Joseph wrote:
>
> I don't really like standard range zooms very much. a 28/2, 50/1.8, and
> 85/2 would
> be cheaper, smaller, and more compact than a 35-80/2.8, and you
> get faster lenses, the option of carrying a smaller subset etc.
But not necessarily better performing.
>
> someone posted that the 35-80/2.8 was better than the 35/2 wide
> open on account of coma in the 35/2.
No, what I actually said was that Gary's tests show better performance
for the zoom wide open AND further that the 35/2 is a victim of coma,
which the zoom is not.
> although I think this is
> debatable,
Please, debate. Have you done the tests I have? The 35/2 is unusable at
f/4 and below if you've got bright objects (eg stars) near the edge of
the field, unless you'd prefer them to look like large, mis-shapen
blobs. I've been very disappointed with the performance of this lens at
these apertures ever since I bought it new. Finally, the 35-80 allows
me to work around that focal length, wide open with confidence.
> the 35/2 is going to be better than the 35-80 at
> most apertures on account of better contrast and flare control.
This is debatable. The contrast of the zoom is pretty comparable to
that of the 35/2, according to Gary's tests. As for flare, the zoom
comes with a lens hood which helps (as does the 35/2). And
flare-inducing photos are easy enough to avoid.
Here, BTW are the test results. And notice the zoom is testd with an
OM-1. Based on other test results, switching to a 4T or -2000 will
increase the resolution by about 2/3 grade on average.
35-80mm f/2.8 Zuiko (multi-coated)
@ 35mm setting
OM-1 with mirror lockup
Aperture Center Corner Popular Photography
f/2.8 B+ B B+
f/4 A- B B+
f/5.6 A- B+ B+
f/8 A A- B+
f/11 A B+ B+
f/16 A- B B
f/22 A- B C+
Note: high contrast at f/8, moderately high contrast elsewise.
35mm f/2.0 Zuiko (multi-coated)
OM-4T with mirror and diaphragm prefire (sample 2)
Aperture Center Corner Vignetting Contrast
f/2 C B- B- moderate
f/2.8 C+ B- B moderate
f/4 B+ B+ A- high
f/5.6 A A- A very high
f/8 A A- A high
f/11 A A- A mod. high
f/16 A- A- A mod. high
> I'd hate to pay alot of money to give up performance in the f/5.6-f/16
> range that I use 950r more of the time. I would have a strong
> preference for a 35/2, 50/1.8, and 90/2 macro over the 35-80.
That's your choice. Me? 28/2, 35-80/2.8, any of the 50s and the 90/2.
george
< This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
< For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
< Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >
|