I have no experience with the 250/2, but can chime in some on my experience
with the slightly larger brother. I know there are some here who do have the
250/2 that may be more help. It is reputed to be one of the best telephoto
lenses ever made, period. If 250 is a focal length you would use a lot, it
is world class and as good as lenses get.
It really depends on what your favorite focal lengths are and what the
application is. According to my copy of the OM System Lens Handbook, they
weigh the same (A LOT--8.6 pounds), are the same maximum diameter, and
almost the same length (250/2 is 1.3 inches shorter). I would have to
believe the 350/2.8 is theoretically better at 350mm than the 250/2 + 1.4XA
combo though. Reason being, the 250/2 starts with three more elements in two
more groups *before* adding the 1.4XA to the mix. The 2XA is not a matched
converter for the big white ones. You can mount it up and use it, but don't
expect real good results and plan on stopping down to at least f8 or f11
(which means it is worthless for me with ISO 100 film). (But what do I
know--I'm not an optical engineer after all.)
So, to summarize this little fantasy (since we have no OMoney living here in
the Bay Area and all), if your goal is for longer focal lengths of 350mm and
500mm (well, okay, 490mm) the 350/2.8 is a better way to go and is usually a
bit less OMoney on the used market. If your requirements are satisfied
better with the 250mm and 350mm focal lengths, then the faster and
theoretically slightly sharper 250 is the way to go.
BTW, Gary Reese tested the 350/2.8 with both a 1.4XA and a 2XA. With the
1.4XA it did very well (but not quite as well as without) and with the 2XA
not so good (lots of "C" ratings IIRC). The 350/2.8 and 1.4XA he used for
the tests is my battle worn 350/2.8. I have to believe the 250/2 would be
about the same with these two converters (great with the 1.4XA but marginal
with the 2XA). I carry a 2XA because I have one and it's not that big, but I
never have used it for anything but a test shooting some surfers and
butterflies nearby home.
This is somewhat akin to the Tamron SP300/2.8 vs SP400/4 in a way. I'm
greedy, I would want both <g>
Mike Veglia
Motor Sport Visions Photography
http://www.motorsportvisions.com
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