Rate R telephoto lenses from best downward excluding module from your own experiences

[robsteve]

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I stand corrected. I now see they are both the same weight. So what is the optical difference between the two models of the same lens? To you guys, how does this lens stack up against other 180 APO's?

 

Have you heard of anyone interested in parting with theirs?

 

I have had all the 180mm APOs and there is no difference between the f2 and 2.8 except size and speed. The f3.4 APO is slightly behind the two.

 

A few years back I tested the f2.8 versus the f3.4 using a 2x APO extender and the 2.8 images had no loss in quality with the 2x. The f3.4 dropped slightly. Without the extender, it would be hard to pick a winner, especially when shooting the f3.4 at f5.6. My conclusions made me sell the f2.8, keep the f2 and f3.4. The f3.4 was small and compact for a travel lens, the f2 when I needed speed or portraits and similar, as the 3.4 isn't that nice up close.

 

Of the two f2.8 APO versions, there was a change made to allow the use of the 1.4x extender and older lenses could be converted. I had the version that didn't take the 1.4x. My guess is the later version may be a compromise, as why wouldn't they design it that way to begin with?

[wildlightphoto]

My 180mm f/2.8 APO is an early model converted to accept the 1.4x extender. I have not compared it with the other APO 180mm lenses but if it's a compromise it's a pretty good one.

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[robsteve]

My 180mm f/2.8 APO is an early model converted to accept the 1.4x extender. I have not compared it with the other APO 180mm lenses but if it's a compromise it's a pretty good one.

 

Probably only a slight compromise Do you remember when everybody complained that the lens would not work with the 1.4x APO and Leica replied the rear element was there for the utmost quality. Then a year or so later, they changed the design.

[algrove]

Rob

 

Are there lenses that will not take the 1.4x other than the rant model 180/2.8?

[naturephoto1]

Rob

 

Are there lenses that will not take the 1.4x other than the rant model 180/2.8?

 

Many lenses will not accept the usage of the 1.4X Apo extender. As an example the 3.4 180mm Apo will not; I do not believe that any of the 90mm lenses will not, the f2.8 100mm Apo Macro Elmarit, and the list goes on.

 

The photo in the link below will explain why so few lenses will accept the 1.4X Apo exteder:

 

Ardhendu: Cheap Leica 11249 1.4x Apo Extender R Teleconverter for R System - What To Look For

 

Rich

[k-hawinkler]

Many lenses will not accept the usage of the 1.4X Apo extender. As an example the 3.4 180mm Apo will not; I do not believe that any of the 90mm lenses will not, the f2.8 100mm Apo Macro Elmarit, and the list goes on.

 

The photo in the link below will explain why so few lenses will accept the 1.4X Apo exteder:

 

Ardhendu: Cheap Leica 11249 1.4x Apo Extender R Teleconverter for R System - What To Look For

 

Rich

 

 

Thanks. That's correct. I just verified it.

However, if the focus ring on the 3.4 180mm Apo is set to close focus then one can attach the 1.4X Apo extender.

But, as one turns focus to infinity the rearward last lens element moves all the way back, leaving no for the 1.4X.

[naturephoto1]

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Thanks. That's correct. I just verified it.

However, if the focus ring on the 3.4 180mm Apo is set to close focus then one can attach the 1.4X Apo extender.

But, as one turns focus to infinity the rearward last lens element moves all the way back, leaving no for the 1.4X.

 

That is/would be correct however, you would have to do this with extreme care to avoid contact with the rear element of the lens. You would need to know where to stop.

 

However, though not allowing the usage of the 1.4X Apo extender for infinity focus, it can be used in conjunction with a Macro Adapter R or 2 or 3 macro ring sets to allow focusing relatively close to a subject. This can provide good to excellent results but experimentation is required to determine performance from lens to lens and the range of focus available for this or other lenses. Using this technique you could also use the 1.4X Apo extender with the 90mm lenses as well as the f2.8 100mm Apo Macro Elmarit lens.

 

Rich

[robsteve]

Rob

 

Are there lenses that will not take the 1.4x other than the rant model 180/2.8?

 

The simple answer is that most lenses will not work with the 1.4x, which was originally designed for the 280mm f2.8. If you can find a PDF of the Leica R catalogue, in the extender section, it lists the compatible lenses.

 

Just from memory:

 

Any of the 400mm or 560mm f5.6/6.8 Telyts.

 

180mm f2.8 second version

180mm f2.8 APO, second version

180mm APO SUMMICRON , to avoid vignette, needs to be stopped down to f2.8, as 1.4x was designed for f2.8 lenses

All the Modular system

105-280mm

280mm and 400mm f2.8 APO Telyts

280mm f4 APO

 

Possibly some of the older 350mm lenses

[wildlightphoto]

Possibly some of the older 350mm lenses

 

The 1.4x will not fit the 350mm Telyt w/o modifying the rear light baffle. Once I modified the 350 I wasn't particularly impressed with the combination.

[algrove]

I am currently traveling and do not have the instructions with me for certain R telephotos, but do most instructions inform the owner that one is not advised to use the 1.4x on a lens?

[robsteve]

I am currently traveling and do not have the instructions with me for certain R telephotos, but do most instructions inform the owner that one is not advised to use the 1.4x on a lens?

 

I think you need the instructions of the extender and only a modern extender would have instructions for the latest lenses. My list above covered pretty well all the lenses.

 

If you are wondering about your 70-180mm, it will not take the 1.4x extender.

[Alon]

According to Leica Wiki, the 1.4 Extender works on the following:

 

- 180 mm f/2.8 APO

- 280 mm f/2.8 APO

- 280 mm f/4 APO

- 400 mm f/2.8 APO

- 400 mm f/4 APO

- 560 mm f/4 APO

- 560 mm f/5.6 APO

- 800 mm f/5.6 APO

- 28-90 mm f/2.8-4.5

- 105-280 mm f/4.2

[wildlightphoto]

According to Leica Wiki, the 1.4 Extender works on the following:

- 28-90 mm f/2.8-4.5

 

Not likely.

[masjah]

Not likely.

Indeed so. The instruction book for the 28-90 zoom explicitly rules out the 1.4X Extender.

[michali]

The 1.4 extender definitely doesn't work with the V/E 28-90mm.

I have the V/E 28-90mm as well as a 1.4 APO extender for use withe V/E 105-280mm & APO 280mm f4.

 

I've converted all of my R lenses to Sony Alpha mount with Leitax mounts for use on the Sony Alpha 850.

 

With the 1.4 extender was told that I could only convert the male side of the extender with a Leitax mount, but that it wouldn't be possible to convert the female mount (front mount) of the extender.

 

I removed the female female mount from the 1.4 extender and when I overlaid this Leica mount over the Alpha mount I noticed that the mount flanges were more or less laid out in the same pattern, with the Leica mount's flanges being slightly larger than the Alpha mount's. I took a Dremel tool and reduced these as well as filing down 2 retaining lugs and within 1/2 an hour I had a fully converted 1.4 extender.

 

Shot with V/E 105-280mm & 1.4 APO extender on Sony Alpha 850:

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[robsteve]

Mike just layed out the perfect set of lenses to use on the new M 240.

 

I think the 105-280mm will be the lens to have for the guys wanting to do the safari shooting with their M. You could probably make a nice kit with the M wides, 28-90mm R and 105-280mm plus 1.4x extender. Since it will all be Leica lenses and Cameras, no adapting will be needed, just the special coded R to M adapter for the M240.

[k-hawinkler]

Mike,

 

Very interesting modification. Great image as well!

I wonder whether a similar mod could be made to the 1.4x to work with the APO 280/4 leitaxed for Nikon F mount?

[michali]

K-H: A friend of mine has a Nikon, I'll have a look at the mounts and compare the layouts. I'll let you know if it's possible, based on what I did. He is away for about 10 days for the holidays.

 

Best,

[algrove]

Mike just layed out the perfect set of lenses to use on the new M 240.

 

I think the 105-280mm will be the lens to have for the guys wanting to do the safari shooting with their M. You could probably make a nice kit with the M wides, 28-90mm R and 105-280mm plus 1.4x extender. Since it will all be Leica lenses and Cameras, no adapting will be needed, just the special coded R to M adapter for the M240.

 

I do like that 2 lens combo, but I would also take along the 70-180 APO too and maybe a 2x APO.

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Hallo,

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[wildlightphoto]

I think the 105-280mm will be the lens to have for the guys wanting to do the safari shooting with their M.

 

The 105-280mm could be a very versatile backup for my 280 APO. I'd be able to sell the 100 APO and 180 f/2.8 APO (outstanding lenses but lenses I seldom use them). I'd lose a stop and some MFD at the shorter focal lengths, replace the fiddly STA-1 on the 100 and 180 with an excellent tripod collar, and perhaps have some money in the bank. Hmmmm...... has anyone used the 105-280 with an extension tube?