kobra Posted March 18, 2023 Share #1 Posted March 18, 2023 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all, I've poured over the threads regarding the L mount telephoto lenses, and keep coming back to the Leica 90-280 APO. It is a heavy beast, and costs more than many entire camera systems, but it just seems to be universally regarded as one of the best lenses in its length, ever, from anyone. Context; I did buy and own the Sigma 100-400 and it is a good but not great lens. And I used it at one desert event and got dust on the sensor, so I have doubts as to its ability to perform in dusty or wet environments. Ok, back to the 90-280 -- I decided I had read all I could so just had to try it. So, I rented a copy and took it to a couple of very different events. The first is the Phoenix Nascar United 500 race, and the second was a day with friends at the Old Tucson movie set. I will post some images, then some comments after that... Brad Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 18, 2023 Posted March 18, 2023 Hi kobra, Take a look here Leica 90-280 musings (with images). I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
kobra Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share #2 Posted March 18, 2023 Some Nascar photos, SOOC jpgs (sorry, but busy week and wanted to just get some photos posted here). All taken with SL2 + APO 90-280, most taken wide open. 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! 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/373403-leica-90-280-musings-with-images/?do=findComment&comment=4728950'>More sharing options...
kobra Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share #3 Posted March 18, 2023 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! 1 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/373403-leica-90-280-musings-with-images/?do=findComment&comment=4728951'>More sharing options...
kobra Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share #4 Posted March 18, 2023 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! 2 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/373403-leica-90-280-musings-with-images/?do=findComment&comment=4728952'>More sharing options...
kobra Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share #5 Posted March 18, 2023 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! 1 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/373403-leica-90-280-musings-with-images/?do=findComment&comment=4728953'>More sharing options...
kobra Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share #6 Posted March 18, 2023 Next, a few from the Old Tucson movie set... 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! 3 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/373403-leica-90-280-musings-with-images/?do=findComment&comment=4728956'>More sharing options...
kobra Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share #7 Posted March 18, 2023 Advertisement (gone after registration) 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! 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/373403-leica-90-280-musings-with-images/?do=findComment&comment=4728957'>More sharing options...
kobra Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share #8 Posted March 18, 2023 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! 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/373403-leica-90-280-musings-with-images/?do=findComment&comment=4728958'>More sharing options...
kobra Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share #9 Posted March 18, 2023 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! 4 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/373403-leica-90-280-musings-with-images/?do=findComment&comment=4728960'>More sharing options...
kobra Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share #10 Posted March 18, 2023 Pouring rain, and the cast still having fun! 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! 5 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/373403-leica-90-280-musings-with-images/?do=findComment&comment=4728963'>More sharing options...
kobra Posted March 18, 2023 Author Share #11 Posted March 18, 2023 Ok, enough photos; now some commentary. As noted, this were the first events ever with this lens, and I am still new to the SL2. To be critical, here are some of the challenges I experienced: -some missed focus as I am addicted to this lens wide open and the DOF is very shallow. -some under or overexposed images (still sorting out the best modes to use for events like these) -I'm ok with heavy gear, but this lens is a beast. I did hike with it for a couple hours, but I worry if I would leave it at home at times. The things I love about this lens (and the SL2 alongside it): -wonderful, rich, saturated colors, even on dull days -amazing, creamy bokeh with soft focus fall off -very quick AF, and I love using the joystick for BBF Other notes: -I think this lens is more like a longer 70-200, than a telephoto like a 100-400 (maybe some are saying duh) -I will have to buy different camera bags to carry this thing; it is about an inch too big for those I have now. The lens has to go back now... will I buy a copy? Very likely. But, I will look for a good used copy to try to defray the costs. And, I may wait a bit for more information on the new Leica 100-400. Will that one be the 'goldilocks telephoto lens', with very good IQ at a smaller size and reduced price? I hope the above has been helpful. I look forward to comments, critiques, and examples of how others have used this lens. Brad 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LD_50 Posted March 19, 2023 Share #12 Posted March 19, 2023 I have owned this lens since 2017. I don’t use it nearly as often as my other SL lenses (16-35, 50 Summilux, 24-90, Sigma 105 macro). The size of the lens is challenging and the IQ doesn’t often make up for it for me. I do enjoy the IQ but at times the bokeh is busy and the SL series AF speed is slow enough that I can’t use it the way I did my old Nikon 70-200 lenses. One of the best lenses I’ve owned was the Nikon 200 f/2. It was large and heavy but the IQ and D4s AF speed made it worth carrying every time. I was hoping the 90-280 would be similar but I just haven’t felt that way so far. Reading your post has me wanting to take the lens out again to see if it changes my mind. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidmknoble Posted March 19, 2023 Share #13 Posted March 19, 2023 I love the 90-280, but it has a purpose. Definitely not a walk-around lens! I also have an old Nikon 500 f/4 AIS (manual lens) and a Leica R APO 280mm f/2.8. These are both very large lenses, the Nikon being the lightest because it has the fewest elements. The 90-280 is incredibly sharp and I use it mostly for coastal wildlife (i.e., big birds eating in the marshes). Yet, I use the other two lenses for the same. I have also used the Nikon 500 f/8 mirror lens on the SL system for Astro photography and the lunar eclipse and it is great for that purpose. Bottom line, if you need the extra length, I think this lens is great on the SL system and I liken it to the Leica R APO 70-180mm f/2.8. It has that color rendition and beautiful focus wide open. I have the 100-400 on the way and I liken it to the Leica R 80-200 f/4, which is a great lens, lower f/stop and much smaller than the 70-180, but not quite as beautiful. Yet these SL lenses are all weather sealed - which is a huge bonus for me and the content I shoot. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kristofferpaulsen Posted March 20, 2023 Share #14 Posted March 20, 2023 i bought one a few months back and honestly barely use it. I find I much prefer just getting closer, but obviously that's not always possible.. so will hold onto it. Keen to come up against something where it's required, it's a crazy lens. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kobra Posted March 20, 2023 Author Share #15 Posted March 20, 2023 So, just for comparisons... the first image is with the SL2 + 24-70. Note this is a quick snap from a roadside lookout and is SOOC JPG. 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! 1 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/373403-leica-90-280-musings-with-images/?do=findComment&comment=4730221'>More sharing options...
kobra Posted March 20, 2023 Author Share #16 Posted March 20, 2023 The second shot is standing in the same spot but using the 90-280, at 280 (also SOOC JPG). To me, this creates a very interesting viewpoint. Hope that gives some perspective. I'm actually really interested to see how this lens might be used for landscapes. There is a tonality in this image that I want to explore further by processing the DNG. 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! 1 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/373403-leica-90-280-musings-with-images/?do=findComment&comment=4730232'>More sharing options...
Doug Trabaris Posted March 20, 2023 Share #17 Posted March 20, 2023 On 3/18/2023 at 6:56 PM, kobra said: Ok, enough photos; now some commentary. As noted, this were the first events ever with this lens, and I am still new to the SL2. To be critical, here are some of the challenges I experienced: -some missed focus as I am addicted to this lens wide open and the DOF is very shallow. -some under or overexposed images (still sorting out the best modes to use for events like these) -I'm ok with heavy gear, but this lens is a beast. I did hike with it for a couple hours, but I worry if I would leave it at home at times. The things I love about this lens (and the SL2 alongside it): -wonderful, rich, saturated colors, even on dull days -amazing, creamy bokeh with soft focus fall off -very quick AF, and I love using the joystick for BBF Other notes: -I think this lens is more like a longer 70-200, than a telephoto like a 100-400 (maybe some are saying duh) -I will have to buy different camera bags to carry this thing; it is about an inch too big for those I have now. The lens has to go back now... will I buy a copy? Very likely. But, I will look for a good used copy to try to defray the costs. And, I may wait a bit for more information on the new Leica 100-400. Will that one be the 'goldilocks telephoto lens', with very good IQ at a smaller size and reduced price? I hope the above has been helpful. I look forward to comments, critiques, and examples of how others have used this lens. Brad I bought this lens last May, and use it primarily on landscape shots, but also on portraits. It’s spectacular (although I’m not even one tenth the photographer you are). The colors and bokeh are amazing. I use it less than my kit lens (leica 24-70), but it’s invaluable. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kobra Posted March 20, 2023 Author Share #18 Posted March 20, 2023 36 minutes ago, Doug Trabaris said: I bought this lens last May, and use it primarily on landscape shots, but also on portraits. It’s spectacular (although I’m not even one tenth the photographer you are). The colors and bokeh are amazing. I use it less than my kit lens (leica 24-70), but it’s invaluable. Thank you for the kind words! I feel like we are all still learning and growing, and sharing on this forum is a part of it. I feel the same about how wonderful the 90-280 is. I used it a lot this past week, and really did find it more useful than I expected. With my Fuji XF 100-400, it was a very specific focal length that got used at certain times (desert races mostly). But, that is an equivalent of 150-600, so many of my issues I had with it was that it was too long on the short end. So, to me the 90-280 seems to be a completely different, and more useful, focal length. And, as you noted, it creates just wonderful images! Brad 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted March 20, 2023 Share #19 Posted March 20, 2023 I have had this lens from not long after I bought the SL, which was at launch. I have never considered it as a walk-around lens, and mostly use it indoors for events and performance photography. Each time I lift it to my eye I am gobsmacked by the colours, sharpness and contrast. I have a Fogg b-major bag and I can get the 90-280 in the bottom, with the SL2-S and 24-90 on top, separated by a padded divider. I don't need anything else for most events. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted March 21, 2023 Share #20 Posted March 21, 2023 ... and my 25 year old A&A bag can take the SL2 + 24-90 on the body + 90-280 alongside. Best though is a Lowpro backpack - it's kinder to the human's body! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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