Your Old Dog Posted April 17, 2011 Share #1 Posted April 17, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Sometime back I made a comment that I wasn't sure what my next equipment acquisition would be. Someone here suggested an R 100mm f2.8 macro with appropriate adapter for my Canon 5dII. In looking around I've found several. I recently ordered an adapter to accomplish the fit. The adapter ad says it is encoded for full functioning of the lens on the canon 5dii. What I'd like to know is are there different versions of this lens and what version should I be looking for if there is more then one? Since I've discovered the world of primes and Leica optics in particular I am looking to upgrade my gadget bag of goodies. Thanks for looking and any suggestions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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M. Valdemar Posted April 17, 2011 Share #2 Posted April 17, 2011 In terms of operation with Canons, the lens version makes no difference. You will need to meter in stop-down mode. The "coding" on the adapter is just for focus confirmation. All lens operations will be manual. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Your Old Dog Posted April 18, 2011 Author Share #3 Posted April 18, 2011 Can anyone think of anywhere else I can ask this question? I put it in the M9 forum because that's where the original suggestion by a member whose name I do not remember. I think like me, it's unlikely he reads this forum from one end to the other but likely only reads the M9 forum. How can I make a post in the M9 forum that will stick? I must confess, I don't have the time to read all the sub boards in this forum, only the M9 and the Photos as that's the only thing that really interest me. Thanks for any help that can be given. If I may, I'd like to repeat my question: What I'd like to know is are there different versions of this lens and what version should I be looking for if there is more then one? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildlightphoto Posted April 18, 2011 Share #4 Posted April 18, 2011 No need to ask anywhere else, M. Valdemar's answer is as good as it gets. The only differences in the versions are metering cams, which makes no difference to your Canon. There were no optical or mechanical versions other than the metering cams. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted April 18, 2011 Share #5 Posted April 18, 2011 Although this might not be a popular answer here can I suggest that you try a Canon 100mm macro (either the IS or USM). I have the USM lens and it is well up to 'L' standards and is an excellent performer at infinity as well as at 1:1. It also offers 1:1 straight out of the box and of course full compatibility with Canon dSLRs. Unless you have a compelling reason to require manual focus then I'd suggest that there is not a vast gulf between even the R Apo-macro and the latest Canons. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Your Old Dog Posted April 18, 2011 Author Share #6 Posted April 18, 2011 Thanks PGK, I'll look in that direction. I didn't know if the only Leica 100mm was APO or if their were other versions. I'll look at what Canon has to offer. My only interest in the Leica R 100 was that a trusted member on the M9 forum made mention of it and he seemed to know a great deal about it. If the Canon is as sharp as the Leica then I'll keep Canon optics on my D5ii and leave the really pricey stuff for my M9 ! Thanks again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildlightphoto Posted April 18, 2011 Share #7 Posted April 18, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I didn't know if the only Leica 100mm was APO or if their were other versions. There is a non-APO Leica 100. It's f/4. The APO is f/2.8. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted April 18, 2011 Share #8 Posted April 18, 2011 If the Canon is as sharp as the Leica then I'll keep Canon optics on my D5ii and leave the really pricey stuff for my M9 ! Thanks again. The Canon 100mm usm which I have is a superb performer as either a landscape or macro lens, but I do read that there is some variation in samples and I think that Puts has something to say about the build of the mechanism which is very different to that of the Leica lens! The new IS version is reputedly an improvement and carries the 'L' designation but both are IF lenses and shift focal length as they focus - I suspect that the Leica does not. Having said all that for the 5D2 I'd recommend the usm version as a relatively inexpensive, high quality, AF lens - it might be worth trying before you buy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildlightphoto Posted April 18, 2011 Share #9 Posted April 18, 2011 ... If the Canon is as sharp as the Leica ... Would be good to see some actual comparisons. Every time I've tried a Canon lens that was supposed to be "as good as a Leica" I was disappointed. YMMV... as will the lens Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted April 18, 2011 Share #10 Posted April 18, 2011 Would be good to see some actual comparisons. I haven't compared them although a friend does have a Leica 100 apo. However when Canon announced the IS 'L' version of their 100mm macro I was surprised because on my 5D2 the existing usm version is one of the best lenses that I've tried. I have compared it to the 80mm lux and at around f/8 the 'lux appears to me to have smoother tonal transitions in the detail and an more sophisticated clarity if slightly lower contrast - but we are talking nuances here. Given that the Canon lenses operate without having to be manually stopped down, and offer full integration, and are cheaper, I'd say that there would need to be an overriding requirement for the Leica's benefits (which are unlikely to be dramatic) to make it worth buying over the Canon. Just practical advice from a Canon/Leica USER and I'm not putting down the 100 apo R in the slightest. If I might comment on one of my feelings about (some) Leica lenses, it is that they are very 'reliable' producing consistent results with few surprises (I know for example when they are likely to flare). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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