[Leica] 70-180

[Wolfgang Hoffmann <Wolfgang@facstaff.wisc.edu>]

Ben wrote:
Hello,

I have been thinking about the APO 70-180/2.8 a lot lately.  I heard
that it is a super zoom but it is also very expensive and heavy.
Meantime, I have the followinging mid-tel lens:

    APO 100/2.8
    135/2.8
    180/4

Does any one know how is the optical quality of the zoom comparing to
the 3 lens above?  (Is it really very much better than the 135 and 180
as advised by the saleman?)

Is it a good move to sell off the 135 and 180 and get the new zoom?

Thanks for the advice in advance.


Hi,
  I've had a 70-180 for as long as they have been around.  It is just a
phenomenal lens, great contrast and super sharp.  It comes very close to
the APO 100/2.8.  (BTW the diaphram blades in my 100 APO jammed a week
after I received it, the first lens problem I've had after some 30-40 Leica
lenses).  The drawback of the 70-180 APO  is its weight.  The 135 is still
in the Leica line-up because of its outstanding quality wide open, reaching
maximum at f/4.  I've never used a 180/4.

Wolfgang