Re[2]: [Leica] [leica] Mid tele lens

[Peterson_Art@hq.navsea.navy.mil]

     Among the "newer design 90mm lenses," I would not call the "Summicron 
     [at 475g, in black]...significantly heavier" than the Elmarit at 410g 
     (perhaps "somewhat heavier" would better describe it); it is, however, 
     "significantly heavier" than the small Tele-Elmarit at 225g (no longer 
     produced).  (The so-called "Fat" Tele-Elmarit I know nothing about.)
     
     Art Peterson
     

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: [Leica] [leica] Mid tele lens
Author:  leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us at internet
Date:    3/3/98 8:11 PM


A LUG member asked:
     
<snip>I am looking for a mid-tele lens, is there much to choose between 
90mm Elmarit and the 90mm Summicron? Anyone has any experience? Please 
advice...<snip>
     
I use the small older 90/2.8 tele-elmarit and a new 90/2 summicron lens 
with M6 bodies.  I have to admit that the optics of the tele-elmarit are 
not up to the standard set by the newer 90 elmarit but the small size comes 
in handy at times.  The newer design 90mm lenses are very close in overall 
length.  The Summicron is significantly heavier.  
     
I have slowly gone from small light weight lenses to the versions with 
larger apertures.  I get the benefit by being able to take picture where it 
would not be possible using slower lenses but the lenses are heavier.
There is no free lunch in optics.  
     
This year on the LUG has been one great learning experience.  I now prefer 
to shoot wide open and let the background go out of focus to offset where I 
am focussed.  It certainly works for me.  I have heard that the 
resolution/contrast of the new 90/2.8 is better than the 90/2.  I have found 
the 90/2 to be a great performer.  My trends in shooting now is either wide 
open or almost stopped down.  Erwin has a great website for reviewing  the 
resolution and micro-contrast of Leica lenses.  Perhaps someone can post the 
location on the WWW.  
     
I don't think you can wrong with either lens in its current form.  If you 
need a maximum aperture of 2.0, go for the Summicron.  If you don't need
it, go for the Elmarit.  In either case, you'll walk a way with a great lens.
     
Happy shooting,
     
Richard
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Richard Clompus, OD
West Chester, PA