Japanese Made long zooms....Best???

<p>I would like to augment my R system with a long zoom...say, about 80-200 or close to this range. I dont want to spend about $1000. for the newest model.<br>

Can I get some input as to the best Japanese (older) zoom as to build quality, optical quality, etc. etc. These can be purchased under $500. I will not use it often, but would like your recommendation before I do buy one. Thanks!</p>

<p>I believe Tamaron made Leica R adapters for its lenses. These are hard to come by. Sigma, possibly. </p>

<p>My suggestion is get a good used Leica R zoom. </p>

<p>Sorry to be confusing...I did mean the Leica long zoom made in Japan, e.g., the 80-200, F4.5, 70-210, F4, etc.</p>

<p>You can get the Leitax adapter to put a Nikon lens on a Leica R, so I'll tell you the best 80-200 I ever used was the Nikon 80 200 2.8 AF-D push pull zoom. You can find them for $400 if you're patient. It's a real big, heavy pro lens, but built exceptionally well, and while not up to Leica imaging is very sharp, even at 2.8. Fantastic for portraits or sports.</p>

<p>Whatever you do, avoid Sigma. Its a shame you stick a Sigma on a Leica frankly.</p>

<p>Leica R lenses have never been cheaper , now totally abandoned by Leica no longer in production and propably never again will be.</p>

<p>Your post made me click over to KEH to check prices. Seems like the lens you describe run from $275 to $429, the lower price is for KEH's 'bargain' grade used lens that is often quite clean and completely in order. That's for the 70~210 f4 Vario Elmar made in Japan.</p>

<p>Agreed: Avoid Sigma. It's a shame to stick a Sigma lens on just about any camera. Any old one would be in not great mechanical shape now anyway. </p>

<p>"Whatever you do, avoid Sigma. Its a shame you stick a Sigma on a Leica frankly."<br>

-<br>

Well given that Leica thought the Sigma 28-70 was good enough to bear the Leica name it would seem Leica themselves would disagree. The key to most brands is seek out the best lenses in their range. No single brand can claim their lenses of every focal length are better than everyone elses. In answer to the original question the Leica branded Minolta 70-210 I have seen go for 350 dollars in Mint condition, I would look out for one of them its a pretty good lens.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>You can get the Leitax adapter to put a Nikon lens on a Leica R</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Sorry, that's wrong - the leitax mount change allows to put Leica R lenses on a Nikon body not the other way around.</p>