Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/09
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Gib Robinson wrote: > > Has anyone seen, handled, bought and/or used a 280mm f/2.8. If so, how is it > . . . besides big?<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Hi Gib, It's not that big! but it isn't an apo 100 macro either. It's a first class superb lens and I've used one "hand held, usually with a shoulder stock and motor with micro switch" since I got it in 84. Marvelous piece of glass. The later version is better due to a "filter drawer in the neck of the lens just before it locks on the camera, It's an even greater piece of glass when you use it with the apo 1.4 extender and turn it into a 400 f4.0. Then add the 2X to that and you have a hand holdable f8.0 800! :-) Leica of course will give you their standard line, "We don't recommend that!" BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just do it and you'll end up with slides and negatives more than adequate for publication or slide projecting. And most certainly with images you'd not have otherwise If you do use the 1.4 or 2X individually, you have absolutely no idea the lens is being used with an extender, even wide open! If you consider a 280 mm with a 1.4, it's a 400 mm f4.0 lens. Use the 2X and you have a 560 f5.6. The piece of cake is to use a macro adapter with it and now you have three more different lenses! Or to top it off? Use the macro adapter, 1.4 plus 2X at the same time and you sort of have an 800 mm super macro!;-) Great lens if you have the opportunity to get your hands on one get it! ted