Guest VVJ Posted August 20, 2015 Share #1 Posted August 20, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) This lens does not seem to get much love... Any feedback/observations from people who own the lens? Thanks, Joris. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 20, 2015 Posted August 20, 2015 Hi Guest VVJ, Take a look here Leica Tele Zoom 55-135mm. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
joelbartlett Posted August 20, 2015 Share #2 Posted August 20, 2015 I got one of the first ones that arrived in the US, and like it. Combined with the 18-56, it makes for a nice travel kit, which is what I wanted from the T (along with a high ISO platform for my M lenses). My previous experience with lenses of this range was with Canon L glass 70-200 zooms. I don't see any reason to go back. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyboy Posted August 20, 2015 Share #3 Posted August 20, 2015 (edited) I got one too and my first impression is really positive. Pictures are really sharp and brilliant with a very good contrast. Actually I am surprised, I did not expect such a stunning performance. I ´m looking forward taking this lens on a trip to italy/tuscany and see how it will work in "real" life :-)) Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited August 20, 2015 by flyboy 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/249135-leica-tele-zoom-55-135mm/?do=findComment&comment=2874390'>More sharing options...
Like A. Paul Posted August 20, 2015 Share #4 Posted August 20, 2015 Another happy owner here. I have the 23mm also and the combination is just right for my need but am waiting for fast 35mm. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshjagdfeld Posted August 20, 2015 Share #5 Posted August 20, 2015 This lens does not seem to get much love... Any feedback/observations from people who own the lens? Thanks, Joris. It certainly seems like the redheaded stepchild of the bunch, but in my use (I owned the 23 cron, a Vöigtlander 50mm Nokton, and this lens), it was actually my favorite of the bunch. Super sharp, no issues with aberration or distortion, and good AF. It also felt built very well, so it was fun to use in MF mode. If you're on the fence, I'd say it's well worth your money. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted August 20, 2015 Share #6 Posted August 20, 2015 On my list to buy but seldom offered secondhand … I've only seen one s/h example offered by a UK dealer … and I was too late. dunk Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VVJ Posted August 21, 2015 Share #7 Posted August 21, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) On my list to buy but seldom offered secondhand … I've only seen one s/h example offered by a UK dealer … and I was too late. dunk In the US there is still a 12% discount on almost all Leica products till the end of the month, so the 55-135mm is $1,716 instead of $1,950. I might bite the bullet... It sounds like the experiences are mostly positive, it just does not appear to be widely used, and therefore is also hard to find on the used market, contrary to the 23mm and the 16-56mm. Thanks everybody for the feedback! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VVJ Posted August 21, 2015 Share #8 Posted August 21, 2015 I just read that the Leica Us savings have been extended till October 31st, so I have some more time to think... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted August 21, 2015 Share #9 Posted August 21, 2015 Another reason why the lens is maybe not so popular or well known is the fact that it has not been subject to 'in-depth' reviews and thus to potential buyers it is something of an unknown quantity as regards performance and ergonomics. I've seen a couple of 'add on' comments to original T reviews - but nothing e.g. with image samples throughout the aperture range and at various distances - and nothing 'wordy'. dunk Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonoslack Posted August 21, 2015 Share #10 Posted August 21, 2015 Hey Ho I think it's a great lens and use it lots. Great image quality, surprisingly small - just excellent 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsh Posted August 21, 2015 Share #11 Posted August 21, 2015 Happy with it on my end. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom0511 Posted August 21, 2015 Share #12 Posted August 21, 2015 optically great, slow and hunting AF. I use it often anyways, because I like the optical quality. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
A B Posted August 22, 2015 Share #13 Posted August 22, 2015 Yes, I have all three T vario lenses. They are all great and relatively small lenses. Main drawback of the camera is the slow and sometimes hunting autofocus when using the 55-135 zoom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 1, 2015 Share #14 Posted November 1, 2015 That has improved with the 1.4 firmware update with this lens also. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
A B Posted November 1, 2015 Share #15 Posted November 1, 2015 (edited) That has improved with the 1.4 firmware update with this lens also. Yes I can confirm that! I've just shot a few pictures with the firmware 1.4 installed and I think the autofocus speed is at least twice and probably even more compared to the previous firmware version. Still struggling a bit very few times in low light or in backlight (I guess that’s not easy for contrast detect anyway), but overall a really great improvement. Frankly I didn't expect Leica was able to pull out such improvement after more than one year from the Leica T launch. Kudos to the Leica team for this achievement! If someone is interested in that focal range, I think he should give it a try at a Leica dealer. Edited November 1, 2015 by A B 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted November 2, 2015 Share #16 Posted November 2, 2015 Hey Ho I think it's a great lens and use it lots. Great image quality, surprisingly small - just excellent Curious, do you use the T a lot personally ? Which Leica cameras do you use the most ? Rgds Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 2, 2015 Share #17 Posted November 2, 2015 Yes I can confirm that! I've just shot a few pictures with the firmware 1.4 installed and I think the autofocus speed is at least twice and probably even more compared to the previous firmware version. Still struggling a bit very few times in low light or in backlight (I guess that’s not easy for contrast detect anyway), but overall a really great improvement. Frankly I didn't expect Leica was able to pull out such improvement after more than one year from the Leica T launch. Kudos to the Leica team for this achievement! If someone is interested in that focal range, I think he should give it a try at a Leica dealer. I second the struggling a bit in lower light. Otherwise it is a fine lens. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 2, 2015 Share #18 Posted November 2, 2015 Curious, do you use the T a lot personally ? Which Leica cameras do you use the most ? Rgds The only one I have the T! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learner Posted November 2, 2015 Share #19 Posted November 2, 2015 If you want to see what a wonderful job the T 55-130 lens can do, take a gander at "thighslapper's" bird on this page. Magnifique! http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/226003-post-your-t-shots-here/page-19 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Morley Posted November 7, 2015 Share #20 Posted November 7, 2015 (edited) I have all three of the 'T' zooms in addition to my having numerous top end 'M' Lenses at my disposal but regard the 'T' lenses optical performance as being quite superb, indeed I regard each as being masterpieces in there own right, and most especially so the Wide and the Tele Zooms. Frankly therefore although I do also have the genuine 'T' to 'M' lens adapter it is little used as I am so vastly impressed by the 'T' lenses so other than for the occasional need for a wider aperture I now see little point in using 'M' lenses on my 'T'. Believe me go out and try them at such as a Leica shop if you can for these 'T' zooms really are so good, and much better to use as well now given the Auto Focus also works much faster after you download the new 1.4 Firmware. So in short I love the 'T' mostly BECAUSE of its wonderful lenses. Don Morley Edited November 7, 2015 by Don Morley 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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