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Opinions on the 105-280-R


dritz

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These have become quite inexpensive. Any opinion on it -- especially compared to the 70-180 APO-R (in terms of quality... I already recognize the difference in focal length). Perhaps, as compared to the 80-200?

 

Thanks.

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It is a stunning lens for image quality. It is heavy and large and exudes the traditional leica quality as a precision optical instrument. It has a lens mount which needs to be used unless handholding in very bright conditions or using high ISO film or digital settings.

 

For some wildlife photography it is preferable to a prime lens as obviously it is possible if circumstances dictate, to zoom in to retain the subject in frame rather than lose the image.

 

Not one of my lenses that get's a lot of use but very nice to have when the shoot demands it. I find it easier to focus than the 80-200 but the latter is of course easier to carry around on camera.

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  • 5 years later...

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These have become quite inexpensive. Any opinion on it -- especially compared to the 70-180 APO-R (in terms of quality... I already recognize the difference in focal length). Perhaps, as compared to the 80-200?

 

Thanks.

 

Maybe when you looked at the prices back then they were inexpensive but now look at the prices.:eek: Many around $6000 and since only at the most 1500 made it is relatively rare multi zoom lens. I was able to find one here in South Korea at half that price as long telephoto lens are not popular here. I have only had the lens for a few weeks now but I find that it is shaper at the long focal lengths than the f4/80 to 200. But as others have noted it is heavy but has a good tripod foot that is lacking on the 80-200. I am using the sholder stock from my Telyt 6.8 400 and my M (typ 240 ). So far I am very pleased with the lens. I will soon try the Apo 1.4X on it but I can see that that the exander makes it an even more fair weather lens. Now I only ask that the cranes on the river near our house cooperate and let me get a little closer. With the focus peaking I am amized at how narrow the depth of field is with these long focal length lens. I would never have a chance without the focus peaking on the M and really appreciate the live view on the newest M camera.

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Like everything Leica R right now. Everything seems more expensive than 2 years ago (ISH).

 

It seems that the prices are climbing up to the original price of these last generation longer reach R lens. I have the price in 1998 for the 105-280-R and they were selling for List/ Minimum Advertised/Dealer price at $5795/$5395/4855. The fact that few were produced and they are so well built means that this is to be expected. Now with the new M I wonder if Leica will produce them again with the M mount. I doubt it unless the increased demand for the lens because of the use on the M drives up the price high enough so there is a profit in manufacturing the again. This, of course, is pure speculation.:rolleyes:

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K-H

I seem to think all R lenses will perform well on the a7R just like on the M240.

 

Just need a good adapter. Can you believe the Leica R-M adapter is still not available? Let's see 18 September 2012 to 27 November 2013, only 14 1/2 months to put out a simple piece of metal (made in Portugal) which Novoflex put out months ago with coding too. What is Leica waiting for, the next M?

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Would anybody have bought the Leica adapter with the excellent and coded Novoflex on the market at a far more reasonable price? Not me.

The Vario Elmar should perform excellently on the A7R from an image quality point of view as it does on several other cameras. Personally I would use it on a solid DSLR like the D800E if I wanted to use it on a third party body. It balances much better on a heavy camera. Egonomically I can hold it more steady on the DMR than on the M.

With its 1750 grams , most of it up front, and nearly 30 cm length it is a hard beast to master on a small camera.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I know Jaap probably has had more experience with this lens than most. To me I prefer the APO 70-180 which has much better resolving abilities on my M's. Sure it is not 280 (with 2x560), but at 360 it still out performs my 105-280. Might try one or both out tomorrow on a7r. Both of these when bolted from their tripod mounts via an RRS QR plate to a sturdy tripod do not care what digital body is used, heavy or light. So I say why not go light for tripod work.

 

Hand held is a different story, but I personally would never free hand hold one. I know Jaap uses bean bags and that makes a lot of practical sense in the bush where he frequents.

 

This new Sony really makes using R lenses a joy over my M's due the EVF and the ability to move the focus point with the 4 way button and then hit the C1 button again and you get 7x and hit it a third time and you get 14x. Used it for the fist time today with the 75-210 and 180/3.4 and 15/2.8 and it was truly a joy to use with the features I just mentioned. Also I selected red for the focus peaking feature since I am used to that with my M's and I do believe the increased thickness of the red (versus the dinner red on the M) is better on the a7r which for me makes in focus areas more easily visible for my feeble eye.

Edited by algrove
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  • 3 weeks later...

This has become a favorite lens (thanks Jaapv). Works well on the M. I have become very happy using R-lenses on the M with the EVF. Focus peeking works well on these high contrast lenses. Because of the shutter vibration on the A7R I found lenses like this and the 280/4 APO a frustration on the A7R, which I returned after 2 1/2 weeks.

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This has become a favorite lens (thanks Jaapv). Works well on the M. I have become very happy using R-lenses on the M with the EVF. Focus peeking works well on these high contrast lenses. Because of the shutter vibration on the A7R I found lenses like this and the 280/4 APO a frustration on the A7R, which I returned after 2 1/2 weeks.

 

 

Rick,

 

I agree with you about Jaap's recommendation for the 105-280-R. Thanks Jaap.

The 105-280-R is definitely more versatile than the APO-R 280/4.

But I am going to keep both and shoot them from a tripod.

 

Frankly there is no shutter vibration for either lens on the A7R if the setup is as follows.

_C220007_1024x685.jpg

That combination delivers excellent quality sharp images not marred by motion blur when used with care.

 

Details here: The GetDPI Photography Forums - View Single Post - A7r - and why I'm keeping it ...

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Yes - but for me it kind of defeats the purpose of having a zoom lens. I normally use it with a chest pod or a beanbag if possible. With the M,- that has enough bulk although the DMR is better- I can get sharp images down to 125th with a bit of luck ( like leaning against a tree and breathing technique) With a lightweight like the A7 - never. With the shutter slap I would need to shoot at 1/1000th at least. :(

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