Yes, but the 90-280mm SL lens then becomes a competitor and the image quality of that lens always surprises me when I see the results. It is, however, a monster, compared with the 135. I have not tried the R lenses, so can’t comment, but it’s hard to see how they could improve on the 90-280mm. The image stabilisation also helps with these longer focal length lenses.
I have all three lenses and was just updating my firmware on the SL . Getting ready for a trip to NYC that will include fashion, street and tennis (US Open). I just tried the alternatives . I have and could make each alternative work . Image quality is superb for each alternative ...so it comes down to handling ,focusing etc . What feels right for the anticipated subject matter .
M 135 /3.4 APO ....best for travel and occasional usage to gain reach . Feels great on SL but focus is slow and more difficult . Fine for gaining reach say around water (where you can t get closer ) . On the M is an excellent addition that you use on occasion when necessary .
R 180 /2.8 APO...Larger ,more reach ,faster ...just a great lens on a SL ...BUT ..manual focus . Its still heavier than 135 and not something I would use on the street . If you can shoot action with a manual focus lens ...this is the one to get .
SL 90-280 APO... a BEAST with superb Image Quality . Really I can find no fault in the IQ . Its AF which is fine for stationary subjects ...but is awful on the SL using continuous and focus tracking . Believe me I have tried hard to love this lens for tennis and auto racing but AF tracking just doesn’t work at all . Still a big difference in a 280 verse 180 ..so how much reach do you need .
I will take the 90-280 for my trip because I don t need the reach for anything other than tennis and AF is helpful even if I have to shoot without focus tracking . Since I will be in the stands the size and weight don t really matter .
This is not a lens I would want in my day pack ..its just too heavy . It will stay in the hotel safe unless I am shooting tennis .