Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/09/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Ben >>I am thinking of using 135/2.8R + 1.4X + 2X to get a very small size 378/f8. However, I am not sure if the optics will still be ok.<< I've used the 2X on a 90/2 and I see no degradation. I can't see that the 135 would be any different. I have never seen Leica recommend anything regarding the use of their products that wasn't up to snuff. Leica says you can use the 2X on any lens f2 and slower and 50mm and longer. There's a certain apprehension about using tele converters. I think that has line of thinking has roots that are no longer valid. It's true that you lose speed. That hasn't changed. But quality is much better. Both converters and primes are better. Years ago I had a third party 2X that I used on Nikon. It was a piece of crap. I later used a Mutar on Contax and I started believing in converters. Leica users, and I include myself in that category, are very concerned about the absolute highest quality images. And that's a valid concern. But there are so many things that can affect image quality; camera shake being number one in my book. I seriously doubt if you'd notice a difference between a 280 Telyt and a 135 with 2X -- outside of the brightness of the viewfinder. If someone claimed that 280 Telyt is capable of better performance I wouldn't argue. But how much performance do you need and at what cost? (And not just monitary cost, but cost in terms of weight too). There are photographers who can justify the Telyt. They may need speed for photographing sports in lower light. They may need absolute maximum contrast and resolution in order to get every detail in a bird's feathers at a wide aperture. But I'm not one. I've owned expensive long lenses that just sit and gather dust. Focal lengths from 28-90 server 95 percent of my needs. But there are are times when I'm in the field and I want more reach. Is it worth the cost of a 280 Telyt for those moments? Do I want to carry around a 280 for those moments? For me the answer to both questions is no. I'd rather carry around a small converter. Since using the Mutar and now the Leica R converter I've never said, "I can't use the converter because the performance won't be there." When deciding whether or not to purchase a converter vs a longer lens the issues are cost and weight, not quality. I carry my converter all the time and I use it. I've paid much more for lenses that I've used much less. Dave