Which 180mm for Concerts?

[peter_bongard]

Hi!

 

First of all I want to apologize, since this is not the first Time I'm posting

a question concerning the various Elmarit-R 180-versions. However, I'm still

not sure which model to choose. I need the 180 for low light situations mainly

(concerts, reportage) and will use it mainly with fast ISO 400 or 1600-B&W-Film

(Fuji Neopan). I have the chance to get a Apo-Elmarit-R for 1700 Euros (around

2400 Dollars) as well as a non-apo-Elmarit-R for around 350 Euros/500 Dollars

(2nd Version). I will use the lens mainly wide-open. How much is the quality-

difference between the two lenses? Is it worth the extra 1800 Dollars? Does

anyone have some real-life examples that show the two lenses in a low-

light/concert-situation?

Thanks!

Peter

P.S.: Sorry, but either the Apo-Telyt 3.4/180 (too slow, bad close-focussing-

distance) or the Tamron 180/2.5 are no options for me. I'll decide between

those two lenses. And yes, the Apo-Summicron 180 is too expensive for me.

P.P.S.: Currently I use an R8 with the Apo-Summicron 90/2.

[michael_a._shapiro]

Peter, I used the pre-asph 180 R 2.8 for years. It is a wonderful lens, and you won't be disappointed with it.

 

Michael

[ronald_moravec1]

The difference is 20% less resolution with the 180 2.8 vs the 2.8 APO at 2.8. As you stop

down the difference is less. By 4.5 there is no difference to speak of, but some remains until

the diffraction limit.

 

It is too small a difference to show on a monitor, it is obvious on a well made print bigger

than 5x7 or 7x10 cm.

 

If you ever used a 90 2.0 compared to the APO you will see the difference.

[charlie_chan2]

Peter,

 

I've seen 180 summicrons go for less than 1400 euros in recent months. R lens prices have

been in freefall. I have a 180 cron (sadly at more than 1400 euros) and I'm stunned by it.

Otherwise, i would buy the APO-Elmarit.

 

Charlie

[peter_bongard]

Less than 1400 Euros? Where did you see that?

Peter

[jim_jeblee]

If you can afford a Leica 180 apo 2.8 or 2.0, from what I've seen that is about as good as it gets. I do some stage work & use a Angenuex 180 2.3 APO (yes 2.3 not 2.8) that was about a $1000, all I could afford several years ago, they may be less now. I use a Apo-Telyt 180 3.4 for outside when there is pleanty of light, great @ 5.6, but too slow for most indoor stage shots. I use Maxwell screens to help focus, but @ f2.3 & 30-40ft (10-12m) it's very hard to focus on moving subjects but the pics are great when I succeed. Good luck, Jim.

[peter_bongard]

@Michael: Could you post some examples?

Thanks!

PEter

[charlie_chan2]

Peter,

 

I saw a mint boxed 180 cron go on the bay for less than 600 GBP about a month ago; I've seen others go for GBP1300-1400. I almost bid for it myself, even though I bought one from Leica UK as an ex-demo lens earlier this year. Exotic leica r glass prices are in free-fall

 

Charlie

[peter_bongard]

Another Question: Is the 180 Elmarit-R's Sharpness comparable/better/worse to that of the Canon 70-200/2.8 IS L (a Lens I already own)?

Regards

P.