Anyone experiences w/ APO-Telyt-M 135mm f/3.4 for landscape photos in Iceland?

[R4p70r]

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Hi everyone! 

As the topic title describe it has anyone experiences and sample photos with that lens for landscape photography in Iceland? 
Currently I am planning a trip to Iceland and I found the mentioned lens pre-owned for a good price. 

I am quite covered from 28m up to 75mm and considering to get a 135mm to have more reach as Iceland's landscape is sometimes
quite vast and expanse. 

 

[jankap]

From 28mm to 75mm is a factor of 3. From 75mm to 135mm is a factor less than 2. So relatively close in comparison to your current set.

[rsolomon]

I want one of these …. The price to usage ratio is a bit off for me . I have considered the 180R f3.4 APO but have not yet decided 

Edited June 23, 2024 by rsolomon

[yae]

The 135/4 Tele-Elmar-M is practically indistinguishable from f5.6 onwards. There are a few versions, however the differences between them are only cosmetic as the optical formula has remained unchanged. The latest version with the modern barrel commands the highest price, but is still a bargain when compared to the APO-Telyt, while the older barrel variants can be had for 400-500 USD. 

In my experience using it, even wide open the Tele-Elmar performs very well. Of course, aberrations are better controlled with the APO-Telyt, and wide open performance is better. Though I can't say the Tele-Elmar has left me wanting. If you need the extra light gathering capacity of the APO-Telyt, and have the funds to spare, then the question answers itself. 

My motivation for the Tele-Elmar over the APO-Telyt 135mm was to have a low commitment introduction to the focal length that is a near equal performer, given that I would be using it stopped down, and save the difference / put it towards a lens that I would use more often in the present. I imagine that if I continue using it, I will likely go with the APO-Telyt in the long run. For now, I am satisfied. 

[rcusick]

I find 90 mm is fine for landscapes.  I generally only bring my 135 mm if I think I may encounter wildlife or sports subjects.  I chose the tele elmar for all the reasons mentioned above - low cost of entry and high performance for a lens I rarely use. 

[Maarten]

Especially when buying second hand, make sure the lens focusses well on your body before buying. It starts with the rangefinder patches aligning at infinity. The Tele-Elmar head can be used separately on the old Visoflex. It’s important that the lens head and the focussing part fit together. In most cases the lens number is scratched in the focussing mount.

I’m not fond of using an EVF. 135 mm can be focussed quick and precise but you will need a well calibrated lens and some experience.

[luigi bertolotti]

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All of 3 in Iceland, all of 3 with Apo Telyt 135 on M240

If you can, take also a longer focal : the 2 times I was there, carried with me also 280 and 250 (not together... 😁) : when sunny (which is not SO frequent) air is exceptionally clean and terse, and long focals are fully enjoyable

 

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Edited June 23, 2024 by luigi bertolotti

[R4p70r]

@jankap, @rsolomon, @yae, @rcusick, @Maarten thank you everyone for your input!

Special thanks to @luigi bertolotti for providing on-location experience information and sample photos!