Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/03/21

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Leica Vario-Apo-Elmarit 70-180 vs. Vario-Elmar 105-280
From: Eric Welch <ewelch@ponyexpress.net>
Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 09:04:28 -0600

At 12:45 PM 3/21/98 +0100, you wrote:

>Would it be wiser to go for a prime lens like the new Apo-Elmarit 180 
>f/2.8 or the Apo-Telyt 180 f/3.4 which is now somewhat discounted, 
>instead of one of both zooms?
>If a zoom is the way to go, which one would suit me best: I have at 
>present following R lenses: 28 f/2.8, 50 f/2.0, Macro 60 f/2.8 and 80 
>f/1.4. It would seem I could either sell the 80 f/1.4 and get the 70-180 
>f/2.8, or keep it and go for the 105-280 f/4.2 which will give more range.

If you can afford these babies (they're both around $5,000 USD here) either
lens should be great. I have read the 105-280 f/4.2 is a wonderful lens,
and the reviewer said it was the sharpest zoom he'd used. And the 70-180
2.8 is universally praised by anyone I've ever heard whose used one. But
they are heavy. And filter sizes are big. I really want one of the 70-180s,
but right now can't afford it. Some day... I'd still own a 180 2.8 Apo
anyway, simply because it's smaller and lighter, and there will be times
when weight is critical.

I would say you shouldn't get rid of the 80 Summilux in any case, because
the difference between 2.8 and 1.4 is singificant. There are times when
speed is critical, and 2.8 can't do it. But that's something you have to
answer.
==========

Eric Welch
St. Joseph, MO
http://www.ponyexpress.net/~ewelch

He who laughs last thinks slowest!