lenses (vintage ltm) and it led me to you. I was shock that you sold the macro but I can understand why since there are more compact alternatives these days (and cheaper too) and the sharpest of these alternatives are comparable and some even better. I look forward to the update on why though! I just got myself the macro, in fact, for travelling and now I’m questioning my life choice haha (jk)
@@Nicholasishappy Macro is great but 2.8 suits me for my portraits. The APO ticks all my boxes but Macro is still the smallest!
Sorry... the sound for the travel segments was overmodulated... otherwise nice shots... enjoyed the B&W
Thanks Stuart, I had it at -10 vs +5 for voice so will try even quieter for next time I have a similar video. I was trying to make it just audible
Your audio suffered a bit in this video for some reason.
Thanks David, sorry about that, I used a variety of mics instead of only 1. I’ll try to fix for next time
The volume was so horrible I did not finish watching this video. Never had this with your videos before.
Thanks Louis, sorry about that. It sounded fine on iPad while editing but did sound strange on my phone (like more bassy). I was using a different mic so will go back to normal.
Sorry, but the sound is almost unbearable on this video...muffled and distorted. Get a new mic.
Thanks Laurence, sorry about that, yes I have all the usual YT’er mics but I used different one here