Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/04/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]At 09:42 AM 4/12/99 +1000, you wrote: >> >> Does anyone in this group use the 280mm f2.8 lens? >> >> Any opinions would be very helpful. >> >> Dave I have a 350 Telyt. I've had it since it was introduced. In 1992 I decided that I wanted a long lens with a wider aperture and APO glass. So I bought a 280/2.8. After five years of lugging it around, I found that I always stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8. I also found that the images were no better than those taken with my 350. I then read that the 350 is made with some of Leica's "special" glass. Anyway, the bottom line is that I sold the 280 and have not been sorry. My 350 makes gorgeous, crisp images, and with the 2x extender is a very sharp 700mm lens. And it is filter (77mm vs 112mm) friendly. I found that I didn't need the f/2.8, the APO designation had no advantage over my 350 to produce Leica quality images, and my back is ever so thankful. So evaluate your needs carefully. The 280 is a big heavy lens. But if you need f/2.8 and f/4, it's all that is available. Jim