Hope next long SL prime is an APO 180mm, f2.0

[algrove]

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After thinking about all the long Leica lenses I have used over the years it was the R 180, either APO 2,8 or APO 2.0 that were just fantastic and could also take an APO 2x extender. I used these on my M240 at the time with VF for focusing and they were marvelous with very high quality results.

The APO 180/2.0 was like 5 lbs and VERY heavy, but what images! Of course the APO 180/2.8 was MUCH smaller to carry around and to use with extremely terrific results even when using either the 1.4x or 2x extenders.

Come one Leica bring back an APO 180 prime with AF for SL3 use.

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[darylgo]

The 180/2 Apo is a marvelous lens, testing one sample I had to use every bit of will power to keep from purchasing it.  The 70-180/2.8R Apo and 280/4R Apo I would put in the same category of lenses, unmatched today by all but the best optics, Leica made some beautiful lenses for the R.  An often overlooked option and substitute is the 180/3.5 Apo S that can easily be adapted to the SL system without giving up any functionality and ibis makes it easily handholdable.  The same can be said for several of the S lenses and I believe when they introduced the SL system they touted the many adapted lenses that could be used with the new system or was that the S system, my recollection is a bit fuzzy.  

As an aside I used my original SL with the 280+ 1.4x + 2x Apo converters  to photograph the eclipse and the pictures were tack sharp with the larger sunspot quite clearly defined.  That Leica doesn't make Apo converters for the best SL lenses is a mystery, backorders would extend (bad pun not intended) to Q-like years.  100% come-on Leica.  

[robb]

Would love an SL apo 180 f2.

not holding my breath.  Would soon be my favorite lens.

Robb

[algrove]

9 hours ago, robb said:

Would love an SL apo 180 f2.

not holding my breath.  Would soon be my favorite lens.

Robb

Yes, you could die of asphyxiation.

[algrove]

12 hours ago, darylgo said:

The 180/2 Apo is a marvelous lens, testing one sample I had to use every bit of will power to keep from purchasing it.  The 70-180/2.8R Apo and 280/4R Apo I would put in the same category of lenses, unmatched today by all but the best optics, Leica made some beautiful lenses for the R.  An often overlooked option and substitute is the 180/3.5 Apo S that can easily be adapted to the SL system without giving up any functionality and ibis makes it easily handholdable.  The same can be said for several of the S lenses and I believe when they introduced the SL system they touted the many adapted lenses that could be used with the new system or was that the S system, my recollection is a bit fuzzy.  

As an aside I used my original SL with the 280+ 1.4x + 2x Apo converters  to photograph the eclipse and the pictures were tack sharp with the larger sunspot quite clearly defined.  That Leica doesn't make Apo converters for the best SL lenses is a mystery, backorders would extend (bad pun not intended) to Q-like years.  100% come-on Leica.  

It seems Leica has often released tele lenses in 180mm and 280mm so let's hope an SL 180 comes soon. It would not be soon enough for me.

[Ivar B]

I owned the 2/180 some years ago and sold it. Idiot.

[algrove]

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2 hours ago, Ivar B said:

I owned the 2/180 some years ago and sold it. Idiot.

So did I and I am an idiot for doing that too. It was just SOOOO heavy.

[darylgo]

I was an idiot for not buying it, the weight was too great and at 8000 Euro the price too high.  As an alternative I purchased the Nikon 200/2 AFs lens and it was also heavy, the ibis helped but it’s a tripod lens, Nikon doesn’t service the lens any longer and it has issues with the motor.  It appears all manufacturers have abandoned this focal length. 

[Stuart Richardson]

Unfortunately I think one of the biggest arguments for these lenses, and the reason why companies initially made them was because of how slow color film was and how difficult it was to focus in dusk. Having F2 would make it easier to focus at all times with an OVF camera, and the extra stop would come in handy when the fastest slide film was Provia 400, which goes to max 1600, or something like Portra 800 pushed a stop. With mirrorless and high ISOs, those are no longer problems that a critical mass of photographers face. Add that to the availability of high quality zooms, and the market just shrinks tremendously for these lenses. If you are truly waiting for a fast telephoto, it seems like the Sigma 135mm f1.8, Leica APO Macro Elmarit 120mm f2.5 and the 180mm 3.5 S lens are the most comparable options. I have not used the Sigma, but can confirm that the 120mm and 180mm are brilliant on the S2, if big and heavy and slower to focus than native lenses.

[IkarusJohn]

I have the APO Elmarit-R 180/2.8 and APO 2x converter, and I agree it’s fabulous. Surprisingly, the image circle covers the full frame of the X2D; the only downside being having to use the electronic shutter with that camera.  The SL(601) has come into its own for me as a universal mount.

[Dr. G]

For those who want/have a 180mm lens, what subject matter do you use it for?  

[robb]

Bought the 180 f2 new with my R8 cameras…

wish I would not have sold it.

now have a canon 200 f2 with a sigma adapter k. My Leica cameras which single AF works along with IS.

great lens.  Just wish it was a Leica…

Robb

[algrove]

9 hours ago, Dr. G said:

For those who want/have a 180mm lens, what subject matter do you use it for?  

I often use long lenses to isolate what I want in landscape work. Also stitching with a long lens held vertically can have interesting results.

[Ivar B]

19 hours ago, algrove said:

So did I and I am an idiot for doing that too. It was just SOOOO heavy.

Exactly. This is why. 

[topoxforddoc]

The 180/2 APO-Summicron-R is one of my all time favourite lenses. It is my go to concert lens. Here's a shot of Tim Whitehead, the British Tenor Sax maestro last week taken with the 180/2 on a SL2 with a Novoflex adapter - hand held

 

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Edited April 13, 2024 by topoxforddoc

[topoxforddoc]

Here's two more shot with the 180/2 APO-R on a SL2

Georgia Cecile & Sarah Brown - last year at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival - again hand held

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Edited April 13, 2024 by topoxforddoc