Leica Thambar-M 90mm F2.2

Leica M-Mount

Review

The Leica Thambar-M 90mm F2.2 is a fascinating lens that harks back to the classic aesthetic of portrait photography, combining beautiful bokeh with a distinctive soft focus effect. It's a unique offering in the Leica range, primarily designed for those who aim to create an artistic atmosphere in their compositions.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Thambar-M is characteristic of Leica's commitment to precision and quality. The lens is relatively compact and lightweight, making it a great companion for photographers who prefer to travel light. Its all-metal construction not only adds to its durability but also gives it a premium feel in hand. The lens elements are coated with high-quality anti-reflective coatings, contributing to improved contrast and color accuracy, even under challenging lighting conditions.

Optical Performance

The Thambar-M 90mm F2.2 is known for its ability to produce stunning portraits with a soft focus effect that adds character to images. At its widest aperture, it delivers a dreamy look, perfect for creating an ethereal feel in your portraits. The bokeh is creamy and smooth, which is fantastic for isolating subjects from the background. However, this soft focus comes at a cost—sharpness is noticeably lower when shooting wide open, and details may be less defined compared to more conventional lenses.

Stopping down the aperture improves sharpness to a degree, providing a more balanced rendering without completely losing that enchanting softness. The color rendition is true to life, with a warm tone that complements skin tones beautifully.

Usability

Focusing can be a bit tricky due to the soft focus nature of the lens. Photographers may need to spend some time getting used to how the lens renders images at various apertures. This lens is more suited for experienced photographers who enjoy an artistic approach and don't mind experimenting to achieve the desired look.

Performance in Different Conditions

The Thambar-M performs admirably in controlled lighting, particularly for indoor portraits or creative outdoor shots during golden hour. However, under harsh direct sunlight, the results may vary, with potential flare and a loss of contrast. While the lens handles different lighting situations reasonably well, achieving the desired artistic effect may require some careful consideration.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique soft focus and dreamy bokeh suitable for artistic portraits.
• High-quality build and design typical of Leica lenses.
• Great color rendition, especially for skin tones.
• Compact and lightweight for a 90mm lens.

Cons

• Lower sharpness at wide open apertures may not suit all photographers.
• Focusing can be challenging, especially for beginners.
• Performance may degrade in harsh lighting conditions.

Verdict

Overall, the Leica Thambar-M 90mm F2.2 is a specialized lens that excels in creating mood and atmosphere in portrait photography. While it may not be for everyone, its unique characteristics can be invaluable for those who are looking to add an artistic flair to their work. If you're ready to embrace its quirks and explore the creative possibilities it offers, the Thambar-M can be a rewarding addition to your Leica M mount lens collection.