RZ67 W's vs ULD's/APO's - How much difference is there?

[jbcrane_gallery]

<p><img src="http://jbcrane.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v13/p689165371-3.jpg" alt="" /><br>

above: 65LA, RZ<br>

Morning All,<br>

I have some cash to spend on lenses and I'm seriously considering rounding out my "collection" with some new focal lengths. I'm interested in quality and have been eyeballing the 50ULD, 210 APO, etc.<br>

Alas, there's only so much room in the bag and beans in the coffer, and I start looking at all the brand new W's available and start to think, hmmmm... how disappointed would I be if I got the 50W vs the 50ULD... how bad can that 250 W (new for $200) be vs. the 210 APO..." etc.<br>

There's no way to qualify w/o buying the lens and testing it myself, unless of course anyone has samples and opinions to share. I'd love to hear them. Buying the lenses, testing and re-selling is not a cycle I care to go through unless necessary.<br>

Many, thanks in advance.<br>

John B. Crane</p>

<p> </p>

[enrico_pocopagni1]

<p>Hello John,<br>

I have some test shots, so to speak, in my portfolio.<br>

I had the 50W and switched to 50ULD (that I currently have and use) with easily visible quality (and satisfaction) increase.<br>

I had a 360W that I changed with a 350 Apo and a 180W that I changed with a K/L 210 Apo.<br>

If Mamiya conventional teles are very good performers, Apos are Hexotherical ones (I don't know if it's a correct english word, I hope so). Some examples here:<br>

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13248078@N04/<br>

Happy new year from Italy.<br>

Enrico</p>

[PatB]

<p>Hi there<br>

Had a normal 50mm lens and was disappointed with corner sharpness, switched to 50mm uld in no time. With today's prices, don't even bother with the standard one.</p>

[jbcrane_gallery]

<p>Patrick,<br>

Thanks for the input. I believe after reading yours and Enrico's post above, it seems the quality money is on the ULD.<br>

Happy New Year,<br>

John B. Crane</p>

[jbcrane_gallery]

<p>Enrico,<br>

Thanks for the input and the samples. I enjoyed clicking through your flickr gallery and the samples helped me make up my mind to go for the ULD. You have some beautiful work. Keep it up.</p>

<p>Happy New Year back to you from Colorado.<br>

John B. Crane</p>

[andre_noble5]

<p>John, <br>

I have a 210 APO and 250 APO for the RB - bought brand new at bargain prices.<br>

I have been so busy that I haven't had a chacne to rigorously test them. But preliminary results validate other comments that they are a step up.<br>

However, I must say that the plain 127 KL lens for the RB is very very sharp too.<br>

Also, if it means anything, the Mamiya America people think the APO lenses are something special.<br>

I agree with the others - that if you are a dedicated film shooter, go for the APO due to todays low prices.</p>

<p>I bought my 210 APO and 250 APO brand new off EBAY and B&H photo for $540 and $800 respectively.<br>

Buy New, since it's APO glass - you want to know how well it has been kept. Consider these portrait and landscape lenses of a lifetime.</p>

[ed_sawyer]

<p>I have had the 50 and 50 ULD, the ULD is a bit better but the difference is not quite as big as some would have you think. It's worth it to get the ULD though since usually the regular 50 is maybe $300 or so, and usually $550-650 for the ULD, so not a huge difference. I had 180 4.5 W-N, switched to 210APO. Generally the APOs and ULD/LA versions are worth the extra $. With careful shopping some seriously good deals can be found. $179 for an Exc++ 250APO for example, or the 37mm fisheye for 250. It takes a while to find deals that good but they are out there.</p>

<p>-Ed</p>

[jbcrane_gallery]

<p>Hello Ed, Andre,<br>

Thank you for your replies. I pulled the trigger on the 250 APO today. I'm not sure when it will arrive here due to weather but, needless to say, I'm looking forward to getting my paws on it. If I were to use available samples to judge popularity of this lens is I'd suppose it uncommon. This peaks my curiosity even more. Also, the 50 ULD is one of the few remaining lenses on my list and hopefully soon will add that to the bag.<br>

Best regards,<br>

John B. Crane</p>