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Advice required about R lenses


gdb

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Gentlemen,

 

I would be very interested (and pleased) to have the Forum's opinion about two older R-Lenses:

 

-Telyt 250 mm f/4

-Telyt 350 mm f4.8

 

These are rather older lenses, of the pre-Apo era. Did any among you use them, and how do they compare to other telelenses, like the 280 F4 ?

 

Thanks for your cooperation

Gérard

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Gerard

 

I've used the 250mm f4 and have obtained some good comments on it when using film but haven't found it that good when working with digital - that having been said, I haven't tried it out too much of recent. Mine is the older of the two versions that are available.

 

I haven't the experience to back this up but my understanding from discussions with other forum menmbers is that the 280 F4 is a superior lens (I think if you search under Doug Herr for a recent thread where this was discussed you may see some examples)

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Gerard, I have the 250mm. There are two versions, the one with the fixed tripod point is the older of the two.

 

It's a good lens, I have no doubt that the newer lenses are better, but even so I don't think you'll be disappointed with it.

 

The main issue I have is size and weight. I much prefer the more compact 180mm f4 as a walk around lens. Plus the focussing ring is a bit stiff on mine, which could just be an issue with the example I have.

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Gerald

 

Here is an example of 250 f4 (older version) Kodak 100, R7

 

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

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Hello Gerard,

 

I have owned both of the lenses you refer to. They are both very good lenses, with the 250 being perhaps the better of the two. The pictures have a bit more snap and the handling is easier than with the 350, which is a big and heavy lens. The 350 has a long reach, for when you need it. I found that when using it I needed to stop down just a bit and to use the fastest shutter speed possible and a tripod or shoulder stock. I even used the 350 with the 2x extender and a tripod and got good results.

 

I eventually sold them both in order to get the newer 280/4 APO, which is truly a marvellous lens. I also sold the 2x extender and got both the 2x APO and the 1.4 APO extenders. These also work wonderfully with the 280.

 

David

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Gérard, I've used the second model of the 250mm f/4 and also the 280mm f/4 APO. The 250 is smaller and lighter weight and the image quality is good, but the image quality with the 280mm f/4 is simply astonishing, even with the 1.4x APO extender. Outside the central area with the 250 you will see some color fringes even on film while the 280 gives exceptionally sharp images all the way into the extreme corners of the picture even at full aperture. With the 280 f/4 the aperture is used only for depth of field control, not to optimize the lens' optical performance.

 

Obviously photos on the web won't show the full potential of the lens but here are some example photos made with the 280 f/4:

 

http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/accipitridae/coha05.jpg

http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/phasianidae/sogr02.jpg

http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/phasianidae/rnph01.jpg

http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/phasianidae/witu10.jpg

http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/phasianidae/witu12.jpg

 

with an extension tube:

http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/accipitridae/haha00.jpg

http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/trochilidae/cohu00.jpg

http://www.wildlightphoto.com/mammals/rodents/cgsq02.jpg

 

with 1.4x APO extender:

http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/falconidae/amke01.jpg

 

Most of these are on film the first and last are with the DMR.

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The 250 with rotating tripod collar is very nice, better than the heavier version with round fixed tripod collar. It is best used with the shoulder stock and cable release.

 

The 350 is in the same class and quite good one stop closed, just like the 250.

 

They are both outclassed with the new APO glass at considerable more money. Stopped down, not that much difference.

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Gentlemen,

 

Thank you for your advices, and thank you for the pictures posted.

 

I was thinking of the 350mm because I saw several examples on the net, and I was considering buying one. But in fact, I think I would have maybe even better pictures with the Apo-Elmarit 180 and one of the Apo extenders, at equivalent cost.

 

The 280mm f/4 is too expensive for me in the near future, considering that I also have to buy a digital body AND a wide angle...

 

So the most emergent thing for me right now is to wait...

 

Sincerely

Gérard

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Guy,

 

Thank you for the link to your pictures with the R9/DMR and the 350mm Telyt. The second one is especially beautiful and convinces me to try to get this lens. I am very anxious to see your Tanzania pictures.

 

Cheer

Gérard

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Gerard:

 

Also check this thread:

 

http://www.leica-camera-user.com/nature-wildlife/8242-first-bird-shots-560-a.html

 

We discussed the use of the shoulder stock (or gun stock) as well as the use of the electric release for the DMR and/or R8/R9 Motor Drive. You will need these accessories to use the 350 Telyt To its Full potential.

 

Bonne chance pour les achats... et les cliches!

 

Guy

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