Leica R 90Mm 2.8 Vs 2: Which Lens is Right for You?

Hey there, fellow photographers! Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s close to my heart: the Leica R 90mm 2.8 vs 2 comparison. Both of these lenses are absolute gems in the Leica lineup, each with its own set of strengths that can elevate your photography game. As someone who’s spent years working with Leica gear, I’ve had the pleasure of using both lenses extensively, and I’m excited to share my insights with you. Whether you’re into portraits, landscapes, or street photography, understanding the nuances between these two can help you make an informed decision for your kit. Let’s get started!

Leica lenses have always been synonymous with quality, and the R system is no exception. The 90mm focal length is particularly versatile, offering a slight telephoto effect that’s perfect for compressing backgrounds and focusing on your subject. The Leica R 90mm 2.8 vs 2 debate often comes up when photographers are looking for a lens that balances performance, portability, and optical excellence. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know, from their history to real-world applications, so you can decide which one suits your needs best.

Leica R 90Mm 2.8 Vs 2 Comparison

Brief History of the Lenses

The Leica R system was introduced in the 1960s as Leica’s entry into the 35mm SLR market. It was designed to offer high-quality lenses for both film and later digital backs. The 90mm focal length quickly became a favorite among photographers for its versatility in portraits, landscapes, and street photography. The Leica R 90mm f/2.8, part of the Elmarit series, was one of the earlier lenses in the R system, known for its compact size and excellent performance.

The Leica R 90mm f/2, from the Summicron series, came later and offered a wider aperture, making it ideal for low-light conditions and creative depth-of-field control. Both lenses represent Leica’s commitment to optical excellence, but they cater to different needs. The f/2.8 is often praised for its balance of size and quality, while the f/2 is celebrated for its speed and bokeh.

Lens Construction and Design

When comparing the Leica R 90mm 2.8 vs 2, one of the first things to look at is their optical design. The f/2.8 features 5 elements in 4 groups, a classic double Gauss configuration that delivers sharp, contrasty images with minimal aberrations. The f/2 has 6 elements in 5 groups, which allows it to handle the wider aperture while maintaining excellent image quality. This additional element helps control aberrations like spherical aberration, especially at f/2.

Both lenses benefit from Leica’s multi-coating technology, which reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring clear images even in challenging lighting conditions. The f/2 has a larger front element to accommodate its wider aperture, but Leica’s design minimizes flare issues when used with a hood. In terms of build, both lenses feature all-metal construction with smooth, precise focus rings and distinct aperture clicks—hallmarks of Leica’s craftsmanship.

Aspect	Leica R 90mm f/2.8	Leica R 90mm f/2
Lens Construction	5 elements, 4 groups	6 elements, 5 groups
Aperture Range	f/2.8 to f/22	f/2 to f/16
Weight	515g	560g
Minimum Focus Distance	~68cm	~68cm

Image Quality: Sharpness and Color Rendition

Image quality is where both lenses truly shine, but there are subtle differences worth noting. The f/2.8 is renowned for its edge-to-edge sharpness, even when wide open at f/2.8. It’s a lens you can trust for critical applications where every detail matters. The f/2, while also very sharp, shows slight softness in the corners at f/2, which improves when stopped down to f/2.8 or smaller.

In terms of color rendition, the f/2.8 produces vibrant, accurate colors that stay true to the scene. It’s great for landscapes where you want natural, faithful tones. The f/2, however, tends to render colors with richer, deeper tones, which can add a moody atmosphere to your images. This difference is subtle but noticeable, especially in skin tones during portrait sessions.

Both lenses handle contrast well, with the f/2.8 having a slight edge in micro-contrast, making details pop. The f/2 excels in rendering smooth gradients without false colorations, which is beneficial for landscapes with skies or foliage.

Performance: Low Light and Bokeh

One of the biggest differences between these lenses is their performance in low light. The f/2 shines here, with its wider maximum aperture allowing you to shoot in dim conditions without cranking up the ISO or slowing down your shutter speed. This makes it ideal for indoor portraits or evening events. For example, during a family portrait session in a dimly lit living room, the f/2 let me capture sharp, noise-free images while maintaining a fast shutter speed.

Bokeh is another area where the f/2 stands out. Its wider aperture creates a smoother, creamier background blur that beautifully isolates your subject. The f/2.8 also produces pleasing bokeh, but it’s less pronounced due to its smaller aperture. The f/2 has 9 aperture blades, creating circular bokeh balls, while the f/2.8 has 8 blades, resulting in slightly more polygonal highlights.

Build and Ergonomics

Both lenses are built to Leica’s exacting standards, featuring all-metal construction that feels solid and durable. The focus rings are smooth and precise, making manual focusing a joy, while the aperture rings provide satisfying tactile feedback. The f/2.8 is slightly lighter at 515g compared to the f/2’s 560g, which can make a difference during long shooting sessions.

The f/2 is also shorter (63mm vs 72mm), which can be advantageous for travel or when using a tripod. Both lenses come with hoods to reduce flare, with the f/2’s hood being retractable for easier storage. Ergonomically, they’re well-balanced on Leica R bodies, though the f/2’s slightly larger size might feel more substantial to some photographers.

Optical Design Differences

Understanding the optical design helps explain why these lenses perform differently. The f/2.8 uses a classic double Gauss design with 5 elements in 4 groups, known for its simplicity and ability to deliver high sharpness with minimal aberrations. The f/2, with its 6 elements in 5 groups, employs a more complex design to handle the wider aperture. This additional element helps correct for aberrations like spherical aberration at f/2, ensuring better performance across the frame.

Both lenses benefit from multi-coating on their elements, reducing reflections and enhancing contrast. The f/2’s larger front element allows for more light gathering but requires careful use of a hood to prevent flare. These design choices reflect Leica’s commitment to balancing optical excellence with practical usability.

Practical Applications: Portraits, Landscapes, Street Photography

Let’s explore how these lenses perform in different genres of photography.

Portraits

For portraits, the f/2 is often the preferred choice due to its wider aperture, which allows for a shallower depth of field. This is perfect for isolating your subject from busy backgrounds. During a recent session at golden hour in a park, the f/2’s ability to render smooth bokeh created images with a dreamy quality that my clients loved. The f/2.8, while still capable, requires more careful composition to achieve similar results.

Landscapes

In landscape photography, both lenses excel, but their strengths differ. The f/2.8’s ability to stop down to f/22 allows for greater depth of field, ensuring everything from foreground to background is sharp. During a mountain trip, I used the f/2.8 to capture a scene with foreground flowers and distant peaks, all in focus at f/11. The f/2, while limited to f/16, is better for low-light landscapes like sunrise or sunset.

Street Photography

Street photography with a 90mm lens offers a unique perspective, compressing scenes and bringing distant subjects closer. The f/2.8’s lighter weight makes it more comfortable for all-day shooting, while its compact size helps you blend into urban environments. I’ve used it to capture candid moments in bustling markets, where its sharpness and color accuracy brought the scene to life. The f/2 is also excellent but might feel heavier during extended use.

User Feedback and Community Insights

Photographers who’ve used both lenses often praise the f/2 for its low-light performance and bokeh. One user on a photography forum described it as “making magic happen in low light,” allowing shots that would be challenging with the f/2.8. The f/2.8, however, is celebrated for its sharpness and affordability, making it a great entry point into high-quality Leica glass.

In terms of build, both lenses are durable, but some users prefer the f/2’s slightly larger size for its premium feel. Resale value is another consideration: the f/2 tends to hold its value better due to its wider aperture, but both are solid investments.

Decision-Making: Which Lens is Right for You?

When deciding between the Leica R 90mm 2.8 vs 2, consider your primary shooting conditions. If you often work in low light or need creative control over depth of field, the f/2 is the way to go. Its wider aperture and superior bokeh make it ideal for portraits and events. However, if budget or weight is a concern, the f/2.8 offers excellent value without compromising much on quality.

Personally, I own both and use them for different purposes. The f/2 is my go-to for studio work and evening shoots, while the f/2.8 accompanies me on travels and landscape trips for its portability and sharpness. Think about your kit and shooting style to make the best choice.

FAQ

1. Which lens is sharper?
   Both are extremely sharp, but the f/2.8 maintains edge-to-edge sharpness even at wider apertures, while the f/2 shows slight corner softness at f/2.
2. Is the bokeh better on the f/2?
   Yes, the f/2 produces smoother, creamier bokeh due to its wider aperture, making it preferable for portraits.
3. Can I use these lenses on digital cameras?
   Absolutely, with adapters for modern mirrorless systems like Sony or Fuji. They’re manual focus lenses, so be prepared for that.
4. Are there significant build differences?
   Both have robust metal construction, but the f/2 is slightly heavier and has a retractable hood.
5. Which one should I choose if I’m on a budget?
   The f/2.8 offers excellent value for money without sacrificing much image quality.
6. Do these lenses work well with modern digital cameras?
   Yes, with adapters, but manual focus might be a consideration depending on your shooting style.
7. Is there a significant difference in resale value?
   The f/2 tends to hold its value better due to its wider aperture, but both are highly sought after.
8. Can I use filters with these lenses?
   Yes, both accept 55mm filters for creative or protective purposes.

In conclusion, both the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 and f/2 are exceptional lenses, each with its own strengths. Your choice should depend on your shooting style, budget, and specific needs. Whether you’re drawn to the f/2’s low-light prowess or the f/2.8’s portability and sharpness, you can’t go wrong with either of these Leica classics.