Voigtlander 125mm APO is absolutely great on macro photography. CA (longitudinal) is barely seen even at 1:1. At this point, it is even better than a Leica 100 APO. However, the Leica is more contrasy wide open which indicates a better design.
Andrew - Hey, didn't even know OM made a 100 macro, always hear about the 90. Learn something new everyday. Thanks.
On the 100 APO - it is that micro contrast WO that allows easy manual focus thru the focus screen. With my focus screen (Ec-CIV from the 1D3) images in mediocre interior light images will pop into focus at 5.6.
weekh wrote:
Having heard so much about the Leica 100mm APO, I've finally decided to get one and see for myself how it fair against the Zeiss and Voigtlander.
Is it 3cam or ROM?
What condition?
Sorry for all these questions as I am trying to determine if the two on ebay right now are reasonably priced before I buy one.They are ln -$1800, mint -$2100.
Thanks!
$1800 is too rich. As you will be mounting in EOS, you do not need ROM (chipped). From $1000-$1200 is a more fair price.
If you can't find a nice price on one, you may also want to wait until after Photokina. A lot of R owners have been holding onto their lenses in the hope that Leica will announce a new DSLR that will take the R mount.
The rumor mill seems pretty ardent that Leica is bringing a new medium format body to market in conjunction with a partner vs a new DSLR (or at least one that will ever see production vs simply a concept product under glass). Leica execs have confirmed NO new R lenses at the show, so...
IF there is no new DSLR, lens supplies will increase and prices drop.
But, IF there IS one that appears to meet user wishes (DSLR, AF, FF, direct mount of R glass) prices will increase.
I was actually surprised how cheap a few used 100 APO ROMs were at KEH.com when they were actually in stock. Seemed to be no more than $1,500. Shocking, considering the price you pay for a new one ($4,495)!
Received the Leica 100 some days ago. Have not done any comparison shots or shooting much with it.
But the initial impression is that the lens is very well built. Preferred the ZF and CV lenses as they are brighter for focusing. The Leica shots do not scream out that they are sharper than the ZF or CV's.
One of the key benefits of the 100 apo vs other macros is the fact that it is consistent in terms of resolution, ca correction and bokeh at all distances and apertures. It is as good at 1:2 as it is an infinity regardless of stop used. One need only stop down for DoF.
well, i promised to do a comparison of macros - have voigtlander 125/2.5, apo elmarit 100/2.8 and zeiss 100/2. i've been waiting for a friend to contribute canon 100/2.8, but i guess i can start without canon lens... will post first part this weekend...
eosslr, throwing in the 100 macro would be a very good move, since I've been going nuts trying to figure out which 100 macro/makro I should purchase soon, and I've considered the Canon as well as the other options.
Oh yeah, and I really like the reviews on your site. Keep it up!
I would also be VERY interested in seeing this proposed review. These are clearly some of the best lenses in this class. The CV interests me most at the moment as being perhaps the most versatile option, but I can't justify the current asking price as I await a 5DmkII. The old 90/2.5 offerings are perhaps the best budget options, especially when you compare there prices to the OM90/2 which is only half a stop faster. I want a lightweight portrait/macro in this range, and am willing to spend a long time looking for the right lens.
I'm also waiting to see what (if anything) is offered in ZE.... hopefully also with auto-aperture.
