The older “new” copy of the APO-Extender-R works at least as well as the first copy I had along with my first copy of the 180mm APO. That means any difference between wide open and stopped down a stop on the lens is noticeable only at 200% magnification. The camera’s IBIS yields some benefit, although I didn’t test it at double-digit speeds.
The surprise is that the combo weighs 2373 grams, just 300 grams less than the now-departed Sony setup. It sure doesn’t feel it, though, as the compact size makes handling relatively comfortable. Still, I’m not inclined to go heavier than this for any focal length, and nothing other than this until or unless I start seeing some subject matter to shoot.
As for the weight thing, I’m now sure this combo could be shot on crop sensor with excellent results. But neither Leica offering, good as they are at what they do, could hold up for long under field conditions here. Besides, I got the SL2-S in part for this purpose and have no enthusiasm for either of the other two.
If I can figure a way to access R lens profiles (so as to have IBIS at the correct FL) with the 300PF and 2X mounted, that would be an option, but another for which I don’t have much enthusiasm. The Novoflex SL-NIK is somewhere in my accessories cabinet, but I’d rather focus manually than risk using that battery-eating, buggy nightmare.
Two outings today, the second in a gloomy drizzle, yielded but one bird shot—a Collared Kingfisher (see below) who obviously took pity on me, got my attention, and sat for several shots.
Looks as though it’ll be mostly shooting short for at least another three weeks, unless the monsoon eases sooner…
