There are 4 different 35-70mm Zuikos that might come with a single digit
OM camera.
35-70/3.6 - The first, and only full Zuiko 35-70mm. Also the biggest and
heaviest cause it's the fastest at 70mm. Really clever, unique design
where the lens gets longer as the focal length gets shorter. Thus the
slip on lens hood that attaches behind the part that moves with zooming,
actually varies the angle it covers to be effective at all focal
lengths. The only lens I know of that does this. At the time it came
out, it was important also because it vastly outperformed the Nikon
43-86mm zoom, proving short zooms could be competitive with 50mm
standard lenses and giving Oly a 'rep' boost.
The 'S Zuiko's were all produced as consumer, rather than full quality
Zuikos
35-70/4 - Cheaper, slower, 7 elements in 7 groups vs. the 10-8 of the
f3.6, yet essentially the same size and weight.
35-70/3.5-4.5 - Not quite as good optically as the f3/6, but 2/3 the
length, half the weight and focuses closer than the f3.6. A unique
design where the f-stop stays the same throughout the zoom range when
set to f4.5 or higher .
35-70/3.5-4.8 - Inferior optically to the rest and not a true Zuiko, as
it was made by Cosina to go with the OM2000.
There are also one with self contained Auto-Focus and versions for the
OM-707 & 101.
My personal opinion is that the only 2 worth considering are the 3.6 for
overall quality and uniquely functional hood and the 3.5-4.5 for amazing
size and weight. Others seem to prize the f4, which makes no sense on
paper, but I've never had one, so can't speak from experience. I bought
an f3.6 new in the late 70s and think it's an excellent lens. At first I
worried it wouldn't be as good as a prime lens, but soon quit using the
50/1.8 SC I got with my first OM-1 and used the zoom as my primary lens.
Looking at Gary's lens tests, I see why, the zoom is a much better lens!
Moose
Paul Kraig wrote:
Sorry, didn't clarify. The seller and I never even discussed the lens once
the OM-4T was brought up - besides I just blew my budget on the camera. I
have never cared much for zooms, but is it a decent lens?
-----Original Message-----
Behalf Of Timpe, Jim
You didn't give details on the 35-70, did you?
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