Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/12/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]The question is not what you are missing but what you want to photograph and how you would like to do it. Leica's 80-200 is an excellent lens if your need is f4 and the 70-180 is again an excellent lens if you really need and can use the full aperture. The Leica position is simply this: the f4 is designed for picture taking at 4 and smaller and the 2,8 for picture taking at 2,8 and smaller. If you do not need the 2,8 then please buy the f4 and save the money. At smaller apertures the quality differences are small and the law of diminishing returns will work. The Macro 100 is a superior lens if you need the utmost in high contrast rendition of extremely fine details. The 80mm is excellent at full aperture, if you need that aeprture. You are seeking for the holy grail if you try to find the *best* or *ultimate* lens. Leica designs lenses with a goal and it is up to you to match your goal and their designs. That will make the dream system. If you need the 80 and keep wondering if the 100 might suit you better a) you stay confused b) you did not make your choice carefully enough The Noctilux is a special purpose lens and can be used universally with some restrictions in image quality via-a-vis the Summicron 50mm. If your need is a 50mm and use mostly apertures of 2 or smaller forget about the Noctilux. My dream system for the M6: 35mm Summilux ASPH 50mm Summicon 75mm Summilux This covers almost all assignments with the ultimate quality possible at the moment. Erwin