Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Biotar 75mm f/1.5 II Lens (Leica M)

Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Biotar 75mm f/1.5 II Overview

Based on a classic optical design dating back to the early 1930's, the Biotar 75mm f/1.5 II Lens from Meyer-Optik Gorlitz is a unique short telephoto prime lens for Leica M-mount cameras that is ideally suited to portraiture. The original Biotar 75 was considered the fastest portrait lens of its time, and not many faster lenses have been made over the years. The new Biotar 75 f1.5 II offers the legendary imaging capabilities of the original and has even been improved in some areas, such as sharpness and contrast. The high image sharpness in the center, coupled with a strong swirly bokeh, are the legendary imaging characteristics of the Biotar design. In swirly bokeh, highlights in the background are rendered in a circular shape and appear as if they have been drawn into a vortex. The sharpness in the center of the image and the wonderfully drawn bokeh in the blur give the subject a slightly three-dimensional feel. At the same time, the overall image appears somewhat delicate, which can create a great contrast in available light situations with clear shadows and highlights in the background.

Even when stopped down minimally (from f2.0), the Biotar 75 f1.5 II produces noticeably increased contrast, and between f/5.6 and f/8, it reaches its maximum sharpness. The color reproduction is very harmonious and balanced, and due to its almost apochromatic construction, there are no lateral chromatic aberrations. Beyond portrait photography, it can also be used perfectly in landscape and nature photography as well as fashion, sports, wedding, architecture, and even macro imaging.