Zeiss 85/2 or one of Leica's 90's

[slungu]

Hello everybody,

I am searching for a nice portrait lens for my NEX actually, maybe to be used with a M-mount GXR. So things like rangefinder focusing are not an immediate issue. I was contemplating either the Zeiss 85/2 Sonnar with adapter or the thin Leica Tele-Elmarit 90/2.8. Any opinions ?

Regards, Stefan

 

[jarski]

Summarit 90/2.5 is also excellent option. becomes quite long on NEX though, so perhaps 75 instead.

 

[slungu]

I like the 85/90 lenses on crop cameras since I like tighter portraits. I am looking at something within a reasonable price range, that's the reason why I did not consider the Summarit.

 

[sanmich]

... within a reasonable price range, that's the reason why I did not consider the Summarit.

Have you checked the price of the Sonnar?? 😱
It's the most expensive lens after the Summicron.
If speed is not an issue and price is, I would go for the VC 90mm, the summicron-c f/4, or even the great 100mm f/3.5 canon.

 

[ramosa]

Most recent version Elmarit 90. Why Leica ever discontinued it, I will never understand.

 

[ottluuk]

By your signature, you already have a 90/4, so I guess you want a fast lens rather than another small one. Going straight to f/2 makes quite a bit of sense then. There are various LTM lenses to choose from: Canon 85/1.9 and 100/2, Nikon 85/2 and 105/2.5, Komura 105/2 (not so easy to find). Also, the older Summicron 90 lenses in short (Visoflex) focus mount sell for less than a Tele-Elmarit in nice condition. The trick is to find the right adapters.

Regarding the thin Tele-Elmarit, be careful. Apparently they suffer from etching in the rear cemented element which manifests it as a haze (but you can't clean it off). I've seen quite a few "hazy" TE-s on offer on the web.

 

[MCTuomey]

I would take the 85/2 Zeiss in a heartbeat if I had the money to spare. My 90 is the E46 recent Elmarit - very nice. Prior to the Elmarit I used the M-Hexanon 90 which I really liked too. Would like an extra stop, sure, who doesn't?

 

[BobYIL]

My experience: The following lenses deliver excellent quality with affordable prices: Elmarit 90/2.8 V1, Elmarit-R 90 V1, G-Sonnar 90 and Nikkor 105/2.5. As you are going to use rather the mid-portion of their illumination circles on a NEX, I believe they will perform to satisfy your expectations.

 

[f16sunshine]

If you have a snug budget but still want the speed i would suggest a ltm Nikkor Sonnar f2/85. Great sonnar rendering and well priced giving a nice value.

 

[ferider]

Yeah, I would choose a Sonnar/Ernostar f2 variant too, because they tend to be smaller, and you already have a 90/4.

The two that come immediately to mind are Nikkor 85/2 LTM and Summicron 90/2 v3. The Nikkor is quite heavy, the Summicron will be easier to handle. The Nikkor 105/2.5 is quite big.

Not a Sonnar/Ernostar, but very compact with great rendering is the Heliar 75/2.5, still available new.

There are a bunch of 85/2 Ernostars in SLR mount, good quality and compact. My OM Zuiko comes to mind.

Roland.

 

[Brian Legge]

FYI -

There are two Nikkor 85/2 LTMs on KEH right now - a bargain one for $325 and an excellent condition one for $525.

Since you don't need accurate rangefinder coupling, the Jupiter 9 may also be an option though those are pricey enough now that jumping to something higher end may make sense.

Edit: Actually the J9 may be more available there or with cheaper shipping than to the US. They can be excellent lenses if you can find a known good one. I think the focusing issues on a Leica are the main reason they aren't more popular.

 

[ferider]

Adorama has an "E" Nikkor 85/2 as well, for US 399.

 

[slungu]

I already had some lenses in this range : Planar 85/1.4, Planar 100/2, Summicron-R 90/2 pre-ASPH and the CV90/3.5. So yes, I am looking at something faster than my Elmar-C, but I could live with something like a 2.8. Problem is my budget does not allow for something spectacular and expensive. This is the reason I was looking at these two alternatives. The Canon and Nikkor LTM lenses are hard to find around here and getting them from overseas costs a lot. I found some information about the Tele-Elmarit, but rather scarce info about the Sonnar.

Regards, Stefan

 

[uhoh7]

I already had some lenses in this range : Planar 85/1.4, Planar 100/2, Summicron-R 90/2 pre-ASPH and the CV90/3.5. So yes, I am looking at something faster than my Elmar-C, but I could live with something like a 2.8. Problem is my budget does not allow for something spectacular and expensive. This is the reason I was looking at these two alternatives. The Canon and Nikkor LTM lenses are hard to find around here and getting them from overseas costs a lot. I found some information about the Tele-Elmarit, but rather scarce info about the Sonnar.

Regards, Stefan

It's a funny discussion, since as noted, the GXR has a 1.5x crop an hence 85s and esp 90s are well beyond a portrait FOV.

For APS-C the best portrait FLs are 50-60.

Do you want a lens for portraits, or an 85-90?

With the GXR it won't be both.


Since we are in the zeiss/contax forum, I'd say the sonnar 50/1.5 from the 50s or earlier will be a better portrait lens than any 85-90 you can think of, and better yet the nikkor 5cm f/1.4 which I think is the best lens for protraits you can put on an aps-c sensor 🙂

the amedeo adpater will get all the contax and nikon RFs to M mount, if the LTM prices are scary.

 

[slungu]

Do you want a lens for portraits, or an 85-90?

Both, as under portrait I understand a tight head portrait. I have shot all SLR lenses I mentioned before ( except the CV90 ) o FF and was always at MFD and wanting to get in closer, so know I want a portrait lens in this range for my crop camera . It's a simple matter of preference 😉

 

[f16sunshine]

I already had some lenses in this range : Planar 85/1.4, Planar 100/2, Summicron-R 90/2 pre-ASPH and the CV90/3.5. So yes, I am looking at something faster than my Elmar-C, but I could live with something like a 2.8. Problem is my budget does not allow for something spectacular and expensive. This is the reason I was looking at these two alternatives. The Canon and Nikkor LTM lenses are hard to find around here and getting them from overseas costs a lot. I found some information about the Tele-Elmarit, but rather scarce info about the Sonnar.

Regards, Stefan

In this case you will be choosing a lens for smaller size. I also own the Contax 1.4/85 and 2/100. You won't do better IMO but, you may get a smaller lens. The Konica M hexagon f2.8/90mm is an Ernostar and a fabulous lens. Much more compact than any of your current reflex lenses. It's modern in rendering and has a fantastic build quality. Finding one in Germny should not be the problem finding a Nikkor may be. Also since you use a mirror less the J9 would be a very inexpensive solution. It does not focus correctly for RF coupling but you won't have a problem on NEX or GXR. That lens goes usually under 100EUR.

 

[raid]

How about the Contax G 90/2.8 Sonnar? It is an awesome lens and it is light and small.

 

[ottluuk]

I already had some lenses in this range : Planar 85/1.4, Planar 100/2, Summicron-R 90/2 pre-ASPH and the CV90/3.5. So yes, I am looking at something faster than my Elmar-C, but I could live with something like a 2.8. Problem is my budget does not allow for something spectacular and expensive. This is the reason I was looking at these two alternatives. The Canon and Nikkor LTM lenses are hard to find around here and getting them from overseas costs a lot. I found some information about the Tele-Elmarit, but rather scarce info about the Sonnar.

Regards, Stefan

The modern ZM Sonnar 85/2 is spectacularly expensive. 2000€+, maybe a lot more since it's discontinued and not many were made I guess.
You might want to trawl around leicashop.com. A little while ago they had a couple of Canon 85/1.9s, a bunch of the original, non-tele Elmarit 90/2.8-s and a Komura 105/2, all for under 400€. And a dizzying amount of other stuff. They are based in Vienna and shipping within EU is reasonable. (no affiliation; bought from them, fast service, item as described)

 

[uhoh7]

Both, as under portrait I understand a tight head portrait. I have shot all SLR lenses I mentioned before ( except the CV90 ) o FF and was always at MFD and wanting to get in closer, so know I want a portrait lens in this range for my crop camera . It's a simple matter of preference 😉

ah.. you like a 135 for your portraits

How about the Contax G 90/2.8 Sonnar? It is an awesome lens and it is light and small.

a bit over sharp wide open maybe? How is the bokeh on that one, hopefully better than the very harsh 45 and 28. Very good value at around 175-225USD, that's for sure--but how does he use it on his GXR? Is there a contax G to M adapter?

how about this:

or perhaps:

the portrait lens that made nikon's reputation.

or if you are feeling lucky, you might find a mechanically solid:

or just save time and get a canon 85/2

this all assuming you want things a bit forgiving wide open--as classic portrait lenses are...but since you like an EFL of 135--maybe you want to see those tiny pores too?

OK my final and best suggestion: nikkor 8.5cm 85/2

Rock hard glass, zeiss performance, at a price between the canon and the real contax zeiss.

 

[DamenS]

It's a funny discussion, since as noted, the GXR has a 1.5x crop an hence 85s and esp 90s are well beyond a portrait FOV.

For APS-C the best portrait FLs are 50-60.

Do you want a lens for portraits, or an 85-90?

Not true at all - not even nearly. This is personal opinion being stated as fact. For a long-time the classic "portrait lens" range (and lenses to suit) have been considered to be the 90mm-135mm range in 35mm field of view terms. There are innumerable 135mm lenses considered to be "portrait" lenses and the OP has already stated they prefer a tighter crop, so why make our own limitations theirs ?

This is therefore NOT a "funny discussion" at all. It is a reasonable discussion based upon the OP's requirements and the history of photography rather than your own beliefs.

Indeed, some "fashion" photography shoots (many of which are a less-tight crop than a head-shoulders portrait) are conducted with a large aperture 200-300mm lens (obviously at a longer distance than normal). This is also to be "allowed" !