200mm f/2.8 APO for Mamiya 645 - any users?

David R Munson · Sep 11, 2007

Does anybody have any feedback on this lens? I need a longer lens for my 645 for some documentary and sports-related images, and at least by the numbers, the 200mm f/2.8 APO would fit the bill perfectly. However, I've never used one and can't find any reviews online, so what I'm looking for is some information on how well this lens actually performs. Is it sharp? Are there any pitfalls to it? etc etc etc.

Your assistance is much appreciated.

Greg_E · Sep 11, 2007

Well, since the price tag is about 8 times higher than the 210 f4 I would hope it performs better. I think I would love to have one of these, but so far the money has not been available. It's a big lens with either a 75mm or 105mm front thread, and heavy because of the larger better glass. If you aren't sure about the focal length, I would suggest picking up a 210mm and giving it a try, just keep in mind the minimum focusing distance of the 210, the 200APO has a closer distance by a little bit. If money was no object, I would probably own one of these APO lenses (actually I would probably own the entire set).

I've done a bit of work with the 210 f4 and it produces what I would call are excellent results with the angle of view that I prefer.

David R Munson · Sep 11, 2007

The 210 f/4 won't be fast enough for my purposes. As for cost, the 200mm f/2.8 can be had for about $700 used in excellent condition, which I'm quite willing to pay if the lens is good.

rkmiec · Sep 11, 2007

dave first off i like the name.fugazi is one of my favorite bands.dont know if that is the reason for your name.as for the 200 apo i dont have one but i have been considering the 645 system for just that lens.i had a nikon 180 2.8 and that was by far my favorite lens.i think the 200 would be a stellar preformer. if you have the money it would be great for what you need.good luck.please post a review about it if you do decide to get it.

Greg_E · Sep 12, 2007

Only $700 now? Last time I priced them (more than 1 year ago) they were still selling for well above $1000. Maybe it's time to start looking again as I really would like to have this lens instead of the 210mm f4 for similar faster aperature needs that you might have. Not sure how I would fit it in with the rest of my gear, might need a new bag for it and my 500 f5.6.

Besides the APO line of lenses are supposed to be better do to reduced chromatic aberation, and closer focusing.

Greg_E · Sep 12, 2007

OK, just looked and KEH has at least one in EX condition for $645, this lens is also smaller than I thought it was. Doesn't look to take up much more room than the 210 f4. I'll have to keep on eye on these and think about it.

Pavel+ · Dec 18, 2007

I considered one but I hate how poor the minimum focus distance is ... and so I passed.

Top-Cat · Nov 16, 2010

I got one really cheap, as I bought a Mamiya 645 Package for a little less than 1000 bucks and got this lens as part of the many other things that came with it.

Yes the minimum focus distance is pretty bad, but otherwise it's by far one of the sharpest lenses I have (if not the sharpest - I've yet to notice any big difference between this one and a Nikkor 50 1:1.4).

If you do get one, it's also a good idea to get a teleconverter and some sort of adapter to use with your 35mm equipment, and then you'll have a 200 and 400mm for 35mm (after I tried out a Mamiya adapter for my Nikon DSLR I keep getting tempted to invest in one of those 500mm Mamiya lenses, it's so cheap used, and with a 2X teleconverter you get 1500mm f11 on a DX crop DSLR).

(Didn't notice how old this thread was before I already posted it)

brucemuir · Nov 17, 2010

I've not used it myself but a respected member of another forum uses one extensively adapted to a Canon non analog camera.

He reports it is indeed VERY good.

200mm f/2.8 APO for Mamiya 645 - any users?

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