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Archive 2016 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?

  
 
Sam_W
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


So here's a question for those that have owned those lenses: providing that the cost is approximately the same, which of those two options would you go for, providing that the costs are roughly the same? (Other lenses in the bag would include the 28v2, and 60 macro, so the macro function of the APO 100 is secondary.)

Goal is trying to cover tele/portrait, as well as tele for close-ish wildlife.

I've read mixed reviews; the APO 2/90 is fantastic at mid-to-longer lengths, but suffers close-up. The APO 2.8/100 is fabulous at every length, but the focus throw makes it trickier to do portraits up close.

The 2x Apo-Extender degrades image quality, but only a touch, and there's room to stop down and increase it to good or great levels.

Another option, perhaps? I'm specifically sticking within the R system here for the glass, and preference is for better performing glass. (As opposed to, say, the non-APO 90s, which are fabulous on their own right.)

Bonus question: anyone tried either the APO 2/90 or the APO 2.8/180 on the R-Bellows unit?

Thanks in advance!



Jan 31, 2016 at 05:00 PM
Taylor Sherman
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


It's hard for me to think that the 90 would be worth as much as the 100 *and* the 180, both of which are excellent lenses.




Jan 31, 2016 at 06:47 PM
Sam_W
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


Fair enough. The 90 is about the same price as the 180, give or take a little. It's more like I've seen really cheap 100s, and expensive 2x Apo-Extenders, almost to the point where they're in the same ballpark.


Jan 31, 2016 at 07:09 PM
naturephoto1
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


Sam,

What camera are you using for these lenses? Also, do you already have the Bellows R? The R 100mm f4 Macro Elmar Bellows lens is an excellent performer in its own right.

Rich



Jan 31, 2016 at 07:20 PM
Sam_W
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


I haven't decided on the body yet, as I'm about to sell my A7r. I'll probably wait until PhotoKina to decide what body to go with. But I'll be able to use the R lenses on almost anything FF35.

A couple of weeks ago I stumbled on a brand new Bellows R for about 146 Euros. Couldn't resist snapping it up, as it's the latter model, with four rails.



Jan 31, 2016 at 07:33 PM
naturephoto1
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


Sam_W wrote:
I haven't decided on the body yet, as I'm about to sell my A7r. I'll probably wait until PhotoKina to decide what body to go with. But I'll be able to use the R lenses on almost anything FF35.

A couple of weeks ago I stumbled on a brand new Bellows R for about 146 Euros. Couldn't resist snapping it up, as it's the latter model, with four rails.


Hi Sam,

Each of the Bellows has its advantage. I have the original and it is more rigid than the newer model (I believe). It also has the rotating rod to indicate differnt magmifications for different lenses. The newer model I believe offers more extension.

If you sell your A7r, are you going to wait until September for a new camera and if so what will you do in the meantime?

Rich



Jan 31, 2016 at 07:40 PM
Sam_W
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


Ooh. Very good points about the bellows. Mine has the addon dealie to use the Photar-Adapter-R and so forth. Not sure if I want to go there yet, but could be lots of fun. Same with any non-infinity corrected RMS-thread microscope optics I can get my hands on. But, I digress.

At this point my goal is to get rid of all my current photography stuff (Otus, Apo135, some C/Y and FE glass, A7r, etc.) and invest into R glass. Just a hunch I have. So I'm trying to get a good set of the Elmarit-R glass. Though I'm really tempted by the Apo-Summicron-R 2/90, hence my curiosity.

I'm not really a fan of the 50s and 35s, nor the Summiluxes. But that's my own personal preference.

As for the meantime... pretty much hunt for mint condition R glass. I go through periods of time when I don't touch the camera for months at a time. I've had the A7r for 18 months now, and I've yet to get to a thousand shutter clicks.



Jan 31, 2016 at 08:59 PM
jcolwell
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


Hi Sam,

I just finished updating Lens$db, prior to releasing the next version. Igor Camera currently has some nice Leica-R glass in mintish condition. I know the current exchange rate blows, but Igor's prices are very reasonable in comparison with most (or all) other online shops in the US, and I've always received excellent service from him.

http://www.igorcamera.com/leica_r_lenses.htm

Cheers,
Jim

P.S. don't tell anybody.



Jan 31, 2016 at 09:12 PM
Sam_W
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


Heehee. Thanks for the heads up!

Yeah, the exchange rate is really tough. Except that I'm looking at selling a whole stack of equipment, and it'll help. Otherwise I'd be taking a huge bath. Especially the A7r and related.



Jan 31, 2016 at 09:15 PM
jcolwell
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


Also, Leica Shop has some nice ones. The CA/EU exchange rate is better that it used to be.


Feb 01, 2016 at 08:46 AM
Almass
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


Naaahh. The Leica R 90/APO is crap to the extent that I had to buy them up from the dealers to help other people not to commit the same mistake.

I think I only have 3 lenses 90/APO at the last count......together with 3 lenses for the 280/4.....but only 2 lenses 80/1.4.....and only a single copy of the Elcan 75/2 and Elcan 180/3.4.......go figure.

The 90/APO is the best lens ever.

Here is a pic of the rubbish lens to enforce my bragging rights











Feb 01, 2016 at 02:09 PM
Sam_W
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


Could you be more specific on the "best lens ever" comment?

I don't think it could go in to work for me, or make me soup when I'm sick, or even clean the cat barf off my floor, so I'm dubious of your claim.



Feb 02, 2016 at 02:24 AM
Almass
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


LoL. That's why I am taking them off the market as they are rubbish.

Having said that. The 90/APO stays the same sharpness over all the picture irrelevant of which corner and f stop used.

This means that when you slap the APO extender, you have a perfect 180 @ f4 without degradation.

The 90APO is in fact the standard for other lenses in a similar focal length according to Diglloyd as well as E. Puts.... look them up.

Add to that, the size of the lens makes it small enough to fit in the pocket and enables you to carry another lens on the camera.....and the built in hood is lockable open!

I did not try to make soup with the 90APO and here you do have a point

It is the perfect lens.









Feb 02, 2016 at 02:37 AM
Sam_W
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · APO 2/90 + 2x Apo-Extender OR APO 2.8/100 + APO 2.8/180?


How's it do at MFD? No floating elements, so I've heard that there's some degradation when working at the closet focusing distance. That probably also rules it out for use on a bellows...

But regardless, thank you for the feedback! I'll keep my eyes out for a NIB/NOS one.



Feb 02, 2016 at 03:27 AM





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