Mark Ellington
Leica 11684 Summarit-M 90mm f/2.4 Lens
Introduction
The Leica 11684 Summarit-M 90mm f/2.4 Telephoto Lens is a shining example of the German manufacturer’s commitment to excellence in optical engineering. Designed for Leica M series cameras, this lens falls within the telephoto category and is intended for photographers who seek high-quality images with impressive depth of field control. With its combination of portability and performance, the Summarit-M aims to cater to both professional and enthusiast photographers alike.
Product Overview
This lens boasts a compact design that is both lightweight and portable, making it an ideal choice for photographers on the go. The Summarit-M 90mm f/2.4 demonstrates Leica’s dedication to innovative optical technology while maintaining the classical spherical design that they are renowned for. With its anodized finish, it not only looks elegant but is built to withstand the rigors of daily use.
Design and Aesthetic
The Leica 11684 Summarit-M exudes a timeless elegance, characterized by its sleek black finish and minimalist design. Its compact size and lightweight build make it a pleasure to handle, ensuring that it can be easily transported without compromising on performance. The lens features a sturdy metal construction, giving it a premium feel and exceptional durability. Its smooth focus ring and well-placed aperture control add to the overall user-friendly experience, making it intuitive for photographers to adjust settings quickly.
Key Features and Specifications
- Part Number: 11684
- Model: 11685
- Color: Black
- Size: Compact
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.4
- Optical Design: Classical spherical design with state-of-the-art technology
- Exceptional color fidelity due to carefully selected glass types
- Minimal viewfinder obstruction due to compact construction
User Experience
Using the Leica Summarit-M 90mm f/2.4 lens has been a rewarding experience across various shooting scenarios. Whether capturing portraits in natural light or shooting subjects in low-light conditions, the lens performs admirably. The bokeh produced is smooth and creamy, making it ideal for isolating subjects against soft backgrounds. The fast f/2.4 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance, yielding sharp images with minimal noise.
In portrait photography, the lens excels in producing flattering images with beautiful skin tones. The color accuracy is remarkable, and the lens captures fine details with precision. Additionally, in landscape photography, the lens provides stunning clarity and contrast, showcasing the beauty of expansive views.
However, it is worth noting that the lens can exhibit some chromatic aberration in high-contrast scenarios. While this can often be corrected in post-processing, it is something to be aware of for those who prioritize perfect optical performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design for easy portability
- Excellent optical quality with sharpness and color fidelity
- Fast maximum aperture for low-light shooting
- Beautiful bokeh and subject isolation
- Robust metal construction enhancing durability
Cons
- Possible chromatic aberration in high-contrast situations
- Manual focus may not suit all users, especially in fast-paced environments
Conclusion
The Leica 11684 Summarit-M 90mm f/2.4 Telephoto Lens is a remarkable tool that empowers photographers to unleash their creativity. Its combination of superior optical performance, compact design, and user-friendly features make it a valuable addition to any Leica camera system. While minor drawbacks such as chromatic aberration exist, the overall image quality and ease of use far outweigh these concerns. For those seeking a blend of elegance and functionality in their photographic pursuits, the Summarit-M is an excellent choice that lives up to the esteemed Leica legacy.
