Opinions on the 90mm Summicron f2

[Ara Ghajanian]

Hi gang,
I just bought my first Leica a few weeks ago and I already have GAS. I was looking at the 90mm Summicron f2 as a complement to my 50mm Summicron f2 (v4). I've always loved the 105mm focal length with my Nikons and I think 90mm would be a great way to go for me. What are your opinions on this lens? Is the Canadian version worth purchasing? I saw one go for $299 on ePay from Adorama. I could live with that price. I'm not looking to spend more that $500 in case you have other suggestions. Thanks in advance for your views.
Ara

 

[boilerdoc2]

The 90/2 is a great lens. Get it, you'll like it. Might need a 1.25 magnifier and a longer EBL rangefinder (.72 or .85). Sharp as a tack. If you find one for $299 grab it, or I will.
Steve

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I don't have any experience with the first and second versions, but I have the third, which is the one right before the APO 'cron, and I believe the optical formula between mine and the second version (which is very likely the one you're contemplating) are the same.

Optically, I like it a lot. For $300, I think you should go ahead and try it. The build of that one is slightly bulky, but manageable.

 

[35mmdelux]

I have the last before the asph version and haven't used it yet. Previously I owned the tele-elmarit (1985 version) and the Elmarit (1996 version) and both were excellent performers as far as I'm concerned. For my portraits I prefer the open shade so I needed a slightly faster lens.

I was quite happy w/ the buy given that it is in mint cond and came w/ the box, and leather case. Doesn't appear to have been used much. Paid about $525 on BIN.

Based on all that I've read, it isn't the sharpest (the sharpest being the asph version 2.0 and the last Elmarit). However its supposed to have excellent bokeh and is a better lens for portrait, or a little more forgiving.

The negative is that its on the heavier side. For travel I think I'd prefer the tele elmarit (thin).

Is your $300 model an older version or is it a user?

 

[x-ray]

I owned both a chrome and a black summicron with the tripod socket and built in hood. I guess this is v2 ??? I now own the apo asph and have a black elmarit v1 that I've shot for many years. The early summicrons are soft wide open and improve with stopping down. They aren't bad but the 90 elmarit v1 is better in many ways. I like the current apo for distance but find it really lack in the close range of 8ft or less. Beyond 10 ft it's tops at any aperture but under 8 ft it doesn't get very sharp even stopped down. If you don't need the f2 go for a clean elmarit. I see them regularly for $300 to $400 in very clean shape.

 

[RayPA]

Wow. $300 sounds low, doesn't it? I've got the Canadian-made 90/2 type 3. I like it. If you can get 'cron 90/2 for $300, that's a very good price. For a fast 90 that is less than $500 you might be able to pick up the type 2, or the Hex 90/2.8. Otherwise, I think you're getting into f3.5 and f4 range.

 

[raid]

I like my first version 90mm/2 Summicron with built-in hood. It is heavy, but I like how it renders images. Another nice portrait lens is the 85mm/2 Nikkor and also the Canon 85mm/1.8 or 1.9 or 2.0.

Raid

 

[szekiat]

if u like your nikon 105, do consider the RF equivalent or the nikon 85mm. Using the nikon 85mm now, and having used the old chrome 90 cron, the CV90mm, i wonder why took so long to buy a 85mm.