Leica APO-TELYT-R Lenses on SL

[steppenw0lf]

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I use the modular Apo-Telyt-R on my M (type 240) with the Leica adapter : there is a mechanical vignetting   (see this post or this one).

I hope that the SL with the R-Adapter L hasn't the issue. But I haven't the information (not easy to find the body and the adapter to try).

 

Try the Novoflex (R - L)  adapter in the meantime - it is wider. The lens will not be recognized, but this is not a problem.

An advantage of the "cheap old combo", with the extenders there is usually no problem with vignetting even with the adapter stack.

[steppenw0lf]

Interesting discussion!

 

Somewhat off, but nevertheless: Can anyone tell if Nikon G (telephoto) lenses can be used on the SL by means of the (non-auto focus) Novoflex SL-Nikon adapter?

 

I undetstand that the focus will be manual and that there will be no image stabilisation, but how to set the aperture? Does the blue ring on the Novoflex adapter set the aperture on the lens?

 

Post: I see that Nikon G lenses have a mechanical adjustment mechanism of the aperture (in contrast to the newer E-lenses), implying that the mentioned Novoflex LET/NIK should do the job.

 

Best wishes for the New Year!

 

Yes, of course. There are adapters available. This is true since the beginning of this forum, when the SL came out. No problem to attach any D or G type lens. Only for E type the new AF adapter is useful. But even those E lenses work with a cheaper adapter (but only at full aperture, but this is often not such a limitation for a tele lens).

[Mantice]

Although I know myself has been strongly opinionated and bias towards things (still am), I do handle most of these lenses, and switching to Canon recently.

 

I sold my last apo-telyt last year, and has been using canon ii super-telephotos ever since.  I have absolutely no regret in doing so but only through losing/absent of something special you get to appreciate what the values are in the Leica lens:

 

• The most obvious is the perceived space and color (3D or whatever definition you like it to be) of Leica lens: this is something immediately noticeable after switching to super-telephoto canon after many years with Leica, which IQ is flat on the Canon.

However, you may observe something weird on modern camera bodies (puzzle me for a long time):

 

• Sharpness: The "perceived" sharpness of 280/4 and 400/4 modular falls short on a 5DSR, even to budget lens 400/5.6L; also heavily depends on your technique, its challenge to nail focus and fight vibration (so A7ii could help).
• Contrast: The "perceived" contrast of above lenses on M240 is ok, but on 5DSR both looks dull with 280/4 slightly better.

With that being said, if you blow up just a little (not too much), you can "see" the texture of things, almost like being there.  I suspect the low element count also contribute significantly to such clean rendering but I cannot prove it.

 

And the boring part: what makes me want to sold it?  Personal usability and technique - its heavy, and so true to one's technique that I have long realized I'm simply suck at using it; unlike one admired photographer here, the time and energy needed to fully utilize it contradict to my work and life.

 

I think I can suggest this to others: if you are willing to take the time and effort to create the most unique and lifelike photos of yours, without look into too much technical detail of modern sensor and optical advancement - you will not be disappointed with Leica APO Telyt.

 

If you are into birds, then consider your priorities - doesn't matter what suggestions you get, even mine, you'll still be the one you know yourself the best.  For me, able to carry my canon supertele on my shoulder and hike into the woods without a tripod is really a new delight! 

 

I do hope in the future there's a 280/4 like lens with much smaller form-factor (shorter FL) and I'll be really interesting in getting one!

[steppenw0lf]

If you simply look at the R lenses, you will find that this is the typical size of a 4/280. Smaller is not possible, unless the construction is completely changed - using Fresnel lenses e.g. . So simply buy the Nikon 4/300 PF and you have what you desire.

And the SL 90-280 already has 4/280 with near perfect IQ, so this would be the most stupid lens selection possible. Rather a 4/400 or 4/500 or the classical 2.8/280.

 

Buy it and tell me if the AF works fast or slow with the Novoflex AF adapter - I have still not found a test. Otherwise I would have bought this lens already.  

[helged]

The Nikon fresnel 300mm f4 is inhouse (small and lightweight, indeed, to be used on D500, yielding 450mm f4), the Novoflex adapter arrives on Monday.

[gautier]

I use the modular Apo-Telyt-R on my M (type 240) with the Leica adapter : there is a mechanical vignetting   (see this post or this one).

I hope that the SL with the R-Adapter L hasn't the issue. But I haven't the information (not easy to find the body and the adapter to try).

 

I answer to my own question. I performed a test using the SL and the modular Apo-Telyt-R, with the R-Adapter L and with two adapters (M-Adapter T + R-Adapter M).

The test is available in French on this page. Conclusion: the mechanical vignetting disappears with the R-Adapter L   It exists on the M with the R-Adapter M or on the SL with the combination of two adapters. The root cause is the R-Adapter M.

 

Leica SL + R-Adapter L + Apo-Telyt-R 1:5.6 / 800 mm

[dkCambridgeshire]

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Wondering if anyone has tried the 400/2.8 APO Telyt R MODULAR with the Leica SL … and if so do you have any sample pics / opinions?

 

Note enquiring about Modular lens … not the 1992/96 APO 400/2.8 R lens 

 

Best wishes

 

dunk 

[amoebahydra]

Wondering if anyone has tried the 400/2.8 APO Telyt R MODULAR with the Leica SL … and if so do you have any sample pics / opinions?

 

Note enquiring about Modular lens … not the 1992/96 APO 400/2.8 R lens 

 

Best wishes

 

dunk 

Leica SL Type 601 + Apo-Telyt-R 1:2.8/400 (modular) .................

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[amoebahydra]

Leica Apo-Telyt-R 1:2.8/400 (modular) ......................

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[rafael_macia]

Terrific stuff Thighslapper!

[dkCambridgeshire]

Have any SL users tried the Sigma 300-800mm lens? I read that when used with the Novoflex EOS to SL adapter, the AF is slow … but have not read any comments about image quality. 

 

dunk 

[mike_j]

If you search birdforum for Sigma 300-800mm there are a number of posts. I found it best to use Google with search term birdforum sigma 300-800mm rather than birdforum's own search facility. Generally the comments on IQ and build are very complimentary. Most adverse comment is about size and weight, not for nothing is it called the Sigmonster. Comments generally refer to use with Canon, no Leica reference that I found.