Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/02/04
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Gib Robinson wrote: >>> I'd like some help choosing a portrait lens for an R8. I don't own any lenses above 50mm that are faster than f/4 and I'd like one. As far as I know, my choices are 80 Summilux, 90 Summicron, 100 f/2.8 APO Macro. I've been leaning toward the 80mm 1.4 because it seems like a very workable focal length with ideal speed. The APO macro seems a tad long and a tweak slow in spite of it's legendary qualities as a macro lens. What's been the experience of this group? <<< My experience is with the 90 Summicron-R, the 100 APO-Macro and the 135 Elmarit-R. IMHO the 90 is a better portrait lens than the 100 APO because it's gentler to skin complexion than the 100, and the bokeh is more pleasing. The 90 is more likely to be too short than too long. The 135 is in the same class as the 90 Summicron-R, and is better when my subjects want more personal space. Both the 90 and the 135 give excellent detail and colors but the micro-contrast and color saturation of the 100 APO are in another league. I also feel like the 100 is rather large to be pointing toward someone's face, like it may be a bit intimidating to some subjects. Of these my favorite by far for portraits is the 90. Doug Herr Sacramento http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/telyt