Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: fweberich on February 27, 2012, 06:42:44 pm

Title: What are the Differences Between Mamiya 300mm 4.5 and 2.8 APO?
Post by: fweberich on February 27, 2012, 06:42:44 pm

Besides the price and aperture, what are the quality differences between these 2 lenses. I am about to invest my money in a 300mm for my Phase One AF body, and would like some input!

Thanks all!

Title: Re: What are the Differences Between Mamiya 300mm 4.5 and 2.8 APO?
Post by: michael on February 27, 2012, 08:21:18 pm

These are quite different lenses optically. The APO is definitely superior.

The real issue is vibration. My experience with the 300mm f/4.5 (and that of several others who own them) is that it is very difficult to get sharp images because of shutter vibration.

Fast shutter speeds help (1/500 sec, at least, if you can manage it), but at slower shutter speeds, even with mirror lock up and cable release, it's hard to get critically sharp images.

Michael

Title: Re: What are the Differences Between Mamiya 300mm 4.5 and 2.8 APO?
Post by: fweberich on February 28, 2012, 02:16:27 am

Looks like the 2.8 is Manual Focus.
About the shutter vibration, do you have that too with the 2.8? Can't you eliminate the vibration with a very sturdy tripod?
Would you be able to tell me the differences in image quality between both?

Title: Re: What are the Differences Between Mamiya 300mm 4.5 and 2.8 APO?
Post by: Wayne Fox on February 29, 2012, 02:25:38 pm

Quote from: fweberich on February 28, 2012, 02:16:27 am

Looks like the 2.8 is Manual Focus.
About the shutter vibration, do you have that too with the 2.8? Can't you eliminate the vibration with a very sturdy tripod?
Would you be able to tell me the differences in image quality between both?

The vibration issue is related to the focal plane shutter, and as Michael mentions is very hard to deal with.  Very fast shutter speeds help (fast enough most of the exposure happens before the curtains finish moving across the film).  Sturdy tripods of course help, as does some weight bags over the camera, but even then it's hit and miss.  When using this lens I usually shoot 10 or 12 frames to try and get a few sharp ones.  Sometimes long exposure times work OK, again hit and miss.

The new 240LS may help, although the timing isn't ideal yet with the DF body.  The focal plane shutter doesn't open with mirror lockup, so even in this mode the FP shutter is moving during exposure.  I'll probably sell my 300 and move to that lens when it is released - not ideal but I think it could be better.

edit ... LOL ... can't believe I said "film".  Guess that sort of dates me :)  I meant sensor of course.

Title: Re: What are the Differences Between Mamiya 300mm 4.5 and 2.8 APO?
Post by: Brian Hirschfeld on March 22, 2012, 11:03:51 am

I don't know if you have purchased a lens, however I have the 300mm f/4.5 and just picked up a brand new 300mm f/2.8 APO while in Hong Kong, I will review it and post my findings on the boards and on my website (http://www.brianhirschfeldphotography.com) using my 645DF and IQ180 when I am home.

Title: Re: What are the Differences Between Mamiya 300mm 4.5 and 2.8 APO?
Post by: abiggs on July 25, 2012, 07:55:53 am

Brian, did you ever do a review of the 300mm f/2.8 APO lens? I didn't see it on your site.

Title: Re: What are the Differences Between Mamiya 300mm 4.5 and 2.8 APO?
Post by: HarperPhotos on July 25, 2012, 09:35:11 am

Hello,

One thing I have noticed when shooting with the Mamiya AF 300mm F4.5 is when the camera is mounted on my tripod and not the Mamiya lens mount the chance on camera shake from mirror slap is less.

Buy the way I have a Mamiya AF 300mm F4.5 for sale , just go to the for sale section below

Cheers

Simon

Title: Re: What are the Differences Between Mamiya 300mm 4.5 and 2.8 APO?
Post by: Brian Hirschfeld on July 25, 2012, 08:52:28 pm

I had not gotten a chance to do it, but since I know you are interested, I will put something together this weekend.

Title: Re: What are the Differences Between Mamiya 300mm 4.5 and 2.8 APO?
Post by: abiggs on July 25, 2012, 08:54:01 pm

Thanks, Brian. I am very interested in the 300mm f/2.8 APO!

Title: Re: What are the Differences Between Mamiya 300mm 4.5 and 2.8 APO?
Post by: Brian Hirschfeld on July 25, 2012, 08:55:18 pm

oh yeah, its a big boy.

Title: Re: What are the Differences Between Mamiya 300mm 4.5 and 2.8 APO?
Post by: Brian Hirschfeld on August 21, 2012, 10:27:58 am

Here is my full review of the Mamiya 300mm f/2.8 APO with comparisons to the 300mm f/4.5 APO and image shot with the M645 Teleconverter 2X N

http://brianhirschfeldphotography.com/2012/08/21/mamiya-300mm-f2-8-apo-lens-review-with-sample-images-and-comparisons/

Title: Re: What are the Differences Between Mamiya 300mm 4.5 and 2.8 APO?
Post by: abiggs on August 21, 2012, 10:29:29 am

thanks so much for posting this, Brian!