SL Prime 2/135 AF?

[vladik]

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SL Prime 2/135 AF?

 

I am very happy with my SL and an SL24-90mm lens. I addition to that I would like to have a SL 2/135 AF, but it is not on Leica SL-System Lens Roadmap (as yet). I do not want to go for SL90-280 as nice as this lens is. Do you think that Leica will eventually introduce a135mm lens or should I try other option available now Nikon or Canon AF lens via adapter? 

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[helged]

SL Prime 2/135 AF?

 

I am very happy with my SL and an SL24-90mm lens. I addition to that I would like to have a SL 2/135 AF, but it is not on Leica SL-System Lens Roadmap (as yet). I do not want to go for SL90-280 as nice as this lens is. Do you think that Leica will eventually introduce a135mm lens or should I try other option available now Nikon or Canon AF lens via adapter? 

 

 

It's hard to say which SL-lenses Leica will release next... If you go for a Canikon lens, don't expect too much regarding auto focus. And you will not have image stabilisation. If so, I would likely go for a manual 135mm lens.

[panoreserve]

Interesting question - though difficult to answer. Will Leica continue the L-Summicron-Line (f2) below 35mm and above 90mm (28/24/21 - 135/180)?! I'm in doubt about it. Those lenses would become rather heavy, big and expensive, esp.with OIS... So, as an addition to the excellent 24-90, the 90-280 remains the very best option for a long time, I suppose... 

[satijntje]

Maybe above 90mm it will be an Elmarit version (2.8) to keep weight and size to an acceptable level.

John

[thighslapper]

SL Prime 2/135 AF?

 

I am very happy with my SL and an SL24-90mm lens. I addition to that I would like to have a SL 2/135 AF, but it is not on Leica SL-System Lens Roadmap (as yet). I do not want to go for SL90-280 as nice as this lens is. Do you think that Leica will eventually introduce a135mm lens or should I try other option available now Nikon or Canon AF lens via adapter? 

 

The Sigma Art 135/1.8 works well on the SL with the Novoflex AF adapter. AF is accurate, reasonably fast and reasonably reliable (*) It is exceptionally sharp and free of aberrations.

 

It is however the same size and a bit heavier than the 24-90 ....... so adding it to a bag will the usual junk will exercise your shoulders and back.

 

It does have the advantage of having same filter size as the zooms ..... which is handy if like me you are interested in landscape and use a filter system like Formatt-Hitech. 

 

(*) Occasionally hunts requiring a second button press to focus ....... not fast or reliable enough for sports or moving critters .... Manual is easy and quick though. 

Edited March 14, 2018 by thighslapper

[mmradman]

From your experience and practice which Novoflex AF you are satisfied with coupled with Sigma Art 135mm f1.8 lens, Canon EF or Nikon F (supporting Electronic aperture) mount?

The Sigma Art 135/1.8 works well on the SL with the Novoflex AF adapter. AF is accurate, reasonably fast and reasonably reliable (*) It is exceptionally sharp and free of aberrations.

 

It is however the same size and a bit heavier than the 24-90 ....... so adding it to a bag will the usual junk will exercise your shoulders and back.

 

It does have the advantage of having same filter size as the zooms ..... which is handy if like me you are interested in landscape and use a filter system like Formatt-Hitech. 

 

(*) Occasionally hunts requiring a second button press to focus ....... not fast or reliable enough for sports or moving critters .... Manual is easy and quick though. 

[thighslapper]

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I could not get the Canon mount version of the Sigma to work properly with the Novoflex AF Canon adapter. This appears to be a common feature with Canon compatibility ...... some work well, some variably and some not at all. There is even variability between identical lenses and adapters which is inexplicable .....

 

The Nikon Novoflex works with a much more limited list of lenses ( Nikon E and the later Sigma Arts) and is a bit more consistent. 

 

Anyone contemplating any of the adapters and 'compatible' lenses needs to try on a 'return if unsuitable' basis as there is no guarantee it will work to the standards you may require or expect ..... I suppose this is to be expected as most lenses require different slightly algorithms to shift the lens elements about efficiently and accurately ........ hence the recent firmware update for the SL 50/1.4. The Novoflex presumably acts a 'generic' controller as far as the SL is concerned and cannot adjust for any lens idiosyncracies. The results are therefore very variable ..... To work reliably the Novoflex needs some sort of intelligent firmware that recognises and adjusts for the attached lens .... which it clearly does not have. 

 

The focus throw on the 135 is short and MF focussing is very easy ........ but it is a big heavy beast for a manual 135 ...... 

Edited March 14, 2018 by thighslapper

[mmradman]

I recently acquired ex-demo  Zeiss ZF.2 APO Sonnar 2/135mm at half of the price of the current Milvus.,  Lens is manual focus (just in case anyone is wondering), image quality is exceptional, i would say on par with similar FL Leica M & R APO lenses.  I couldn't fault test shots made in comparison to  APO Elemarit R 180mm v1.  One extra bonus point for APO Sonnar or current Milvus equivalent is minimum focus distance of 0.8 meters or 2'8" which is pretty good close up for such long FL, also works great with Canon 500D close up lens.

[helged]

Yes, both Sigma 135mm f1.4 and Zeiss ZF.2 APO Sonnar 2/135mm are stellar. I have nevertheless sold both - simply because I like the focal length flexibility - and image stabilisation - of the 90-280 SL. The latter is rather large/heavy, so I clearly see the wish for a (smaller) 135mm prime.

[vladik]

Maybe above 90mm it will be an Elmarit version (2.8) to keep weight and size to an acceptable level.

John

 

 

SL Elmarit 2.8/135 would be just right to keep weight and size to acceptable levels as you state. I have been using Nikkor 2.8/135 Ais that I purchased about 25 years ago via Leica / Novoflex adapter on my SL and I am quite happy with its image quality, but auto focus and IS would be welcome.

[JamesBarry]

I could not get the Canon mount version of the Sigma to work properly with the Novoflex AF Canon adapter. This appears to be a common feature with Canon compatibility ...... some work well, some variably and some not at all. There is even variability between identical lenses and adapters which is inexplicable .....

 

The Nikon Novoflex works with a much more limited list of lenses ( Nikon E and the later Sigma Arts) and is a bit more consistent. 

 

Anyone contemplating any of the adapters and 'compatible' lenses needs to try on a 'return if unsuitable' basis as there is no guarantee it will work to the standards you may require or expect ..... I suppose this is to be expected as most lenses require different slightly algorithms to shift the lens elements about efficiently and accurately ........ hence the recent firmware update for the SL 50/1.4. The Novoflex presumably acts a 'generic' controller as far as the SL is concerned and cannot adjust for any lens idiosyncracies. The results are therefore very variable ..... To work reliably the Novoflex needs some sort of intelligent firmware that recognises and adjusts for the attached lens .... which it clearly does not have. 

 

The focus throw on the 135 is short and MF focussing is very easy ........ but it is a big heavy beast for a manual 135 ...... 

 

 

 

Thighslapper,

 

I am seriously considering the Sigma 135 for portrait and long property external shots and wanted to be clear as to your experience using with Novoflex (Canon mount)?  I use the same mount with the Sigma 12-24 Art for interior shots and, although clunky AF, it generally works well.  If the Novoflex with the Sigma is unreliable I may consider the Zeiss 135 Milvus.

 

Many thanks

 

James 

[thighslapper]

The canon novoflex + sigma 135 was unusable ...... the nikon novoflex + sigma 135 was usable.....

 

As I said ...... there is considerable variability and I would try both combinations and see what you find before committing serious cash

[BernardC]

I would like to have a SL 2/135 AF, but it is not on Leica SL-System Lens Roadmap (as yet).

(...)

Do you think that Leica will eventually introduce a135mm lens or should I try other option available now Nikon or Canon AF lens via adapter? 

I think that, if you really want a 135 F:2, you should get an adapted lens rather than waiting for Leica to announce their own.

 

There is no point waiting for something that has not even been announced. You can always trade it in on a Leica 135 later.

[Irakly Shanidze]

All I know is that if it ever comes out, it is going to be a very expensive lens.

[JamesBarry]

I recently acquired ex-demo  Zeiss ZF.2 APO Sonnar 2/135mm at half of the price of the current Milvus.,  Lens is manual focus (just in case anyone is wondering), image quality is exceptional, i would say on par with similar FL Leica M & R APO lenses.  I couldn't fault test shots made in comparison to  APO Elemarit R 180mm v1.  One extra bonus point for APO Sonnar or current Milvus equivalent is minimum focus distance of 0.8 meters or 2'8" which is pretty good close up for such long FL, also works great with Canon 500D close up lens.

 

Which adaptor do you use for the Zeiss 135; Novoflex?  Many thanks

[mmradman]

Which adaptor do you use for the Zeiss 135; Novoflex? Many thanks

From memory, don’t have adopter with me today, Fotodiox or Kipon F to M coupled to Leica M to L adapter. No noticeable vignetting.

 

I can select manually M lens from the menu as Leica adaptor communicates with the camera.

Edited March 21, 2018 by mmradman