Contax G..35-70 Zoom Who is using one now & rating it

[larmarv916]

I recently was lucky to get a Contax G system, and really love using both G1 & G2 bodies. 21-28-35-45-90 lenses. But I am interested in the 35-70 zoom. Interested to see photos, get some idea of how it is to use...and a rating. A still have my Leica's but the Contax G system is a real joy to use.

So if your using a 35-70 zoom lens let me know what you think.

Also who is using the 16mm ? How do you like it as well

All the best...Laurance

 

[FS Vontz]

You're very lucky. To my knowledge, the zoom was never popular, as it wasn't fast enough. The 16mm wasn't very practical, being of a fixed aperture and all, but I'm sure someone uses it. There's always someone

 

[furcafe]

I got 1 for pretty cheap this past winter, but haven't really used it enough to render a verdict. I had originally bought it w/the intention of using it as a travel lens (mainly daylight), but ended not traveling as much as I had anticipated. 🙁

From what I can tell, performance is as good as expected (hard to go wrong w/Zeiss), & I haven't had any ergonomic problems or anything using it, but it has been difficult for me to adjust to the zoom mentality (same goes w/the Tri-Elmar) since I'm accustomed to using different bodies when I need to shoot quickly w/different focal lengths. I often find myself still "zooming" w/my feet.

 

[GoneSavage]

The image of the 35-70 is great. As mentioned by FS Vontz, its relatively slow speed is the only real drawback of the lens.

 

[larmarv916]

I am interested also what areas the 35-70 excels at. So is it a real zoom or a 2 focal length lens..that zooms across a range. Meaning that it is great at the ends but not evenly good. Also if this lens excels at the mid F-stop ranges meaning f5.6-11 As if the quality is great then I can cope with the slower basic speed.

 

[Debusti Paolo]

I own a modified by zoerk heliar 15 mm/4,5 lens and it's really great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[furcafe]

It's a true zoom. I haven't tested it @ 55.5mm or anything, but I'm not sure why it wouldn't be as good in the middle ranges than @ the ends. The official brochure only has data for the ends (http://www.zeiss.com/C12567A8003B8B...0mm_e/$File/Vario-Sonnar3.5-5.6_35-70mm_e.pdf), but I'm sure you could ask Zeiss directly (photo@zeiss.de) for data for the middle ranges.

I am interested also what areas the 35-70 excels at. So is it a real zoom or a 2 focal length lens..that zooms across a range. Meaning that it is great at the ends but not evenly good. Also if this lens excels at the mid F-stop ranges meaning f5.6-11 As if the quality is great then I can cope with the slower basic speed.

 

[larmarv916]

Thanks "Furcafe" for the suggestion and link. I am always looking at how many times I want to be wider than normal or just little bit longer than normal. So for many every day situations. This might be a good option. I keep the 21 or 28 on the G1 body...I love those 2 lenses. But the G2 it seems I am always caught second guessing what lens to carry..so I will look more into this idea. As it is a better option than the 28-35-50 for my Leica.

If anyone has photos from the 16mm Hologon please by all means post a few.

All the best...Laurance

 

[BTMarcais]

Laurance- Glad you're enjoying the kit (I'm enjoying the ZM lenses too, really loving the Sonnar-C).
I remember hearing that there was some vignetting wide open at the 35mm setting on the zoom, but never had one to test out.
If you haven't found it yet, the Contax G pages (www.contaxg.com) has lots of photos w/ the 16mm (and likely the 35-70). Pretty easy to search for the ones you want.
It's not as active a forum as here, but some good sample images.
-Brian

 

[kdemas]

The G zoom is an excellent lens, I have a rather rare black one. It is the most used lens on my G at this point, superb for daylight shooting. It is, of course, slow so night time photography is something I haven't attempted with it.

Build quality is excellent and it holds up quite well with the primes. Of course NOTHING is as sharp as that G 45mm Planar but for a zoom it's terrific.

Anyway, enjoy your lens. If you finally are able to travel more I'n sure you'll enjoy it a great deal.

Kent

 

[larmarv916]

In case anyone is interested "BTMarcais" did a trade recently which is the how and why I can enjoy the talents that the Contax G system has..outside my Leica experience. So now I can safely say we both are expanding our skills and talents.

 

[cidereye]

You know, I used to think why would anyone buy the 35-70mm zoom not only because it's not very fast but the price. Nowadays, after getting involved with Leica glass prices the £270 I've just seen for a great example of a G zoom seems the bargain of the new decade when compared to a Leica Tri Elmar @ £3299.00 !?!?!?! 😀

 

[larmarv916]

Yes...that 3200 sterling is a killer. Also I still have not found anyone who is using the 16mm on a regular basis either. speed is not a big problem for me. also I find the "G" seems to help look at things differently than with my "M's" So I may add the 35-70 zoom soon