Now is the time we write about a funny, tiny 90mm lens that works well on both M and SL cameras. It's cute and light but, as you'll see, sharp.

 

Voigtlander makes a small 90mm lens; the APO Skopar. It's an f2.8 which is probably how they got the size and weight down to a manageable level. The lens is made for M mount cameras but as we all know you can pretty much adapt M lenses to any mirrorless mount. Or at least most of them. 

I've never done it myself but I think designed and making a very good 90mm lens for the 35mm format is much easier than doing the same for a very wide angle lens covering the same format. They tend to have fewer elements, less vignetting and higher corner sharpness than wider lenses. So, while it's not as challenging to produce the 90mm is still a wonderfully expressive focal length. And, if one is making a lens unencumbered by autofocus mechanisms, automatic diaphragm stop down and image stabilization it's entirely possible to make the lens much smaller, lighter and less expensive than the lenses for current mirrorless camera brands. Score one for simplicity. 

The Voigtlander 90mm f2.8  APO Skopje is tiny. Non-intimidating. Non-threatening. Pocketable. Nicely made, etc. I had originally had one in the non-glossy, silver finish and for some reason I didn't use it very often. One of my friends was selling off a bunch of lenses (he's an even worse lens hoarder than me...) and he had a black on on the "chopping block." Being magnanimous he offered to trade me the black version for my silver version. Mint to mint. Both in like new condition. For some reason I instantly warmed up to the black version and now pack it with me just about wherever I go. I guess the contrast between a black camera body and a silver lens was just too much for me. And I have to admit that the all black combination is more discreet. 

The trio of Voigtlander APO lenses that I own make a wonderful system, albeit slightly limited with 35mm being the widest of the bunch. But the 50mm and the 90mm see the most day-to-day use. Still, I seem to pack them all when I'm going to a place where photography is my sole focus.

After my friend traded lenses with me I spent a whole day walking around just taking photographs with the new, black 90mm. I was very pleased with the output. Of course, I believe my hit rate was higher than normal because instead mating the lens with an older Leica M240 I used it on the Leica SL2-S which has a much more modern sensor and really wonderful color. Here are some of the images I found while I was walking around clicking away. A fun and mostly healthy way to spend an afternoon.

This hotel is just too much fun. Their pool is exactly what every hotel pool should be.

Laid back. All inclusive and festive. Bar included.

In case you were wondering, JoAnn's serves a wide range of food including some really good Tex-Mex fair. They are joined at the hip with the Austin Motel. It's a fun section of a South Congress Ave. block. 

then, of course, there's Jo's Coffee just the next block over from JoAnn's.

This is the central hub of the whole neighborhood. Sure, there is other 

coffee available but none have been able to replicate the vibe. 

An interior space at the Hotel San José.

When the weather cools off the courtyard here is the perfect non-hurried, non-judgmental spot in which to sip coffee from Jo's or a beverage from the Hotel's bar. Adjacent to the swimming pool.

Not a pool table in sight. 

A new shop opened on S. Congress. Very much NOT a local enterprise. I think LaLaLand is partly owned by Disney. They sell various non-alcoholic beverages and have a big following among

the Tik-Tokers. Lines out the door. Disney characters plastered all around... Weird. 

Crossover mutations abound.

Looking through the window of the front door at the reception area for 

Vespaio Restaurant. Big, fun, Northern Italian food but a bar and dining room that were too noisy for me even in my socializing heyday.

Everyone's boots should be so nicely lined...

A stroll through Allen's Boots. 

And just down the street for cool hats at Maufrais. 

Stopping for house made ice cream at Amy's. An Austin original.

Watched over by unflinching, benevolent mannequin agents. 

Do I like the VM 90 f2.8 APO? Yes, very much. I also like their 75mm f1.9 Ultron. Also tiny but an optical powerhouse for those who like the focal length. Would I buy it again? Sure, why not? But then there is the newly introduced Thypoch Simera 75mm f1.4 lens. Bigger, longer, heavier but so sexy with that fast aperture.... No one says you have to pick just one....