Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/06/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]This evening I went to take pictures at a soccer (football) game using both the 280 APO 2.8 and the 180 APO Summicron. I came to the conclusion that the 180 with the APO 2x creates just as fine an image as the 280 APO 2.8 plus 1.4x. It makes me think whether it is worth having both lenses. Is there really much difference in angle of view between the 280 + 1.4 at 400mm F4 and the 180 + 2x at 360mm F4? This is a shot taken this evening with the 280 + 1.4: http://home.istar.ca/~robsteve/photography/images/soccer/Soccer-Jun-11-99-1. jpg This shot was taken with the 180 + 2x: http://home.istar.ca/~robsteve/photography/images/soccer/Soccer-Jun-11-99-2. jpg The more I use the 180 Summicron, the more I am in awe of it. Not only is it sharp and contrasty and all good things optically, but mechanically it is first rate. I was using it on a monopod and could focus it by just moving the focusing ring with my thumb only. It is that smooth and requires that little effort. That combined with its fast speed make it very easy to focus. I had more good shots on the two rolls I shot tonight, than I had last week when I used an EOS 1N and the Canon 300 2.8. I even have one shot where a score was made and i manged to pan to the net and focus on the ball. I know the EOS can't focus that quick with all the distraction of the netting to throw it off. A scan of that pic is: http://home.istar.ca/~robsteve/photography/images/soccer/Soccer-Jun-11-99-8. jpg So to get the LUG back on topic, what would you do in my case, keep both lenses or sell one? I realize that the 280 + 2x makes a 560 F5.6, but I also have a 400 2.8 which will give me a 560 F4 with the 1.4x. Regards, Robert