Hey there, fellow photography enthusiasts! I’m so excited to dive deep into one of the most debated topics in the Leica R world – the epic showdown between the Leica R 90mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R and the f/2 Summicron-R. As someone who’s spent countless hours shooting with both these legendary lenses, I can tell you this isn’t just another boring spec comparison. We’re talking about two pieces of optical engineering that have captured decades of incredible images and sparked countless forum debates.
I remember when I first got into Leica R glass – I was overwhelmed by the choices, especially when it came to the 90mm focal length. Both lenses looked similar on paper, but I knew there had to be more to the story. So, I did what any curious photographer would do: I bought both, tested them extensively, and learned the hard way so you don’t have to.
Why This Comparison Matters in 2025?
Let’s face it – Leica R lenses aren’t getting any cheaper, and making the right choice between these two 90mm options could save you hundreds (or cost you thousands if you choose wrong). The 90mm focal length is that sweet spot for portraits, street photography, and even landscapes, making it a must-have in many photographers’ bags.
What I’ve discovered through my journey is that these lenses, while similar in focal length, serve entirely different masters. One is the sharp, reliable workhorse, while the other is the dreamy portrait specialist. But which one is right for you? That’s exactly what we’re going to uncover together.
A Quick History Lesson
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me share a bit about where these lenses come from. The Leica R system was Leica’s answer to the SLR market, and these 90mm lenses became instant classics. The Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 has been around since the early days of the R system, known for its compact size and incredible sharpness. The Summicron-R 90mm f/2, designed by the legendary Walter Mandler, came later as the faster, more premium option.
I’ve always been fascinated by how these two lenses represent different philosophies – the Elmarit-R being the practical, everyday performer, and the Summicron-R being the no-compromise portrait machine.
Head-to-Head Specifications
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way first. I’ve put together this comprehensive comparison table based on my research and hands-on testing:
| Feature | Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 | Summicron-R 90mm f/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | 5 elements, 4 groups | 6 elements, 5 groups |
| Aperture Range | f/2.8 – f/22 | f/2 – f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 8 blades | 8 blades |
| Weight | 515g | 560g |
| Length | 72mm | 63mm |
| Diameter | 65mm | 70mm |
| Close Focus | 70cm | 70cm |
| Filter Size | E55 | E55 |
| Build | All-metal construction | All-metal construction |
| Current Market Value | $280-750 | $650-1,200 |
Real-World Performance: My Honest Experience
Sharpness: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
I’ll be straight with you – sharpness is where these lenses show their true colors, and the differences might surprise you. The Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is, without a doubt, the sharper lens wide open. When I’m shooting landscapes or need critical sharpness across the frame, this is my go-to lens. At f/2.8, it delivers edge-to-edge sharpness that’s simply remarkable.
The Summicron-R, however, tells a different story. Wide open at f/2, it’s noticeably softer in the corners and has lower contrast. But here’s the interesting part – by f/4, both lenses perform almost identically in terms of sharpness. I discovered this during a portrait session where I stopped the Summicron down to f/4 and was shocked at how crisp the images became.
My personal take: If you’re a landscape photographer or need maximum sharpness wide open, the Elmarit-R is your winner. But if you’re shooting portraits, that initial softness of the Summicron at f/2 can actually work in your favor.
Contrast and Color Rendition
This is where things get really interesting, and it’s something I noticed immediately when comparing my images. The Elmarit-R produces images with higher contrast and more vibrant, accurate colors right out of the camera. When I’m shooting colorful street scenes or landscapes, this lens makes colors pop in a way that’s truly satisfying.
The Summicron-R, on the other hand, has a more subtle, low-contrast look wide open. It renders colors with a richness that’s hard to describe but easy to see – especially in skin tones. During a recent portrait session, I was amazed at how naturally the Summicron rendered my subject’s skin, with a creamy quality that the Elmarit just couldn’t match.
What I’ve learned: The Elmarit-R is perfect when you want punchy, vibrant images, while the Summicron-R excels when you want that classic, timeless portrait look.
Bokeh: The Dream Factor
Let’s talk about what really matters for portrait photographers – bokeh. The Summicron-R 90mm f/2 is in a league of its own here. With its wider aperture, it creates incredibly smooth, creamy backgrounds that make your subject pop. I’ve shot countless portraits with both lenses, and the Summicron’s bokeh has that magical quality that clients absolutely love.
The Elmarit-R, while still producing pleasant bokeh, can’t quite match the Summicron’s rendering. The bokeh balls are slightly more polygonal, and the background separation isn’t as pronounced. However, for many photography genres, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing – sometimes you want more context in your backgrounds.
My discovery: If portraits are your primary focus, the Summicron-R’s bokeh alone might be worth the extra cost. But if you shoot a variety of genres, the Elmarit-R’s more controlled bokeh can be more versatile.
Also Read: Canon EOS R5 Vs Fujifilm Xt4
Build Quality and Handling
Both lenses are built like tanks – this is Leica, after all. But there are subtle differences that I’ve noticed during extensive use:
The Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is slightly lighter at 515g vs the Summicron’s 560g. While 45g might not sound like much, I definitely notice the difference during all-day shooting sessions. The Elmarit also feels slightly more compact, making it a better travel companion.
The Summicron-R, however, has that premium feel that’s hard to quantify. Its focus throw is longer (about 270 degrees), making precise focusing a dream. Both have smooth aperture rings with satisfying clicks, but the Summicron’s slightly larger diameter gives it a more substantial feel in hand.
What matters most: For travel and everyday use, I prefer the Elmarit-R’s lighter weight. For studio work and when I want that premium feel, the Summicron-R wins every time.
Practical Applications: Which Lens for Which Job?
Portrait Photography
This is where the Summicron-R truly shines. The wider f/2 aperture allows for incredible subject separation and that dreamy background blur that portrait photographers crave. I’ve shot everything from headshots to environmental portraits with this lens, and it never disappoints.
The Elmarit-R can certainly do portraits, but you’ll need to work harder to achieve similar background separation. However, I’ve found it excellent for group portraits where you need more depth of field to keep everyone sharp.
My recommendation: If portraits are your bread and butter, invest in the Summicron-R. The extra stop and superior bokeh are worth every penny.
Landscape Photography
For landscapes, the Elmarit-R is my clear winner. Its ability to stop down to f/22 gives you incredible depth of field, and the edge-to-edge sharpness means every detail in your scene will be tack sharp. I’ve captured some of my best landscape images with this lens, from mountain vistas to intimate forest scenes.
The Summicron-R, while capable, is limited to f/16 and doesn’t have the same corner sharpness wide open. However, it does have its place in landscape photography – I’ve used it successfully for moody, atmospheric shots where the lower contrast works to my advantage.
My advice: For serious landscape work, the Elmarit-R is the better choice. The Summicron-R can work for certain styles, but it’s not as versatile.
Street Photography
Street photography is where things get interesting. The Elmarit-R’s lighter weight makes it perfect for all-day shooting, and its compact size helps you blend into urban environments. I’ve spent countless hours wandering city streets with this lens, and it never draws attention to itself.
The Summicron-R, while heavier, has that magical quality at f/2 that can make ordinary street scenes look extraordinary. However, the weight becomes noticeable during long shooting sessions.
What I’ve found: For most street photography, the Elmarit-R’s practical advantages win out. But if you’re going for a specific look and don’t mind the weight, the Summicron-R can create stunning results.
Low Light Performance
This is one area where the Summicron-R has a clear advantage. That extra stop makes a huge difference in dim conditions. I’ve shot indoor events, evening portraits, and night scenes with the Summicron, and it consistently delivers usable images where the Elmarit would struggle.
The Elmarit-R, while capable in good light, starts to show its limitations as the light fades. You’ll need to push your ISO higher or use slower shutter speeds, which isn’t always ideal.
My experience: If you shoot in low light conditions regularly, the Summicron-R is worth the investment. For mostly daytime shooting, the Elmarit-R will serve you well.
Also Read: Tamron 35-150 Vs Canon 24-105
Price and Value Considerations
Let’s talk money, because this is a significant factor for most of us. The Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 typically sells for $280-750 depending on condition and version, while the Summicron-R 90mm f/2 commands $650-1,200.
Here’s my take on value: The Elmarit-R offers incredible performance for its price. It’s a lens that can do almost everything well and represents fantastic value in the Leica R system. The Summicron-R, while more expensive, offers unique capabilities that justify its cost for certain photographers.
What I tell my friends: If you’re on a budget or need a versatile all-rounder, get the Elmarit-R. If you specialize in portraits or need that extra stop, save up for the Summicron-R.
Sample Images and Real-World Results
I wish I could show you the actual images I’ve captured with both lenses, but let me describe what I’ve observed:
Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 images:
- Incredible sharpness across the frame
- Vibrant, accurate colors
- Excellent for architecture and landscapes
- Good but not exceptional bokeh
- Performs well in most lighting conditions
Summicron-R 90mm f/2 images:
- Dreamy, soft quality wide open
- Beautiful skin tone rendering
- Exceptional bokeh quality
- Lower contrast but rich color depth
- Excels in portrait and artistic applications
Which One Should You Buy?
After spending countless hours with both lenses, here’s my honest advice:
Get the Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 if:
- You shoot mostly landscapes and street photography
- You need a lightweight, versatile lens
- You’re on a budget
- You value sharpness over bokeh
- You want a lens that excels in most situations
Get the Summicron-R 90mm f/2 if:
- Portraits are your primary focus
- You need the best possible bokeh
- You shoot frequently in low light
- You appreciate that classic Leica look
- You’re willing to pay a premium for unique capabilities
Pro Tips I’ve Learned Along the Way
- Test before you buy: If possible, try both lenses before making your decision. The handling differences are significant.
- Consider version differences: Both lenses have multiple versions, with later versions generally being better. Do your research on specific serial numbers.
- Adaptation is key: Both lenses adapt well to modern mirrorless cameras, but make sure you get a quality adapter.
- Maintenance matters: These are old lenses – budget for potential servicing and CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust).
- Patience pays off: Good deals on both lenses come up regularly if you’re willing to wait and watch the market.
Common Myths Debunked
I’ve heard a lot of misinformation about these lenses over the years, so let me set the record straight:
Myth: The Summicron-R is always sharper than the Elmarit-R. Reality: The Elmarit-R is actually sharper wide open and maintains its advantage until f/4.
Myth: The Elmarit-R can’t do portraits. Reality: It can do portraits very well, just with different characteristics than the Summicron.
Myth: The Summicron-R is too heavy for practical use. Reality: While heavier, it’s still very manageable for most photographers.
Final Thoughts
After all this testing and comparison, what’s my final verdict? Honestly, both lenses are exceptional, and you can’t go wrong with either. The Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is the practical choice that delivers incredible performance for its price, while the Summicron-R 90mm f/2 is the specialist that creates magic in the right hands.
I currently own both and use them for different purposes. The Elmarit-R lives on my camera for everyday shooting, while the Summicron-R comes out for portrait sessions and special projects. This might seem like overkill, but having both options gives me the flexibility to capture exactly the look I want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these lenses compatible with modern digital cameras?
Yes! Both lenses adapt beautifully to modern mirrorless cameras from Sony, Canon, Nikon, and others. You’ll need a quality Leica R to your camera’s mount adapter, but the results are worth it.
Which lens is better for video?
The Summicron-R generally works better for video due to its smoother focus throw and more pleasing bokeh. However, the Elmarit-R’s lighter weight can be advantageous for handheld shooting.
Do these lenses have autofocus?
No, both are manual focus only. This is actually a benefit for many photographers who prefer the precision and control of manual focusing.
How do these compare to modern 90mm lenses?
While modern lenses offer autofocus and sometimes better wide-open performance, these Leica classics have a unique character and build quality that’s hard to match. They’re more about the experience and final image look than pure technical perfection.
Is the price difference justified?
For portrait photographers and those who need that extra stop, absolutely. For general photography, the Elmarit-R offers 90% of the performance at 50% of the cost.
Which lens holds its value better?
Historically, the Summicron-R has held its value better due to its wider aperture and reputation as a portrait specialist. However, both lenses are solid investments in quality glass.
Can I use these lenses for macro photography?
While not true macro lenses, both can be used for close-up work. The Elmarit-R’s flatter field makes it slightly better for this purpose, and both accept Elpro close-up attachments.
Save This Article for Later
Planning your next lens purchase? Go ahead and bookmark this article – I’ll be updating it regularly with new findings and market information. The Leica R lens market is always changing, and I want to make sure you have the most current information when you’re ready to make your decision.
Remember, the best lens is the one that inspires you to get out and shoot. Whether you choose the Elmarit-R or Summicron-R, you’re getting a piece of photographic history that will serve you well for years to come.
Happy shooting in 2025!