(Extracted from the February 1991 issue of the UK photo magazine "Practical
Photography".)
Like peas in a pod -- that's the 21mm and 24mm Zuikos. Therefore many of
the layout and handling comments made about the 21mm apply equally well to
this fine 24mm. There are subtle differences of course. The focusing ring
of the 24mm is more firmly damped, but still has a commendable smoothness,
and likewise reaches its minimum focus position in a rapid 90 degree arc
from infinity.
It's surprising what difference a millimetre here and there makes. Whereas
on the 21mm optic there is a 3mm gap between the focusing grip and aperture
ring, this has been reduced to just 2mm on the 24mm lens. It doesn't sound
much, but shaving 1mm off has a fairly adverse effect on handling ease.
Fingers, whether gloved or not, can accidentally nudge the focusing ring
while attempting to adjust the aperture.
>From relatively modest beginnings at full aperture, the 24mm turns in some
fine performances at centre frame, especially between f5.6 and f11. A high
standard of sharpness is guaranteed here, but f4 and f16 also reveal worthy
figures.
Edge performance follows a similar profile, though displaced down the scale
a notch or two. Though f2.8 and f4 are nothing to write home about,
definition climbs to respectable levels as the lens is further stopped down.
Avoid the wider apertures and those landscapes should be pin sharp at both
centre and edge of frame.
Lens number: 221565
MTF % values for centre and edge (edge in parenthesis)
(the spatial frequency measured was not specified):
f2.8: 50% (38%)
f4: 67% (43%)
f5.6: 79% (52%)
f8: 80% (52%)
f11: 76% (56%)
f16: 71% (55%)
Concluding Summary:
The 24mm f2.8 has much going for it. It boasts tiny dimensions, sweet
handling, and decent levels of definition, especially in centre frame.
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