Leica R9 with VE 70-180 2.8 handling in the field

Hello,

 

I just got back from shooting about 3 rolls on my new VE 70-180 2.8

lens. The results are pending. I tried Tri-X, velvia 50, and astia

100f. I should hope to post some results in a week or 2.

 

The whole setup is heavy. You will need a good padded strap. The

focus mechanism is smooth as butter. I found I was able to dial in

the focus in less than a second. It is starting to become second

nature. Even with moving targets, the focus was just so easy.

 

Although I have not seen my results yet with this new lens, I am

extremely happy with the handling in the field.

 

Btw, my kids where not with me so there won't be any baby pictures.

I know a lot of you guys/gals will be disappointed.

 

The zoom capability is so very nice. It is a luxury that I had

forgotten about.

 

I know that many fans here are street photography fans. Well with

this lens street photography was made easy. I know many people won't

aprove, but you can be a block away from something very interesting,

and just get some great compositions. When people did notice that I

was taking their picture, some people nodded or waved.

 

Regards,

 

Steve

I look forward to seeing the results of your highly unorthodox street technique.

<i>"When people did notice that I was taking their picture, some people nodded or waved."</i>

<p>Waved what, a middle finger?

Al,

 

Only if they where an a**hole like you.

Middle fingers and astericked profanities ... Here we go again! Don't you guys have a sense of decency for this forum?

Stephen, I think Al Feng just expressed amazement at people not being p..d off by being

photographed. I am amazed myself.

 

Congratulations on your new toy. Looking forward to seing the results. Am I mistaken or

you have placed an order for the future Leica digital back?

Hello,

 

Yes, I did place my order for the future Digital Module R.

Why do you boys think anyone'd be more po'd by somebody taking their picture with a 70-180 from a distance (Stephen a "block away" was just a figure of speech, right? 180mm isn't 1200mm dude)than getting right in their faces with a 35? Is it because The Gospel According To Leica Lore says so?

 

Stephen: It's a great lens. I used one that belonged to a guy a worked for, until he sold it when Canon came out with the IS model of their 70-200. He got lots more keepers handholding, without a monopod or something. I was still sorry to see it go it was a neat lens.

<i>"Stephen, I think Al Feng just expressed amazement at people not being p..d off by being photographed. I am amazed myself."</i>

<p>It's ok Olivier... poor Stephen doesn't get it.

 

<p><i>"Why do you boys think anyone'd be more po'd by somebody taking their picture with a 70-180 from a distance (Stephen a "block away" was just a figure of speech, right? 180mm isn't 1200mm dude)than getting right in their faces with a 35? Is it because The Gospel According To Leica Lore says so?"</i>

<p>Because doing it from a block away (or half a block away or whatever) with a 70-180 is spying on people and just asking to get chased down, clobbered, or shot at. A 50 or wider forces you to own up to what you're doing and engage the subject. I have respect for the latter photographer, and none for the former.

 

<p><i>"Well with this lens street photography was made easy."</i>

<p>Sure, because any idiot can do "street photography" with a 70-200 or 300mm lens. It's the real photographers who care enough to engage their subjects up close and personal, instead of sniping at them from a mile away.