Lens Question -- 350mm Telyt F4.8

[SteveYork]

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Is the 350mm Telyt good or bad or something else? Is the current 280/4 and other apo lenses so much better then the previous generation of telephotos?

 

I got sucked into buying the newest and best when I replaced my 50mm Summicron w/ the 50mm Summilux Asph. Frankly, I can't tell a difference, although the extra stop of speed is nice. On the other hand, I could tell a big difference between the current model 50mm Summicron and the 1980's tabbed version, although they're supposed to have the same optical formula. Go figure.

 

In practical matters, in the field, using a monopod, what's the difference you'll see between the apo telephotos and the more recent past generation of lenses.

 

Thanks.

 

PS -- I already know you'll weigh less w/ the apo lenses, because your wallet (or purse) will be empty.

[mooky]

I had the 350. Yes, the new telephotos (APO) are generally better. At the time, I didn't see a significant difference between the 350, the 560 5.6, 560 6.8, or 400 6.8. I had expectations that the 350 would have been an improvement over those examples, I just didn't see it and sold it.

 

I didn't find it as easy to use either. As I understand it, Leica didn't sell all that many of the 350's. So, it's an okay lens but the 280 4 is suppose to be better, as are the new APO's. Perhaps others have direct experience with them and shed more details.

[rsh]

Great Lens. Had one until recently when I was lucky enough to find a LN 280 Apo Telyt. Sold it. You can probably find a like new copy for around $1,000.00. Here is a link to one from Kurland.

 

Leica 350mm /4.8 Telyt R Lens 350 - eBay (item 250379382527 end time Mar-26-09 14:35:26 PDT)