Leica R extenders/converters - image quality?

[Ian Fozzard]

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I am currently using a Leica Telyt R 250mm lens and a Leica R to 4/3rds adapter with my Digilux 3, and very happy with the results even if a little slower to operate than the fully auto lenses I have.

I am considering purchase of a non-APO Leica R x2 extender/converter to use with this lens/camera combination. Does anyone have experience of using these extenders/converters with a similar set up? I expect there will be some loss of image quality, but would like to know how much loss to expect before I decide on a purchase.

 

Thanks in advance for any advice,

 

Ian Fozzard

Scotland

[jaapv]

Do not get the non-apo tele-extender. The price difference to the apo 2x is not that much and the quality difference is vast. The Apo- extender will not visibly diminish the quality of your prime, the non-apo will.

[stuny]

The quality of the APO 2X is astonishingly good, and I've used it a great deal with an 80-200 on an R8/DMR, as well as R8 and film. On a 4/3rds camera the 250 plus 2X will give you the equivalent of a 1000 MM lens. That will be a challenge to hold and focus.

[jaapv]

I see now you have a D3. It may be that the non-apo will just be fine on 4/3rds, as it will be using only the sweet spot.

[Ian Fozzard]

Thanks for this advice, much appreciated. I had considered the non-APO extender because I believe the Telyt r 250mm is non-APO and I assumed that it would be wise and cost effective to match like with like? I do accept that their will be a challenge of holding this combination steady and of focussing, but I really wanted to try such a high magnification for the photography I'm interested in.

Any further views would be most welcome - especially from anyone who has used a similar combination,

 

best wishes

 

Ian F

[jaapv]

For that purpose the non-APO should be fine - there is a very reasonably priced one on this forum in the buy-and-sell right now,

[farnz]

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Ian,

 

I've owned and used both and now only have the APO version because it is markedly better than the non-APO. However I agree with Jaap's point that since you're using a D3 you'll only be using the centre of the TC's lens so you may not see much additional benefit from the APO.

 

But if you're considering moving up to a full frame camera in the future then you should consider getting the APO because they've never been less expensive and when Leica announces its 'R solution' the price is likely to rise again.

 

Pete.

[Ian Fozzard]

Thanks to both of you for this advice. I have decided to try the non-APO extender and see what I think to the image quality. Simply a question of price I'm afraid - the non-APO seems to be available for around 1/4 the price of the S/H APO versions, and at the end of the day I might find that the degree of magnification achieved with this combination is not manageable after all.

I will try and post a message if I come to any conclusions of interest,

thanks again

 

Ian F

[topoxforddoc]

Ian,

 

I have sent you a PM

 

Best wishes,