Which 90mm lens for travel do you recommend?

[NatashaV]

I am quite new to Leica world... I have a M6 TTL with a 35 mm, and now looking to buy a 90 mm lens. I always shoot colour (Velvia 100). I am a professional still-life photographer, but I use Leica only when traveling. Can you recommend a good + light + inexpensive + sharp 90 mm lens? Thank you!!!

 

[oscroft]

I'd suggest a Leitz Elmar 90/4 or a Minolta M-Rokkor 90/4 - they're the same lens, made in Germany by Leitz, but branded differently for the Leica and Minolta versions of the CL. (There's also a later Minolta version for the CLE which is slightly different, but I haven't seen one of those). I got the Rokkor version recently, and though I've only shot a couple of rolls of film with it I already like it a lot - it's sharp, and contrast is good but not excessive. It's small - I don't think there's a smaller 90. And it's relatively inexpensive (the Rokkor version is usually a bit cheaper because it doesn't have snob-brand status) - I paid £150 for mine in excellent (optically perfect) condition.

 

[oscroft]

Leitz Elmar 90/4

Oops, I meant the Elmar-C (there's also an older screw-mount Elmar 90/4 which is a different lens).

 

[retnull]

The Konica M-Hexanon 90 / 2.8 is small, beautifully crafted, and has stunning optics. It's a joy to use.

 

[Turtle]

CV 90 3.5 lanthar.

 

[ampguy]

How do these newer 90s stack up against the TE 90 2.8s (in size and performance) other than the slower speeds of the modern ones?

 

[vieri]

A second hand 2/90 Cron pre-ASPH. Fantastic glass, can be found for around 1000 US (or could when I bought one last year).

 

[Cron]

another vote for the Konica Hexanon KM 2,8/90 if you can find one - excellent optics, built-in sunshade, small and beautiful crafted

 

[awilder]

Third vote for the 90/2.8 M Hexanon. It does exactly what you required: inexpensive, small, light and sharp. Build quaity is as good or better than Leica. Sharpness is only exceeded by the current 90/2.8 Elmarit-M but the trade off is greater expense and it's slightly larger/heavier.

 

[Keith]

I don't think you can get a better 90mm for the price than the Apo Lanthar .... often seen in the classifieds for $250.00!

 

[ferider]

Depending on your budget:

- > US 700: 75/2
- around US 700: last pre-asph 90/2 or current TE 90/2.8 (v3)
- around US 400: Hexanon 90/2.8 or black Nikkor 85/2
- around US 200-300: Elmarit 90/2.8 v1, TE 90/2.8 (v2) or CV 75/2.5 Heliar.

All great lenses. Not too large.

If your Summicron is pre-asph (v2-v4), the best fit signature- and speed-wise is the last pre-asph 90/2.

However, 35/75 is a better two lens combo than 35/90, IMO.

Roland.

 

[mr_phillip]

I use the Elmarit-M, which is a wonderful optic and extremely sharp at the maximum aperture. It's about the maximum in terms of size and weight that I'd consider for a travel lens (the Summicrons are significantly larger). The new Summarit-M is marginally smaller and lighter than the Elmarit-M, and reviewers all seem to opine that there's nothing between the two optically (although personally I'd miss the Elmarit's built-in hood).

The Elmar-C (or either of the Minolta versions) is a tiny little lens and very, very sharp – not quite up there with the Elmarit, but commendably close. I used to own one some years ago and it, with a 35mm 'cron and M6, made for a wonderfully compact high-quality travel kit (I sometimes think about picking up another one for that reason). Haven't tried the Hexanon but I've seen great results from them and owners seem to love 'em. Either would be a solid purchase.

There's also the modern and vintage collapsible Elmars to consider. I haven't tried the former, but the old one's are fabulously made (although surprisingly heavy), but quite soft.

 

[oscroft]

Hmm, interesting - am I part of a very small minority who like the M-Rokkor 90/4?

 

[JRG]

"Sharpness is only exceeded by the current 90/2.8 Elmarit-M ..."

I'd have thought that the Macro-Elmar 90 would have been up there near the top? It's great as a travel lens, too. Only problem is the price ...

 

[sebastel]

no one mentioned the "slim" tele-elmarit-m?
maybe it's not the number one performer, but decent, compact and usually not expensive.

 

[NatashaV]

Great, this helps a lot to narrow down the search... Now, where do you guys buy your lenses? (except eBay 🙂 I don't want to spend more than $400 on this lens, so it seems the shopping choices are limited to on-line postings.
Also, anybody heard of or used 75/2.5 Color-Heliar Cosina Voigtlander? (I know, it's not a 90 mm!)

 

[Krosya]

And yet another vote for a Hexanon 90/2.8. Best in it's class IMO. If you can find a good FSU Jupiter-9 - it can be owsome too. I tried Leica fat TE - good, but didnt stack up to Hexanon in handling and bokeh for me. Nikon 85/2 is good but heavy and has a long focus throw - at least a silver one.
here is a pic from fat TE :

here is one from Hex:

and here is a couple from J-9:

 

[kbg32]

90 Elmar-C.

 

[tbarker13]

I'm using a 75 CV heliar in my travel kit right now along with the tiny CV28/3.5.
From time to time, I consider switching to a 90. But only for the additional reach. The lens itself is wonderful. Lightweight. Nice quality.

 

[oscroft]

Also, anybody heard of or used 75/2.5 Color-Heliar Cosina Voigtlander?

Yes, I have one, and it's an excellent lens. It's bigger than the M-Rokkor 90, but is quite light (though well constructed). In fact, I'm traveling now, and I have it with me.