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 p.1 #1 · Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 "SPII" Review | |
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Review Quick Links:
- Initial Impressions
- Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to MS Optics 73mm f/1.5 Sonnetar (M10-R)
- Field Curvature
- Distortion
- Sunstar Rendering
- Minimal Focus Distance performance and Focus Shift
- Flare Resistance
- Rendering compared to MS Optics 73mm f/1.5 Sonnetar
- Optical Vignetting and Specular Highlights shape
- Chromatic Aberration (CA)
- Final Thoughts
- Samples 1: Late afternoon, first time with the lens (Low Contrast version)
Leica M10-P Safari paired with the Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 "SPII"
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Initial impressions of the Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 "SPII" lens:
The Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SP II is one of those lenses the company has been teasing for quite a while and one that many photographers have been eagerly waiting for. It took some time, but it's finally here. For this review, I'll be looking at the Silver Chrome version, although the lens is also available in a Black Paint finish.
Just like the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 SP II, the new 75mm is not designed around chasing maximum sharpness through modern aberration correction. Instead, it draws inspiration from the classic 1940s Cooke Speed Panchro Series II cinema lenses, known for their softer f/2 rendering, distinctive flare, rounded bokeh, subtle outlining, and more organic overall look.
These characteristics helped give many classic Hollywood films their unique cinematic character, a look that many photographers and cinematographers still appreciate today, especially when compared to the highly corrected and technically perfect rendering of many modern lenses.
Leica M3 with Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SPII
Like the 50mm f/2 SP II, the new 75mm is part of Light Lens Lab's growing SP II lineup and is based on a classic Double Gauss optical design. This time, however, Light Lens Lab made several thoughtful changes that improve usability without sacrificing the lens's vintage-inspired appearance. Because a 75mm lens is physically larger and can feel less balanced than a 50mm, they chose to use an aluminum barrel instead of brass. The result is a lens that is actually lighter than the smaller 50mm f/2 SP II, making it more convenient to carry and shoot with for extended periods.
The same attention to detail extends to the hood. Rather than using a heavier brass hood, Light Lens Lab matched the aluminum construction of the lens, creating a much lighter and more practical combination. Best of all, they managed to retain the beautiful classic aesthetic. Looking at the lens, you would never guess it isn’t made from brass.
Leica M3 with Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SPII
What makes this short telephoto release especially interesting is the balance it appears to strike between old world rendering and modern refinement. According to Light Lens Lab, the optical formula has been updated for modern digital sensors and even expanded to cover formats up to 44×33mm medium format sensors. Achromatic elements have also been integrated to help maintain balanced contrast and better control aberrations while still preserving the tonal transitions and cinematic atmosphere the lens is designed around.
Leica M3 paired with the Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SPII
We will test this in detail, but based on descriptions and initial sample images, the 75mm SP II appears to deliver a similar look to the 50mm f/2 SP II wide open, with softer contrast and an unmistakably painterly rendering. Stopped down, the lens reportedly tightens up considerably with increased clarity and resolution while still maintaining its signature character. That combination is something I always find far more interesting than lenses that look technically perfect at every aperture but lack personality.
Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SPII adapted to Nikon Zf
I'm especially excited to compare this lens directly against the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 SP II because I suspect they will share a very similar design philosophy and rendering DNA. I expect both lenses to deliver similar rendering and overall character, although they may differ somewhat in flare behavior. At the same time, the longer 75mm focal length should naturally introduce a different feel, with stronger subject separation and a more immersive draw than the 50mm version. It will be interesting to see just how closely the two lenses match in color, contrast, flare behavior, and overall rendering style. I will also test it against other 75mm lenses like the MS Optics 73mm f/1.5 Sonnetar for comparison.
Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SPII compared to the MS Optics 73mm f/1.5 Sonnetar
One thing I already appreciate about the SP-II series is that these lenses are not trying to imitate the original Cooke lenses mechanically or cosmetically. Instead, Light Lens Lab seems focused on replicating the original drawing signature, which is something many modern lenses have moved away from. The fact that all optical and mechanical components are designed, manufactured, and hand assembled entirely in-house makes the project even more impressive.
Leica M10-P Safari paired with the Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SPII
To further pay homage to the original cinema lens, the 75mm f/2 SP II features a unique focusing tab design that differs from the traditional Leica style tab. Instead of the familiar rounded paddle shape, it uses a small sculpted fin-like tab inspired by the controls found on vintage cinema lenses. It feels a little unusual at first, but after a short adjustment period it becomes surprisingly intuitive to use. Combined with the generous 200 degree focus throw, the design allows for very precise focusing while still remaining comfortable for everyday shooting.
Physically, the 75mm f/2 SP II is a bit long for an M body, but the lightweight aluminum alloy construction keeps the weight down to only 310g, allowing it to balance very nicely on Leica M cameras. At 73mm long and 54mm in diameter, it remains compact enough for a telephoto lens and pairs comfortably with cameras like the Leica M-D and Leica M10-R without becoming front heavy. The A46 clip-on Reid-style hood is a very nice touch and fits perfectly with the vintage inspired philosophy of the lens.
Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SPII adapted to Nikon Zf
Features:
• Format Coverage: 135 Full Frame (24mm × 36mm)
• Optical Construction: 8 elements in 5 groups
• Focus Range: 0.7m to infinity
• Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22
• Diaphragm Type: Preset aperture with half-stop increments
• Aperture Blades: 12
• Lens Mount: M-Mount quick-change bayonet
• Filter Size: E43
• Lens Hood: In-body, A46 clip-on Reid style hood
• Length: 73mm
• Diameter: 54mm
• Weight: 310g
Leica M10-P Safari paired with the Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SPII lens
This is definitely one of the more interesting 75mm M-mount releases I have seen recently because it prioritizes rendering character over maximum correction, resolution, and contrast. If the 75mm SP II delivers the same magic many photographers are already experiencing with the LLL 50mm f/2 SP II, but with the added immersion, subject separation, and perspective of a classic 75mm focal length, it could turn out to be a very special lens indeed.
What's also exciting is that Light Lens Lab doesn't appear to be slowing down. While I can't say much at this point, there are a few interesting projects quietly taking shape behind the scenes. If they continue exploring lenses with this philosophy and attention to character, M-mount shooters may have a lot to look forward to in the coming months.
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