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R80-200/4: The best 135mm lens?


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<p>According to the technical data published in Leica web site. When I compared the MTF graphs of R80-200/4 to M APO 135/3.4 and R APO 70-180/2.8, I noticed the MTF of R80-200 is better than M135/3.4 APO all the way. Then I compared it with R APO 70-180/2.8 at 135mm, when both at wide open, the 80-200 has a better MTF (I know this is unfair as one at 2.8 and the elmar at 4), however, at 5.6 and 8, again the elmar has a better MTF and this also applys at the 180 end. (The MTF of Elmar is not as good as the APO 180/2.8 but very very close)<br>

Base on the above, can I conclude the R80-200/4 is the best Leica 135mm lens ever (or just in term of MTF)?</p>

 

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<p>Michael, I just took a very quick look at the MTF graphs on the Leica site, and it appeared to me that the M 135 had better performance than the R 80-200 at the three apertures tested, though the results weren't really comparable since graphs for the 80-200 were at the 80mm setting.</p>

<p>Could you provide a screen shot of the graphs you're referring to? </p>

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<p>The 80-200/4 ROM is one of Leica's bargain lenses. It was designed, I believe, shortly after the 70-180 APO. It's like a baby APO lens and is stunningly good regardless of money (accepting of course its max f4 aperture). Looking at the files from this lens and my 180/2 APO, there's some difference, but not it's not vastly inferior to the 180 cron.</p>

<p>Charlie</p>

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<p>Hi Robert,<br />As MTF for R90/2.8 is not available and no comparsion can be made. <br />I looked at the MTF of R90 AA, since only MTFs at 80 and 100 are available for 80-200/4, again no direct comparsion can be made. When I compared 80-200/4 at 80 with 90AA, the 90 AA is better.<br />For 80-200/4 at 100, overall the 90 AA is better but at 5.6 , 20lp/mm up to 5 mm(Y'), the Elmar is slight better and at 5.6 40 lp/mm up to about 7 mm(Y'), the Elmar is more obvious better than 90AA.</p>
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<p>I can't say if the 80-200/4 is best at being a 135, but I will say it can keep up with the 70-180/2.8 with the exception of being a beast of a lens plus being one of the most expensive. The 80-200/4 is one of Leica's great bargains and only can be bettered by adding a tripod collar. I just feel uneasy locking this setup on a tripod only by the R8/9's tripod lug. Oh, you do know you probably just increased the prices on the last remaining stock by boasting about this gem of a lens...</p>
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<p>Michael, you're right! My "quick look" at the Leica site was too quick. I scrolled down to the MTF graphs for the 80-200 at 135 and it indeed looks better, at least on paper, than the vaunted M 135. Very surprising!</p>
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<p>Hi Jonathan,<br>

Yes, I was very surprised,too when I first looked at the MTF of 80-200/4 and compared with other famous Leica lenses.<br>

Although people may argue that MTF is not everything but I still think MTF can serve as one of the objective reference of lens performance.</p>

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<p>As compared to the 135mm APO lens in the M mount, the mtf graphs of the zoom shows that it drops off more toward the corners. The M lens is more flat across the field. And of course, the M lens is 1/2 stop faster. Stopped down to f/5.6 it looks like the zoom is sharper in the center, but, as mentioned above, drops off toward the edges. They are both very, very good lenses.</p>

<p>With regard to the Elmarit zoom, please keep in mind you are dealing with an f/2.8. The faster the lens the harder it is to make it good. It's f/2.8 performance is comparable to the f/4 performance of the less expensive zoom. That's phenomenal. Of course, it is a heavier lens (but your wallet is a lot lighter).</p>

<p>All three are phenomenal lenses. In practical use, I doubt anyone would see a difference. </p>

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<p>As compared to the 135mm APO lens in the M mount, the mtf graphs of the zoom shows that it drops off more toward the corners. The M lens is more flat across the field. And of course, the M lens is 1/2 stop faster. Stopped down to f/5.6 it looks like the zoom is sharper in the center, but, as mentioned above, drops off toward the edges. They are both very, very good lenses.</p>

<p>With regard to the Elmarit zoom, please keep in mind you are dealing with an f/2.8. The faster the lens the harder it is to make it good. It's f/2.8 performance is comparable to the f/4 performance of the less expensive zoom. That's phenomenal. Of course, it is a heavier lens (but your wallet is a lot lighter).</p>

<p>All three are phenomenal lenses. In practical use, I doubt anyone would see a difference. </p>

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