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How is the old AIS 200/2?


jace_santos

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I passed by a local flea market today, and a vendor had one for sale

for a very tempting price. And when I say tempting, i mean it! Im

probaly going to pick it up regardless of what ya'll say, but id like

to get some thoughts on it? Sharp? Comparable to the new one?

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In the past 2 months one was sold for 550 Euros (Buy it now). This sample had a rather deep and long scratch on its front element.

 

Lens like that gets to flea markets???? Consider yourself lucky and grab it (if the lens is whole and nothing is missing from it).

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There's a test of one in Modern Photography, 5/81. And there's a test of a 180/2.8 in MP, 9/85.

 

Unless you need the joy of carrying a bigger heavier lens or to shoot at f/2 or the opportunity to buy low and sell higher, you'd be better off with a 180/2.8. MP found the 180/2.8 had higher contrast edge and center than the 200/2 from f/2.8 down, the difference was greatest at the edge. The 180 wasn't quite as sharp centrally at f/2.8 or f/4, out-resolved the 200 centrally from f/5.6 down and at the edge from f/2.8 down.

 

The 200/2 is a specialised optic. If you need what only it can do, there aren't perfect substitutes. But for general use the 180/2.8 will shoot better and is easier to live with.

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