Leica Camera has added a new telephoto lens to the portfolio of extremely fast prime lenses for the Leica M-System. The Summilux-M 90mm f/1.5 ASPH. 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 lens sets new standards while delivering exceptional performance with the aperture wide open. In addition to the moderate telephoto focal length for portraiture, the high speed of the lens makes it ideal for available light photography and its short minimum focusing distance makes it possible to get close enough to bring each and every fine detail to life.

The optical design of the Summilux-M 90mm f/1.5 ASPH. is extremely complex and features eight elements, two of which are aspherical and made from specialized glass, arranged in six groups,. A floating lens element – an engineering feat when implemented in such compact lenses – ensures that the outstanding performance of the lens is maintained at all focusing distances. Vignetting and distortion, generally encountered with such fast lenses, play practically no role at all thanks to the advanced design of the lens. The integrated lens hood of the Summilux-M 90mm f/1.5 ASPH. can be quickly and easily deployed and locked with a twist to provide further protection against stray light and reflections.

A closest focusing distance of one meter and a reproduction ratio of 1:8.8 make the Summilux-M 90mm f/1.5 ASPH. an ideal lens for portrait photography. Its high speed for this focal length fully utilizes the potential of the Leica M-Bayonet mount. This new Summilux-M has a close relation to the Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH. in terms of optical design and construction and offers a similar, extremely shallow, depth of field that is around half the depth of the legendary Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH.

The Summilux-M 90mm f/1.5 ASPH. has both high-quality materials and glasses as well as exceptional precision in the manufacturing and assembly process. This guarantees endurance and value can be seen first-hand in the smooth focusing action of the lens and the control over bokeh, which demands precise alignment of the optical system. With its ability to isolate subjects with an extremely shallow depth of focus and a focal length that simultaneously enables shooting from a less intrusive distance, the Summilux-M 90mm f/1.5 ASPH. stands out clearly among the classical focal lengths for portrait photography.

With the separately available M-Adapter L, the Summilux-M 90mm f/1.5 ASPH. is also available for use with the Leica SL-System and on other L-Mount cameras. Thanks to 6-bit coding implemented by Leica, the lens is automatically recognized by Leica SL and SL2 cameras and delivers optimum image quality on their high-performance high-resolution sensors.

Eolo Perfido, Exibart Street editorial director, took some pictures with a prototype of this lens last month.

See more on his website: https://eoloperfido.com/

The Summilux-M 90 mm f/1.5 ASPH. is on sale now at Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers for $12,995.00.

More info on Leica’s website.