Opinion on the 180/2,8 Elmarit-R (smaller version prior to APO)

[dritz]

I use and really admire the look from the 135 Elmarit-R. I recently came across a somewhat pricey but mint 180/2,8 Elmarit-R -- the last non-APO version of the lens. Are these lenses similar in rendering? Any comments on the close-up performance of the 180 (e.g., < 2m)?

I already have the 70-180 APO (when APO is needed... and when I have the luxury of bringing that much weight with me).

Thank you.

[rsh]

It is a fine lens.

[wizard]

I second rsh. If anything, the 180 is even better than the 135 lens you mentioned. I have both the 3.4/180 apo lens (with ROM) and the 2.8/180 non apo (without ROM, for use with my SL2) and I really like the latter lens a lot. It vignettes considerably less at full aperture and stopped down a bit is hard to distinguish from the apo lens.

Andy

[Lux50]

I have owned the 2nd version 180 Elmarit-R about 16 or 17 years and am very fond of both color and b&w photos with it at f4. Had the original version in the 1970's and definitely like the 2nd version better. Also, I use it more frequently than my 135 Elmarit-R.

[garyp]

I really like mine as well.
I sold my 3.4 Apo for a 2nd Ver 2.8
Like Wizard, I also did not see much difference after stopping down a bit.
Wide open [or close to it] the 3.4 is definitely better, but I rarely shoot that way.
If you are patient you can get one at a good price; I don't remember exact price but I paid less than $400 for a near mint copy.

[glenerrolrd]

I just sold my original copy of this lens for $400 as I have the newer APO version. I converted the older lens to a Nikon mount (Leitax conversion) but easily converted back to the R mount for the buyer. This lens is far better than the Nikon 70-200/2.8 VR V1 as I shot them side by side frequently.

Since I purchased this lens new , the highlights were the focusing throw was short (needed for sports) and the close focus performance was greatly improved(for portraits). At f4/f5.6 and over 10M this lens is outstanding..really as good as I need on a DSLR (I use a D3X). At closer distances and at f2.8 its performance suffers ..although it works for portraits ...this is where the APO outperforms.

One of my friends uses the 70-180/2.8 on a DMR and gets great results....but that lens is a beast compared to the 180/2.8 67mm . The 180/2.8 with a D700 is a great combination that you can actually carry.