Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4

Leica M-Mount

Review

The Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 is a remarkable lens that perfectly embodies the spirit of Leica's legendary quality and craftsmanship. Designed for the Leica M mount, this lens is a versatile tool for photographers, particularly those interested in macro and portrait photography. Its compact design and excellent optical performance make it a favorite among Leica enthusiasts.

Build Quality and Design

One of the standout features of the Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 is its exceptional build quality. Made primarily of metal, this lens provides a solid and premium feel in your hands, typical of Leica products. The minimalist design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, offering smooth focus and aperture rings. Weighing only around 500 grams, it's relatively lightweight for a 90mm lens, which makes it suitable for extended hand-held photography sessions.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Macro-Elmar-M does not disappoint. The lens produces stunning images with excellent sharpness across the frame. At f/4, it achieves impressive contrast and clarity, making it ideal for capturing fine details in close-up shots. The lens has a close focusing distance of 0.5m, allowing for a maximum magnification of 1:3. This makes it particularly useful for macro photography, where capturing minute details is essential.

Versatility

While the Macro-Elmar-M is tailored for macro photography, it excels in other areas as well. Its focal length of 90mm is perfect for portraiture, offering a pleasing compression and depth of field that highlights your subject while beautifully blurring the background. The lens is also effective in various lighting conditions, thanks to its ability to maintain clarity and contrast even when stopped down.

Autofocus and Handling

It's essential to note that the Macro-Elmar-M is a manual focus lens, which may not suit everyone. Photographers who are not accustomed to manual focusing might find it challenging, especially with its narrow depth of field at close distances. However, the focusing experience is incredibly smooth and precise, allowing skilled users to adapt easily.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional build quality and a solid, premium feel.
• Excellent optical performance with great sharpness and contrast.
• Compact and lightweight design, ideal for portability.
• Versatile for both macro and portrait photography.
• Smooth manual focusing experience.

Cons

• Manual focus might not suit all users, especially beginners.
• Limited to a maximum aperture of f/4, which may not be ideal for low-light conditions.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 is a premium lens that offers exceptional performance and versatility for serious photographers. While there are some drawbacks, such as the reliance on manual focusing and a limited maximum aperture, the strengths of this lens far outweigh the weaknesses. Its superb optical quality and solid build make it an investment worth considering for anyone seeking to expand their Leica M lens collection, especially for those interested in macro and portrait photography.