Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/03/07
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]On Wed, 07 March 2001, Cmrausr@aol.com wrote: > > I have an E67 180 R, and wonder which converter is best for this lens. Will > the APO converter produce much better results with this non APO lens than the > standard converter, or is the older converter my best bet? Or should I just > go ahead and buy a 400 6.8? > > I like the idea of the 180 and converter compactness, but quality is a > concern as well. If the 400 is markedly better than either converter > combination I'd seriously think about going in that direction. > Advice? Personal experience? > > Thanks > Scott Stewart Scott, I have no experience with converters and minimal experience with this particular 180 but whether the 400 is a better option depends in part on how you intend to use your long lens. The 400's handling is unique and a very big part of its usefulness is as a rapid-focus hand-held lens. If you had planned to use whatever long lens you end up with on a tripod, many of the 400 f/6.8's advantages disappear. Optically, the 400 produces beautiful, high-contrast colors with lots of image detail but has some field curvature. Mechanically the quick-focus feature is fantastic for moving critters but where you have static subjects you might miss the ability to fine-tune the focus with a traditional focussing ring. It also has a manual diaphragm which will slow you down if you want to use any aperture smaller than f/6.8 (I don't). Doug Herr Birdman of Sacramento http://www.wildlightphoto.com ___________________________________________________ The ALL NEW CS2000 from CompuServe Better! Faster! More Powerful! 250 FREE hours! Sign-on Now! http://www.compuserve.com/trycsrv/cs2000/webmail/