Leica r 90mm 2.8 vs 2 – Leica R 90mm f/2.8 vs f/2: A Lens Showdown. The Leica R system, a hallmark of photographic excellence, has long captivated photographers with its unparalleled build quality and optical prowess. Within this esteemed system, the 90mm focal length holds a special place, often favored for its versatility in portraiture, street photography, and even landscape work.
But when it comes to choosing between the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and the Leica R 90mm f/2, the decision becomes more intricate. Both lenses boast exceptional performance, but subtle differences in their optical designs, build quality, and autofocus capabilities set them apart, making the choice a matter of personal preference and photographic needs.
This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these two lenses, exploring their optical performance, build quality, autofocus capabilities, and ultimately, their value proposition. By examining each lens through a discerning lens, we aim to provide a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your photographic aspirations.
Leica R 90mm f/2.8 vs. f/2: A Tale of Two Lenses
The Leica R system, introduced in 1971, is a renowned camera system known for its exceptional build quality, optical performance, and manual focus design. The 90mm focal length, often referred to as the “portrait lens,” is a staple in the Leica R system, providing a natural perspective and a pleasing compression effect.
Two notable lenses in this focal length are the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and the Leica R 90mm f/2, each offering unique characteristics and appeal.
Comparison of the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and Leica R 90mm f/2 Lenses
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and Leica R 90mm f/2 lenses share the same basic design and optical formula, but differ in their maximum aperture, size, weight, and price.
Aperture and Image Quality
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and Leica R 90mm f/2 lenses are both known for their excellent image quality, offering sharpness, contrast, and minimal distortion. However, the wider aperture of the Leica R 90mm f/2 allows for greater control over depth of field, enabling photographers to isolate subjects and create a more pronounced bokeh effect.
Size and Weight
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 is a more compact and lightweight lens compared to the Leica R 90mm f/2. This makes the f/2.8 lens more portable and easier to handle, especially for extended shooting sessions.
Price
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 is generally more affordable than the Leica R 90mm f/2. This price difference is primarily attributed to the increased complexity and manufacturing costs associated with the faster aperture of the f/2 lens.
Summary of Key Differences
| Feature | Leica R 90mm f/2.8 | Leica R 90mm f/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Size and Weight | Smaller and lighter | Larger and heavier |
| Price | More affordable | More expensive |
| Bokeh Quality | Good | Excellent |
Optical Design and Performance
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 lenses represent distinct approaches to optical design, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The f/2.8 version, a classic design, prioritizes compactness and affordability, while the f/2 model embraces a more complex construction for exceptional image quality.
Optical Designs
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 features a relatively simple optical formula, comprising six elements in four groups. This design prioritizes compactness and affordability, making it a popular choice for photographers seeking a versatile and lightweight telephoto lens. The f/2 version, on the other hand, boasts a more intricate design with eight elements in six groups.
This complex construction enables the lens to achieve superior image quality, particularly in terms of sharpness and contrast.
Image Quality
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 delivers excellent image quality, particularly when stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8. At these apertures, the lens produces sharp, detailed images with good contrast and accurate color rendition. However, at wider apertures, the lens exhibits noticeable vignetting and some softness in the corners.
The Leica R 90mm f/2, thanks to its more advanced optical design, delivers exceptional image quality throughout its aperture range. It exhibits exceptional sharpness, even wide open, with minimal distortion and vignetting. The lens also excels in contrast and color rendition, producing images with a rich and vibrant look.
Performance in Various Shooting Scenarios
Portraiture
Both lenses are well-suited for portraiture, thanks to their flattering bokeh and ability to isolate subjects from the background. The f/2.8 version produces a pleasing, creamy bokeh, while the f/2 lens delivers a smoother and more ethereal bokeh, due to its larger aperture.
Landscape
For landscape photography, the f/2.8 version offers a more compact and lightweight option, making it easier to carry and use for extended periods. However, the f/2 lens excels in sharpness and detail, particularly when shooting landscapes with intricate details and textures.
Low-Light Photography
The Leica R 90mm f/2 lens is a clear winner in low-light situations, thanks to its wider aperture, which allows for faster shutter speeds and lower ISO settings. This results in sharper images with less noise, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Build Quality and Ergonomics: Leica R 90mm 2.8 Vs 2
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 lenses are renowned for their robust build quality and exceptional handling. Both lenses reflect Leica’s commitment to precision engineering and craftsmanship, offering a premium user experience.
Materials and Construction, Leica r 90mm 2.8 vs 2
The construction of both lenses showcases Leica’s meticulous approach to design and material selection. The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 is constructed with a combination of brass and aluminum, resulting in a lens that is both durable and lightweight. The lens features a black chrome finish, providing a classic and elegant aesthetic.The Leica R 90mm f/2, on the other hand, is crafted primarily from brass, which contributes to its exceptional build quality and durability.
This lens also features a black chrome finish, adding to its timeless appeal.
Size, Weight, and Handling
The size and weight of these lenses are notable considerations for photographers, particularly when shooting handheld. The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 is a relatively compact lens, weighing in at approximately 490 grams. Its size and weight make it manageable for extended shooting sessions.The Leica R 90mm f/2, however, is significantly larger and heavier, weighing around 750 grams.
This increased size and weight are due to the lens’s more complex optical design and larger aperture. While it might feel more substantial in the hand, it can be more demanding for extended handheld shooting.
Usability of Features
Both lenses feature a smooth and precise aperture ring, allowing for effortless control over depth of field. The aperture ring is located on the lens barrel and is easily accessible for adjustments. The focus ring on both lenses is equally smooth and precise, offering a tactile and responsive focusing experience.The lens hood is another important feature that enhances the usability of both lenses.
The lens hood effectively reduces flare and ghosting, improving image quality. The hood is typically made of metal and features a bayonet mount, ensuring secure attachment to the lens.
Autofocus and Image Stabilization
The world of photography is constantly evolving, and the advancements in autofocus (AF) and image stabilization (IS) technologies have significantly impacted the way we capture images. In the realm of Leica R lenses, the 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 lenses offer distinct characteristics in these areas, influencing their suitability for various shooting scenarios.
Autofocus Performance
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 lenses represent different generations of lens design, and this difference extends to their autofocus capabilities. The 90mm f/2.8, being an older lens, relies on a mechanical autofocus system. The 90mm f/2, on the other hand, features a more modern, electronically controlled autofocus system.The autofocus speed and accuracy of the 90mm f/2.8 are generally considered to be adequate for most situations, but it may struggle in low light or when shooting fast-moving subjects.
The 90mm f/2, with its electronic autofocus system, offers a noticeable improvement in speed and accuracy, particularly in low light conditions.
- The 90mm f/2.8’s mechanical autofocus system, while functional, can sometimes feel sluggish, especially compared to the newer 90mm f/2.
- The 90mm f/2’s electronic autofocus system provides a faster and more responsive focusing experience, making it a better choice for capturing dynamic subjects.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization, a crucial feature for handheld shooting, is absent in both the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 lenses. This lack of image stabilization means that photographers relying on these lenses for handheld shooting need to be particularly mindful of camera shake, especially at slower shutter speeds.
The absence of image stabilization in both lenses highlights the importance of proper shooting technique and the use of a tripod for optimal sharpness, especially in low light or when shooting at slower shutter speeds.
Autofocus Performance in Different Lighting Conditions
The difference in autofocus performance between the two lenses becomes more pronounced in low light. The 90mm f/2.8’s mechanical autofocus system may struggle to find focus accurately in dimly lit environments, resulting in missed shots or blurry images. The 90mm f/2’s electronic autofocus system, with its improved sensitivity, performs better in low light, offering a more reliable focusing experience.
- The 90mm f/2.8’s mechanical autofocus system can struggle to find focus accurately in low light, making it less ideal for shooting in dimly lit environments.
- The 90mm f/2’s electronic autofocus system, with its improved sensitivity, offers a more reliable focusing experience in low light, making it a better choice for low-light photography.
Availability and Pricing
The availability and pricing of the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 lenses reflect their status as sought-after vintage lenses. Both lenses are no longer in production, making them part of the secondary market, where collectors and photographers alike can find them.
However, their availability and pricing can vary considerably depending on the lens’s condition, accessories, and seller.
Availability
The availability of these lenses can fluctuate, with some sellers offering them consistently, while others might have them intermittently.
- Leica R 90mm f/2.8:This lens is generally easier to find than the f/2 version, particularly in good condition. It can be found on online marketplaces like eBay, KEH Camera, and even dedicated vintage camera shops.
- Leica R 90mm f/2:Finding a Leica R 90mm f/2 in excellent condition can be more challenging, and it might require more patience and searching. Dedicated vintage camera dealers are often a good place to start, as they tend to have a more curated selection.
Pricing
The pricing of these lenses reflects their desirability and condition.
- Leica R 90mm f/2.8:Prices for the f/2.8 lens can range from around $500 to $1,500 depending on condition and accessories. A lens in excellent condition with original box and papers could command the higher end of the price range.
- Leica R 90mm f/2:The f/2 lens is generally more expensive, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 or more for lenses in pristine condition. The rarity of the lens, combined with its reputation for exceptional image quality, contributes to its higher price tag.
Value Proposition
Both lenses offer exceptional image quality, but their value proposition is influenced by their price and the photographer’s needs.
- Leica R 90mm f/2.8:The f/2.8 lens provides excellent value for money, offering exceptional sharpness and a classic Leica look at a more accessible price point. It’s a solid choice for photographers who prioritize image quality without breaking the bank.
- Leica R 90mm f/2:The f/2 lens is a premium option for those seeking the ultimate in image quality and performance. Its wider aperture allows for shallower depth of field and faster shutter speeds in low light, making it ideal for portraiture and other situations where creative control is paramount.
However, its higher price point makes it a more significant investment.
Conclusion
The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and the Leica R 90mm f/2 lenses are both exceptional performers in their respective categories. They share the Leica heritage of precision engineering and optical excellence, delivering stunning image quality. However, they cater to different photographic needs and preferences.
Choosing the Right Lens
The choice between the two lenses hinges on the photographer’s priorities. The Leica R 90mm f/2.8 is a versatile and compact option ideal for everyday photography and travel. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it convenient for carrying around.
It offers excellent sharpness and contrast, making it a great choice for landscapes, portraits, and street photography. The Leica R 90mm f/2, on the other hand, is a more specialized lens designed for low-light photography and achieving a shallow depth of field.
Its faster aperture allows for faster shutter speeds in low-light situations, resulting in sharper images and more pleasing bokeh. It’s an excellent choice for portraiture, studio work, and creative photography.
Additional Considerations
While the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 offers a more accessible price point, the Leica R 90mm f/2 is a coveted lens among photographers seeking the ultimate optical performance and the ability to capture stunning images in challenging lighting conditions. Both lenses are built to last and will serve photographers well for years to come.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the individual photographer’s needs, budget, and photographic style.
Outcome Summary
The choice between the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and the Leica R 90mm f/2 ultimately boils down to your specific needs and priorities. The f/2.8 lens offers a more compact and affordable option with excellent image quality, making it an ideal choice for general photography and those seeking a lighter, more portable setup.
The f/2 lens, however, takes the performance to another level, delivering exceptional sharpness, low-light capabilities, and a more refined bokeh. If you prioritize the ultimate optical performance and are willing to invest in a larger and heavier lens, the f/2 is the superior choice.
Regardless of your selection, both Leica R 90mm lenses represent the pinnacle of photographic engineering, offering exceptional image quality, robust build, and a timeless design that will endure the test of time. They are lenses that will elevate your photography and become cherished companions on your photographic journey.