Some lenses offer possibilities that go far beyond the ordinary and give rise to truly exceptional results. This 90mm Summilux lens renders portraits with a breathtakingly shallow depth of field – allowing for the subject to stand out in perfect focus with amazing clarity while the background appears lusciously blurred.
The optical design of the Summilux-M 90 f/1.5 ASPH. is at the cutting edge of the latest lens technology and developments, delivering outstanding levels of optical performance even at its widest f/1.5 aperture. Its telephoto focal length and fast aperture are ideal for capturing perfect portraits even with available light, while its minimum focus distance makes it possible to get close enough to bring each and every fine detail to life.
Optical design
The Summilux-M 90 f/1.5 ASPH. is distinguished by an elaborate construction comprised of 8 lens elements, two of which are aspherical in design and made of specialized glass types, arranged in 6 groups. A floating lens element – an engineering feat when implemented in such compact lenses – ensures that the superior optical performance of the lens is maintained across the full focus range.
The MTF technical data charts show that even at maximum aperture the lens delivers exceedingly sharp contrast and fine details in subjects regardless if they are near or far, with virtually no drop-off in quality towards the edges of the image. The close-focus distance of one meter, kept to a minimum for such a fast lens, allows for a maximum magnification ratio of 1:8.8 – meaning photographers can get as close as needed for the ideal portrait.
With its 90mm focal length and incredibly bright aperture, the Summilux-M 90 f/1.5 ASPH. fully utilizes the potential of the Leica M bayonet mount. In terms of optical design and the aesthetic of its rendering, the latest Summilux-M is closely related to the Noctilux-M 75 f/1.25 ASPH. For example, both lenses deliver similar, razor-thin in-focus areas that are half as slim as the depth of field achievable with the legendary Noctilux-M 50 f/0.95 ASPH.
The intricate design and use of specialized glasses ensure that optical aberrations such as vignetting and distortion are kept to a minimum. The integrated lens hood can be extended and locked in an instant, providing optimal protection from stray light and reflections.
Perfection through precision
In addition to the use of specialized glasses and high-quality materials, the unique performance of the Summilux-M 90 f/1.5 ASPH. also benefits from an exceedingly high-precision lens construction. This not only guarantees outstanding optical performance, but also makes the lens an exceptionally durable and long-lasting tool. The standout rendition is a direct result of its meticulous craftsmanship – as is the stunningly beautiful bokeh in the out-of-focus areas.
The combination of the extremely shallow depth of field, showcasing the three-dimensional isolation of the subject from the background, along with a longer telephoto focal length, clearly sets the Summilux-M 90 f/1.5 ASPH. apart from classic portrait lenses.
With extremely shallow depth of field at its widest aperture, the Summilux-M 90 f/1.5 ASPH. enables meticulously controlled compositions based on high-precision focusing – which, on the Leica M, is further supported by the optional Visoflex viewfinder.
The Summilux-M 90 f/1.5 ASPH. also represents an appealing addition to Leica’s SL-System. Thanks to the M-Adapter L, the Summilux-M 90 f/1.5 ASPH. is also compatible with the Leica SL and SL2.
