Leica 90mm f/1.5 Summilux-M ASPH. Lens, Black, 6-Bit {67} with Built-In Hood, Tripod Foot (11678)

Leica's first 90mm Summilux brings f/1.5 to M-mount portraiture.

The Summilux-M 90mm f/1.5 ASPH. occupies a specific niche in the M-mount lineup: a telephoto prime fast enough to produce separation that shorter focal lengths simply can't match at equivalent apertures. At f/1.5 on a 90mm frame, the depth of field narrows to a degree that puts faces in sharp relief against backgrounds rendered into smooth gradients. The 11-blade diaphragm contributes to that rendering, producing rounded out-of-focus highlights across the aperture range. Stopped down, the 27° angle of view keeps it tight enough for environmental portraits without requiring uncomfortable working distances.

The optical construction runs 8 elements in 6 groups, with one aspherical element and a floating element that maintains consistency from the 1.0-meter minimum focus distance out to infinity. At 1010g and 91mm long, this is a substantial piece of glass for an M-mount lens, though the magnesium alloy build accounts for some of that heft. The 67mm filter thread, built-in hood, 6-bit coding for automatic lens detection, and included tripod foot round out a thoughtfully specified package. Adapted to Sony E, Canon RF, or L-Mount mirrorless systems, it functions as a manual-focus portrait telephoto with a signature rendering profile that modern glass rarely replicates.

Who It's For

Portrait photographers shooting on Leica M bodies will find the f/1.5 aperture and 90mm focal length a combination that offers subject isolation beyond what the 50mm Summilux can achieve. Documentary and editorial shooters who need rangefinder discretion without sacrificing working distance in tight environments will appreciate the 1.0m close focus and internal focus design. Mirrorless photographers on Sony E or L-Mount systems seeking a manual-focus telephoto with a distinct optical character can adapt this lens and retain 6-bit data via compatible adapters. Collectors and working photographers alike recognize the Summilux designation as a benchmark within Leica's optical history.

Key Features

• 90mm f/1.5 maximum aperture with 11-blade diaphragm
• 8-element optical design in 6 groups with 1 aspherical element
• 27° angle of view with 0.11x maximum magnification
• Internal floating element maintains optical performance from 1.0m minimum focus
• Magnesium alloy construction with built-in hood and tripod foot
• 67mm filter thread with 6-bit coding for automatic lens detection

FAQ

What separates this 90mm from adapting a longer lens to mirrorless?

At f/1.5 on 90mm, you get depth of field that's genuinely different from stopping down a faster 75mm or 85mm to match subject-to-background separation. The optical formula is optimized for this specific focal length and aperture combination, not a compromise from a wider design. Manual focus on mirrorless with focus peaking and magnification makes the working distance feel natural.

How does the 11-blade diaphragm affect bokeh?

The 11 blades hold nearly circular aperture shapes across the range, so out-of-focus highlights stay rounded rather than polygon-shaped. Combined with the optical design, backgrounds compress into smooth gradients without the cat-eye or busy rendering you see in some telephoto lenses.

Is the 1.0-meter minimum focus distance workable for portraits?

Yes. At 90mm, 1.0m puts you at a comfortable working distance for headshots and three-quarter framing. The floating element maintains sharpness edge-to-edge from that distance out, so you're not sacrificing optical performance at close range.

What's the weight and handling trade-off for an M-mount lens?

At 1010g, it's heavy for M-mount but lighter than comparable RF or EF telephotos. The magnesium alloy keeps it reasonable for handheld work. The included tripod foot and built-in hood add practical value without increasing bulk significantly.

Does 6-bit coding matter if I'm adapting to mirrorless?

The coding enables automatic lens detection on Leica M bodies if you ever use it on film or digital M cameras. On mirrorless adapters, it's inert, but the lens performs identically. Manual focus means the body doesn't rely on it for operation.

How does the aspherical element affect edge sharpness?

The single aspherical element corrects spherical aberration, keeping edge definition consistent with the center across the aperture range. At f/1.5, this is critical because slower lenses at equivalent apertures show more edge softness. Stopped to f/4 or f/5.6, sharpness corner-to-corner is clinical.

What's the angle of view like compared to standard 85mm portrait lenses?

At 27°, it's tighter than an 85mm (28.6°) but still wider than a 135mm (18°). The framing sits between traditional portrait and telephoto territory, letting you isolate subjects without the spatial compression that 135mm introduces.