Re: [Leica] On TOPIC 180 Summicron + 2x versu 280 2.8 + 1.4x

[Michael Gardner <mikeg@neca.com>]

Robert G. Stevens wrote:

> This evening I went to take pictures at a soccer (football) game using both
> the 280 APO 2.8 and the 180 APO Summicron.  I came to the conclusion that
> the 180 with the APO 2x creates just as fine an image as the 280 APO 2.8
> plus 1.4x.  It makes me think whether it is worth having both lenses.  Is
> there really much difference in angle of view between the 280 + 1.4 at
> 400mm F4 and the 180 + 2x at 360mm F4?
>
> This is a shot taken this evening with the 280 + 1.4:
>
> http://home.istar.ca/~robsteve/photography/images/soccer/Soccer-Jun-11-99-1.
> jpg
>
> This shot was taken with the 180 + 2x:
>
> http://home.istar.ca/~robsteve/photography/images/soccer/Soccer-Jun-11-99-2.
> jpg
>
> The more I use the 180 Summicron, the more I am in awe of it.  Not only is
> it sharp and contrasty and all good things optically, but mechanically it
> is first rate.  I was using it on a monopod and could focus it by just
> moving the focusing ring with my thumb only.  It is that smooth and
> requires that little effort.  That combined with its fast speed make it
> very easy to focus.  I had more good shots on the two rolls I shot tonight,
> than I had last week when I used an EOS 1N and the Canon 300 2.8.  I even
> have one shot where a score was made and i manged to pan to the net and
> focus on the ball.  I know the EOS can't focus that quick with all the
> distraction of the netting to throw it off.  A scan of that pic is:
>
> http://home.istar.ca/~robsteve/photography/images/soccer/Soccer-Jun-11-99-8.
> jpg
>
> So to get the LUG back on topic, what would you do in my case, keep both
> lenses  or sell one?  I realize that the 280 + 2x makes a 560 F5.6, but I
> also have a 400 2.8 which will give me a 560 F4 with the 1.4x.
>
> Regards,
>
> Robert