Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/09/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Greg, Welcome to the world of the 280/2.8. It's been my most frequently used R lens this year. I have not dropped mine on my foot 'tho I once made a spectacular diving catch when I hadn't tightened up the tripod enough. Forget about the 1x ND filter. Don't even bring it along. Leitz mandated that it was to be used at all times except when shooting into the sun. I found that the filter was a dust magnet and actually degraded the image, so it stays in the nice metal case all the time. You don't say whether your new outfit includes the palm rest. If it doesn't, do not buy the $150 current pistol stock. It doesn't fit this lens. You'll need the 14632 stock which New York Camera & Video was able to get for me late last year. The stock does provide a better grip for shooting this beast handheld. However, you still have to cart the thing around either hanging from your shoulder on a heavy-duty strap or in a backpack. I found the lens easier to transport especially on birding expeditions when it was attached to an extended monopod or tripod. That way I could carry it over my shoulder and cradle it in the crook of my arm, keeping my hands free to use binoculars. I would also suggest that if you haven't already done so, get a uniform ground glass focus screen for your camera body. The screen normally supplied with the body is an abomination to use with this lens because of the blackout of part of the central circle. As for performance, all I can say is that if you do your part be prepared to be blown away by the results! Roy On 21 Sep 2001, at 17:02, Greg J. Lorenzo wrote: > has finally arrived! > > Due to a prior commitment tonight my first use will have to wait until > tomorrow. > > My impressions so far: > > This thing is one MASSIVE, GIGANTIC and TITANIC chunk of glass. It came > with ND and a PL filters which the kids remarked are the size of dinner > plates. > > Has anyone shot with this lens handheld or dropped it on their foot? > > Regards, > > Greg J. Lorenzo > Calgary, Alberta > -- > To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html > - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html