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

["Robert G. Stevens" <robsteve@hfx.andara.com>]

I noticed my message below did not go through with the links intact.  Below
is a link to a web page with these pictures on it.

http://home.istar.ca/~robsteve/photography/girls-soccer.htm


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