Leica R 90 2.8 vs 2: A Tale of Two Lenses. In the realm of photographic optics, the Leica R 90mm lens holds a revered position, renowned for its exceptional image quality and timeless design. Among enthusiasts and professionals alike, two versions stand out: the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and the f/2.
This article delves into the fascinating comparison between these two lenses, exploring their optical performance, construction, handling, and ultimately, which one reigns supreme.
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8, introduced in 1973, was a groundbreaking lens for its time. Its exceptional sharpness, contrast, and beautiful bokeh made it a favorite among portrait and landscape photographers. The Leica R 90mm f/2, however, arrived in 1965, a testament to Leica’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of lens design.
Its faster aperture and unique optical formula set it apart, becoming a sought-after lens for low-light photography and capturing a dreamy, ethereal aesthetic. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of these two lenses, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which one is the perfect match for your photographic aspirations.
Introduction
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 is a renowned telephoto lens known for its exceptional image quality and versatility. It has been a staple in the world of photography for decades, capturing stunning portraits, landscapes, and wildlife imagery. Its reputation for sharpness, contrast, and pleasing bokeh has made it a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 lenses are both prized for their sharpness and bokeh, but the choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use. For capturing dynamic action, a faster aperture like f/2 can be advantageous, especially when shooting in low-light conditions.
If you’re looking for more guidance on choosing the right lens for sports photography, this comprehensive guide provides a wealth of information. Ultimately, the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 are both exceptional lenses, each offering a unique blend of performance and aesthetics.
The Leica R 90mm f/2, on the other hand, is a rarer and more sought-after lens. It boasts a wider aperture, offering better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field. This lens, however, was produced in limited quantities and is often considered a collector’s item.
The f/2 version is frequently compared to its f/2.8 counterpart due to its shared focal length and Leica’s reputation for quality.This article aims to compare and contrast the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 lenses, exploring their key features, performance characteristics, and historical significance.
Optical Performance
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and the Leica R 90mm f/2 are both renowned for their exceptional optical quality, but their designs and characteristics result in distinct differences in their performance.
Sharpness
The sharpness of a lens refers to its ability to render fine details with clarity. The Leica R 90mm f/2.8, being a later design, incorporates advanced lens elements and coatings, which contribute to its superior sharpness, especially at wider apertures.
The f/2.8 lens generally exhibits excellent sharpness from the center to the edges of the frame, even at its widest aperture. In contrast, the Leica R 90mm f/2, while still a sharp lens, tends to show some softness in the corners at wider apertures.
This is particularly noticeable at f/2, where the lens may exhibit a slight degree of vignetting. However, stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6 typically yields excellent sharpness across the entire frame.
Contrast
Contrast refers to the difference in brightness between light and dark areas in an image. Both lenses are known for their high contrast, which contributes to the vibrant and punchy look of their images. However, the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 tends to have slightly higher contrast, particularly at wider apertures.
This is due to the improved coatings and lens design that help minimize flare and ghosting, which can reduce contrast.
Color Rendition
Color rendition refers to the accuracy and fidelity of colors captured by the lens. Both lenses are renowned for their accurate and pleasing color rendition. The Leica R 90mm f/2.8, with its advanced coatings and lens design, may exhibit slightly more vibrant and saturated colors compared to the f/2 lens.
However, the difference in color rendition is subtle and largely depends on the specific lighting conditions and post-processing techniques used.
Aberrations
Lens aberrations are optical imperfections that can affect the quality of an image. Both lenses exhibit minimal aberrations, but there are some notable differences.
Distortion
Distortion is a type of aberration that can cause straight lines to appear curved in an image. The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 is designed to minimize distortion, resulting in a more accurate representation of straight lines. The Leica R 90mm f/2, on the other hand, may exhibit a slight degree of pincushion distortion, especially at wider apertures.
This distortion is generally not noticeable in most photographic scenarios but can be more apparent in architectural or landscape photography.
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration is a type of aberration that causes different colors of light to focus at different points, resulting in colored fringes around high-contrast edges. Both lenses exhibit very low levels of chromatic aberration, especially when stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6.
However, the Leica R 90mm f/2.8, due to its more advanced lens design, may show slightly less chromatic aberration at wider apertures.
Examples of Images
To illustrate the optical performance of these lenses, consider the following examples:* Leica R 90mm f/2.8:An image captured with the f/2.8 lens at f/4 might show exceptional sharpness throughout the frame, with vibrant colors and high contrast. The subject, such as a portrait or a landscape, would be rendered with crisp detail and accurate color representation.* Leica R 90mm f/2:An image captured with the f/2 lens at f/2 might exhibit slight softness in the corners, particularly noticeable in areas with high contrast.
However, the image would still demonstrate the lens’s ability to capture beautiful bokeh and a pleasing overall look.
Focusing and Handling
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and the Leica R 90mm f/2 are both renowned for their exceptional optical performance, but their focusing and handling characteristics differ significantly. This section delves into the intricacies of focusing and the overall handling experience of each lens, providing insights into their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Focusing Experience
The focusing experience of both lenses is a key aspect of their usability, influenced by factors such as speed, accuracy, and ease of use. The Leica R 90mm f/2.8, being a later model, incorporates a floating element design, which enhances its focusing performance throughout the entire focusing range.
This design helps to maintain excellent image quality even at close focusing distances. The Leica R 90mm f/2, on the other hand, does not feature a floating element design. As a result, it may exhibit a slight drop in image quality at close focusing distances compared to the f/2.8 version.
- Speed:The focusing speed of both lenses is generally considered to be relatively slow, particularly compared to modern autofocus lenses. This is largely due to the manual focus nature of these lenses, requiring the photographer to manually adjust the focus ring.
However, with practice, photographers can achieve accurate focus with reasonable speed.
- Accuracy:Both lenses are known for their high accuracy in focusing. The smooth and precise focusing rings allow for fine adjustments, ensuring sharp images. The f/2.8 version, with its floating element design, may offer a slight edge in terms of accuracy, particularly at close focusing distances.
- Ease of Use:The ease of use of both lenses is largely subjective and depends on the photographer’s individual preferences and experience. The focusing rings on both lenses are smooth and well-dampened, providing a satisfying tactile experience. However, the f/2.8 version’s focusing ring is slightly wider than the f/2 version, which some photographers may find easier to grip and adjust.
Manual Focus Features, Leica r 90 2.8 vs 2
Both the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and the Leica R 90mm f/2 are exclusively manual focus lenses. This means that the photographer is responsible for manually adjusting the focus ring to achieve sharp focus. While this may seem like a drawback in the age of autofocus, it offers several advantages for experienced photographers:
- Precise Control:Manual focusing allows for absolute control over the point of focus, enabling photographers to achieve precise results that may be difficult or impossible with autofocus. This is particularly beneficial for macro photography, where fine adjustments are critical.
- Enhanced Depth of Field Control:Manual focusing allows photographers to intentionally blur the background or foreground to create a desired aesthetic effect. This is particularly useful for portraiture and other genres where a shallow depth of field is desired.
- Greater Focus Flexibility:Manual focus lenses offer greater flexibility in terms of focusing techniques. For example, photographers can use techniques such as zone focusing, where the focus is set to a specific distance range, allowing for faster shooting.
Handling and Ergonomics
The handling and ergonomics of a lens are crucial for a comfortable and efficient shooting experience. Both the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and the Leica R 90mm f/2 are known for their exceptional build quality and ergonomic design.
- Weight and Balance:The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 is slightly heavier than the f/2 version, weighing approximately 680 grams compared to 620 grams. However, both lenses are well-balanced and comfortable to hold, even for extended shooting sessions.
- Focusing Ring:Both lenses feature smooth and well-dampened focusing rings that provide a satisfying tactile experience. The f/2.8 version’s focusing ring is slightly wider than the f/2 version, which some photographers may find easier to grip and adjust.
- Aperture Ring:The aperture rings on both lenses are well-designed and easy to use. They are click-stopped, providing a tactile feedback for each aperture setting.
- Lens Hood:Both lenses are typically supplied with a dedicated lens hood, which helps to reduce lens flare and protect the front element from damage.
Applications and Use Cases
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and the Leica R 90mm f/2 lenses offer distinct characteristics that make them ideal for different photographic scenarios. The f/2.8 lens excels in versatility, while the f/2 lens shines in low-light situations and shallow depth of field effects.
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 is a classic lens known for its sharp rendering and pleasing bokeh, while the f/2 version offers a wider aperture for low-light shooting. Both lenses are ideal for capturing the vibrant colors of a sunrise over the Atlantic, like those found in Ocean City, Maryland.
The contrast and detail captured by the Leica R 90mm lenses would beautifully complement the dynamic light of the sunrise, making for a truly memorable image.
Portraiture
The f/2 lens’s wider aperture allows for shallower depth of field, blurring the background and isolating the subject. This creates a classic portrait look with a soft and dreamy aesthetic. The f/2.8 lens, while offering less background blur, still delivers excellent sharpness and detail in portraits.
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 is a classic lens known for its sharpness and smooth bokeh, but the f/2 version offers a wider aperture for low-light shooting. Choosing between the two often comes down to your shooting style and budget.
However, if you’re shooting film, you might be wondering about the longevity of your Cinestill chemistry kit, which can impact your shooting schedule. How long dfoeds film Cinestill chemistry kit last is a question many film photographers ask, as it can influence your shooting plans and film stock selection.
Ultimately, the choice between the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 depends on your personal needs and how often you plan to shoot film.
Its wider field of view can also be advantageous for capturing more of the environment around the subject.
The f/2 lens excels at creating dreamy portraits with a blurred background, while the f/2.8 lens offers excellent sharpness and a wider field of view.
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 lenses are known for their exceptional sharpness and bokeh, but their price tag reflects their premium status. For photographers seeking a more affordable option with a similar field of view, the Tamron 35mm f/1.4 EF lens provides a compelling alternative.
While it lacks the legendary Leica build quality, it delivers impressive image quality and a wider aperture, making it a versatile choice for a range of photographic styles. The decision ultimately comes down to budget and desired level of image quality, with the Leica lenses offering the ultimate in optical performance and the Tamron providing a cost-effective solution with a unique character of its own.
Landscape Photography
Both lenses are capable of capturing stunning landscapes, but their strengths differ. The f/2.8 lens’s wider aperture allows for faster shutter speeds, which can be beneficial in capturing moving subjects or shooting in low light. The f/2 lens, with its wider aperture, can be used to create a shallow depth of field effect, highlighting specific elements within the landscape and blurring the background.
The f/2.8 lens is ideal for capturing moving subjects and shooting in low light, while the f/2 lens excels at creating shallow depth of field effects in landscapes.
Street Photography
The f/2.8 lens’s wider field of view and faster focusing speed make it well-suited for street photography. It allows photographers to capture a broader perspective and react quickly to fleeting moments. The f/2 lens, with its shallower depth of field, can be used for isolating subjects and creating a sense of intimacy in street photography.
The f/2.8 lens is ideal for capturing a wider perspective and reacting quickly in street photography, while the f/2 lens excels at isolating subjects and creating a sense of intimacy.
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 lenses offer different perspectives and light-gathering capabilities. The difference lies in their focal lengths, which dictates the field of view and magnification. Understanding the relationship between focal length and the resulting image size is crucial when comparing lenses.
To delve deeper into this concept, explore the difference between focal length and focal distance here. Armed with this knowledge, you can make an informed decision about which Leica R 90mm lens best suits your photographic needs.
Low-Light Photography
The f/2 lens is a clear winner in low-light situations. Its wider aperture allows for faster shutter speeds, minimizing camera shake and capturing more light. This results in sharper images with less noise. The f/2.8 lens can also be used in low light, but its narrower aperture requires longer shutter speeds, increasing the risk of camera shake and noise.
The f/2 lens excels in low-light photography due to its wider aperture, allowing for faster shutter speeds and minimizing camera shake.
Macro Photography
Both lenses can be used for macro photography with the use of extension tubes or bellows. However, the f/2 lens’s wider aperture offers more flexibility in controlling depth of field and achieving a shallow depth of field effect for dramatic close-up images.
The f/2 lens offers more flexibility in controlling depth of field and achieving a shallow depth of field effect for macro photography.
Price and Availability: Leica R 90 2.8 Vs 2
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and the R 90mm f/2 are both sought-after lenses for their exceptional image quality and performance. However, their price and availability differ significantly, reflecting their age and rarity.
Current Market Prices
The prices of both lenses vary based on condition, seller, and market demand. The R 90mm f/2.8 is generally more affordable, with used models typically ranging from $400 to $800. In contrast, the R 90mm f/2 is considerably more expensive, with used models often fetching between $1,000 and $2,000 or more.
Availability of Both Lenses
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 is relatively easier to find, with both new and used models available from various sellers. The R 90mm f/2, on the other hand, is rarer, and finding a well-maintained used model can be challenging. This rarity contributes to its higher price tag.
Value Proposition
The R 90mm f/2.8 offers a compelling value proposition, considering its affordable price and excellent performance. It is a versatile lens suitable for various applications, from portraiture to landscape photography. The R 90mm f/2, despite its higher price, delivers exceptional image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
It is a coveted lens among enthusiasts and professionals seeking the best possible image quality.
Closing Summary
The choice between the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 ultimately boils down to your individual needs and shooting style. The f/2.8 lens excels in versatility and overall performance, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of photography.
The f/2 lens, on the other hand, offers a unique combination of speed, character, and artistic depth, making it a perfect tool for capturing the nuances of light and creating captivating imagery. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring photographer, understanding the subtle differences between these two lenses can help you make an informed decision and elevate your photography to new heights.