Stonewall Brigade Posted June 21, 2018 Share #1 Posted June 21, 2018 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have two local camera store options to buy an immaculate Elmar-R 180mm f/3 for $375 at one store, or, a worn APO Telyt-R 180mm f/3.4 for around $700 at the other store. My intent with a 180mm will be to pair with my M10 for flower photography (for distant water lilies in a pond), and for occasional motorsports (for fixed focus on a specific point in a race track). For both kinds of photography, I will use a tripod (flowers) or a monopod (motorsports), ISO 100, and an aperture at around f/5.6-f/8. I have read about the reported sharpness of the APO lens and its' advantages, as evidenced by the 2x to 3x sale price for that lens over the f/4 lens. That said, I also already own a nice Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED AIS that gives great image quality, and wonder if it there is anything to gain, image wise, in buying either of the Leica options. (I also own the R 60mm, 100mm macro and 350mm options for my flower and motorsports photography, when those lengths are needed). Given the type of use I plan to do, occasional use of a 180mm shot on a tripod and at f/8, does either of the Leica 180mm lenses offer anything better in image quality? Is the Elmar-R f/4 option, immaculate and at just $375, good enough for how I would use it? Thanks in advance for all comments. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 21, 2018 Posted June 21, 2018 Hi Stonewall Brigade, Take a look here Seeking advice - Elmar-R 180mm f/4 or APO Telyt-R 180mm f/3.4 ?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Stonewall Brigade Posted June 21, 2018 Author Share #2 Posted June 21, 2018 UPDATE, I purchased the APO version and traded in the Nikkor 180mm. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fernando_b Posted June 22, 2018 Share #3 Posted June 22, 2018 UPDATE, I purchased the APO version and traded in the Nikkor 180mm. Have a good luck with the 180/3.4 APO! I never use it wide open; rarely at f/4. I found it is superb from f/5.6 to f/11. Consider that the 180/3.4 is a Mandler design, that has 50 years! May be the 180/2.8 APO is better, but I don't need it. Fernando. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh 38 Posted June 24, 2018 Share #4 Posted June 24, 2018 I have used my Apo 3.4 fully open for portraits and it is lovely , though stop it down and it is wonderful . 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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