Re: [Leica] Anybody used a 180 Summicron?

["Robert G. Stevens" <robsteve@istar.ca>]

David:

It is good to hear such glowing comments.  I find that the autofocus is not
important for a lot of the sports that I do since I tend to trap focus.
The fast telephotos are practically autofocus for me as I am still young
and have good eyes and it is easy to see these lenses snap into focus.

Regards,

Robert

At 03:07 PM 4/9/99 -0400, you wrote:
>"Robert G. Stevens" wrote:
>> 
>> I just purchased a Leica 180 APO Summicron for use in my sports
>> photography.  Has anybody had any experience with this lens?  It is the
>> version prior to the ROM and I got it at a price that allowed me to
>> rationalize the purchase.  It is being shipped and I should get it next
>> week sometime.  I assume that it is probably about the size of the 280 2.8,
>> but have not seen one except in pictures.
>> 
>> I like shooting slide film and fast slide film is not that great, so the
>> only other option is to have fast lenses and slower slide film for indoor
>> sports.  I figure that this lens with a 1.4 APO extended is a 250 2.8,
>> which is probably pretty good where I might use a 280 2.8.  Anybody use
>> this lens?
>
>Robert,
>
>I have one and have used it a great deal in the last 1.5 years, often in
>combination with the 2x Apo converter. FWIW, Colorfoto (german magazine
>with an alleged bias toward Leica) says that the 180 Summicron is the
>highest performing lens they've ever tested, period. I've no reason to
>disagree with them. No lens is perfect, but this one's built like
>granite, is stunning wide open, and I once read (don't remember where)
>that it's best aperture is 2.8. Excellent results with the converter. 
>
>Autofocus is a natural ally of sports photographers. The lens' lack of
>DOF wide open (blame the laws of optics, not Leica) and lack of
>autofocus outweighs the optical performance advantage this lens carries
>for most "action" photography.
>
>Aside from the weight, however, you cannot make a mistake acquiring this
>lens. Buy an equally good tripod.
>
>:-)
>
>David W. Almy
>Annapolis
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