Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/03/07
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Lars, >> I have to deside between a used 180/2.8 or to wait for a used 180/3.4 APO. I want to now if anyone can tell me which advantages the APO has and if it is worth it to wait??<< I recently bought a 180/2.8 and then a 180/3.4 apo. The 180/2.8 had a problem and I was forced to return it. I did get to shoot a few frames with it before it was returned. When I processed the film (Kodak Elite II 100) the images were not as sharp as I believed they should be. Certainly not as good as my 90/2.8 Elmarit-R. When I asked for a replacement for the 180/2.8 I asked for a 180/3.4 apo instead. I shot the same subjects again with the 180/3.4 and the same film. There was a noticeable increase in color saturation, contrast, and sharpness of detail. I am now pleased I chose the 180/3.4 apo. Of course much will depend on what you shoot. The 180/2.8 is better at mid range subjects (or so I am told) than the 180/3.4 supposedly is (the 180/3.4 is supposedly the champ at infinity but not at closer ranges. But I haven't found that to be true at all). And of course the extra lens speed may easily offset the additional sharpness qualities of the 180/3.4. More sharpness isn't much good if you can't get a good shot due to exposure/hand held reasons. regards, Don Bledsoe Boise, Idaho