RE: [Leica] long lens tests

[Ted Grant <tedgrant@islandnet.com>]

Peter wrote:

<<<<Besides, I never have seen you mention you ever used a Canon SLR, but
please tell me did you like what did you like or dislike about the Canon EF
400mmL II lens? >>>>>>>

Hi Peter,
Well before you joined the group it was known by most on the LUG that for
two years I had to use Canon gear due to Canon being a sponsor for the
Commonwealth Games held in Victoria.

So for two years any photography I did as the Photographic Coordinator of
these Games (that meant I had the responsiblity for 300 media photographers
as a past time)  I had to use Canon gear, period. My Leicas were forbidden
in the building nor on any of the shoots pertaining to preparation for the
Games. The staff photographers responsible to me all used Canon gear and
yes I looked at thousands of slides during that time. So my experience of
comparing is more than a few test rolls.

However, did I use the newest latest Canon 400 2.8 II? NO! And not likely
have you. So lets just keep this on the level that it was started.  Let's
not move the goal posts now the game has started!

Because if you bring that into the conversation, then I guess I'll have to
call my buddies at Canon in Toronto and see how soon they can get one to me
or my son, who is fully committed to Canon and uses a 400 2,8 on a regular
basis shooting international sports.

So tough life!  I had access to all the Canon lenses made and in quantities
that would make you cry.:)  All I had to do was ask and they turned up,
great arrangement for free!  Also an opportunity to try Canon for all it's
worth under all kinds of conditions. I must confess, occaisionaly with
flash attached.
Jeesh I'm never going to live that one down.:)

So on many occaisons during Games Trial events, these are preliminary
competitions prior to the actual Games. I used the 400 2.8 on competition
sports as though I were shooting during the actual Games or the Olympics,
which I've done on many occaisons since 1968. All but a couple!:) Winter
and Summer.

Did I like the Canon gear? Yes!  And if I wasn't committed to Leica and
it's glass I'd use Canon! Period.  No questions!

As far as the 400 2.8 Canon to what I knew from my Leica 400 2.8? The Leica
images just looked different, more pleasing to the eye, crisper, better
colour saturation. Was this film?  OK so who knows?  But I've had my slides
on light tables so many times with Canon and Nikon images and the art
director has always been able to pick Leica slides from all the rest at any
time.

Let me qualify that.  These were 4' X 8' light tables and a dozen in use on
some projects with each table completely coverd with images. Now that's a
reasonable test case.

No he couldn't pick Canon over Nikon as quickly, but he said on more than
one occaision, "Hey folks, either Ted has to buy one of these other
camera's or everybody else has to buy Leica!" He didn't care who's feelings
got hurt, but he sure made me and my Leica's feel pretty good on more than
one occaision.

getting off track abit.

<<<<What criteria did you use to test it!?>>>>>>>

Ummmmm! Eye ball, use and look! Is there any better?

Did I do one of those mickey mouse tests side by each like you see in the
photo magazines? Nope! not worth the time, as there is only one real test
for any of them and that is what they produce on film at the time of
shooting real time stuff,  not all that fancy BS super over controlled
analysis.

In my humble opinion.:)  it may not be yours!

>Look forward to your reply.>>>>>>>

OK this is it! :)  And there you go! :)

I think we'll end up agreeing to disagree!:)
ted

Ted Grant
This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler.
http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant