Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. § 03 Head to head
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. vs Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine
Leica 90mm f/2 is 0.1 stops brighter maximum aperture. Meike 85mm f/2.1 has a wider field of view.
The Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. is a 90mm f/2 prime, and the Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine is an 85mm f/2.1 prime. On paper the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. comes out ahead, 6 advantages to 4, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. 
Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine 01
Key differences
Why is the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. better than the Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine?
- 0.1 stops brighter maximum aperture (f/2 vs f/2.1)
- Longer reach (90mm vs 85mm)
- 470 g lighter (700 g vs 1170 g)
- 36 mm shorter (102 mm vs 138.4 mm long)
- Focuses 25 cm closer (0.6 m vs 0.85 m)
- Smaller filter thread (67 mm vs 82 mm)
Why is the Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine better than the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH.?
- Wider field of view (85mm vs 90mm)
- More aperture blades (11 vs 9)
- $4,152 cheaper ($998 list price vs $5,150 launch price)
- Newer design (2021 vs 2018)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. has the edge: its f/2 aperture gathers more light than f/2.1.
- low-light For low-light shooting, the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. has the edge: its f/2 aperture gathers more light than f/2.1.
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Specification
| Specification | Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. | Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 90mm | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 ◆ | f/2.1 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 700 g (24.69 oz) ◆ | 1170 g |
| Dimensions | 102 x 73 mm | 89.6 x 138.4 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.6 m (23.62 inches) ◆ | 0.85 m |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture ring | No | — |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 11 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 11 elements / 9 groups | 14 elements in 8 groups |
| Filter size | 67 mm ◆ | 82 mm |
| Lens mount | L-Mount | Canon EF, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, L-Mount |
| Released | 2018 | 2021 |
| Price | $5,150 launch price | $998 list price ◆ |
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Size
- A · Leica
- B · Meike
- 102 × 73 mm
- 138.4 × 89.6 mm
The Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine is 36 mm longer and 470 g heavier than the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH..
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Sample frames
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH.
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which lens has the brighter aperture, the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. or the Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine?
- The Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. opens to f/2, against f/2.1 on the Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine, 0.1 stops brighter.
- Which is lighter, the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. or the Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine?
- The Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. weighs 700 g, 470 g less than the Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine (1170 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. or the Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine?
- The Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. focuses down to 0.6 m, against 0.85 m for the Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine.
- Do the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. and the Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. or the Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. has the edge: its f/2 aperture gathers more light than f/2.1.
- Is the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. or the Meike 85 mm T2.1 Cine better for low-light shooting?
- For low-light shooting, the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. has the edge: its f/2 aperture gathers more light than f/2.1.
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