Leica R Elmarit 180mm f2.8

[Pii]

I am wondering if it is a good choice as a first Leica lens?
The price is not that bad, condition is mint and I haven't got a lens between 135mm and 500mm.
How does it compare to other Leicas and other lenses around this focal length?
Cheers.

[jjphoto]

As with many R lenses there are several versions and the differences are often significant. The latest R 180/2.8 APO is arguably the benchmark in this focal length whilst the earlier 2 versions are not. This is reflected in their price/demand.

JJ

[Rolf]

Look here

http://forum.mflenses.com/leica-elmarit-r-2-8-180-and-leica-extender-r-2x-and-k-5-t42318,highlight,%2Belmarit+%2B180.html
http://forum.mflenses.com/landscapes-with-elmarit-r-2-8-180mm-t32925,highlight,%2Belmarit+%2B180.html
http://forum.mflenses.com/landscapes-with-elmarit-f2-8-180mm-t26000,highlight,%2Belmarit+%2B180.html
http://forum.mflenses.com/morning-walk-with-elmarit-r-2-8-180-t21831,highlight,%2Belmarit+%2B180.html

If you would like to go more lightweigt the 4/180mm is very usable too

[Orio]

The second Elmarit-R version, although not APO, is still a very good lens. I used to have it.
You should avoid the first version instead: much heavier and bulkier, and not as good optically.

[Pii]

This one is the first version as I am not mistaken - f16 max.
Well, maybe it is not the best time for getting a Leica.

[james]

Not the time for v.1, at least. Depending upon what your intended use, the 180/3.4 APO might be the better choice if you're shooting landscapes or distant objects (I owned one for a while). Quite a stellar lens for this purpose. Unimpressive when shooting near the MFD; other options, such as the Nikon 180 ED AIS or the CV 180 are superior. As mentioned by "jjphoto", the 180/2.8 APO is the exemplar that no other lens in this FL range quite approaches; reviewer Lloyd Chambers summarizes it thusly: "The Leica 180/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R shows what is possible, with performance wide open that barely improves by stopping down, except to improve contrast slightly, and to provide more even illumination (vignetting) across the field. This is as good as it gets with diffraction quickly being the limiting factor".