Which 90mmR

[bob haight]

Any suggestion as to buying used, the Summicron 90mmR or the 2nd version of the 2.8. I wonder if the latter is a good bit lighter and sharper.

Thanks, Bob

[doug herr]

The late version Elmarit-R is lighter and sharper. The Summicron-R

has f/2 and is an excellent lens, one of my favorites. See 'em both

at http://www.wildlightphoto.com/leica

[greg_mason]

Doug's reviews are usually spot on. it really depends on whether or

not you will be using the 90 wide open at f2. i do not so the 2.8

made better sense to me since it is generally regarded as the better

lens. the 2.8 is not my wife's favorite lens since she feels that at

40+ it reproduces the facial lines too acurately.

[david11]

Bob, I have owned both lenses and I can tell you that both are good

performers. I probably used the Summicron more often because of the

extra stop, which aided in focusing; plus I liked it at F2 - yes it is

softer wide open. The size / weight difference was not that

noticeable to me.

[Robin Smith]

They are both excellent. The Summicron: Less contrasty and slightly

softer at full aperture down to f4, but nice focussing and handling on

any R.

Elmarit: A very good lens and a good deal lighter.

 

<p>

 

The Elmarit is a very good performer and almost up to APO-Macro

Elmarit standard. I sold my Summicron to get the Elmarit and regretted

it as I missed f2. The Elmarit is better, but not enough to make me

think I made a wise choice. Rather than get another Summicron, I kept

the Elmarit when I need to keep the weight down and need max

performance and bought an 80mm Summilux for portraits and when weight

does not matter. The Summilux is outstanding and even better than the

Summicron, so I don't use the Elmarit much these days.

 

<p>

 

The 2nd version of the Elmarit is a little hard to find and usually

costs as much as a Summicron. It all depends whether you want the

extra stop.

[jay_.]

I own both lenses. The 90/2.8 is lighter weight and higher contrast

and has better sharpness into the corners at the wider apertures and

in the close-up range but by f/5.6 they pretty much even out.

However since I purchased the 80-200/4 I tend to carry the 90/2 more,

simply because it's easier to focus in dim light and has that extra

stop. In those conditions the lower contrast is actually a help.

[bob haight]

Thanks for the imput. As I thought not an easy choice, but I think

the Summicron won out by a hair. Thanks again. Bob