35 - 70 Zoom for G2

[John]

Does anyone have and use the 35 - 70 zoom lens for the G2 ? I understand the distortion specs are not as good as the primes; however, lots of people are using zooms, especially digital. Any opinions on how this lens compares to non rangefinder zooms? (slr and dslr)

 

[Sergio]

It is one of the finest mid-range zooms in the market and very compact for a zoom. (It is slightly smaller than the 90mm sonnar.) I use it a lot for travel and family photos. Not as fast as the primes but makes very good pictures indeed. Works well with the TLA 200 and TLA 360 flash units too.

 

[G2Fan]

Hi Sergio:

Does the zoom balance well on the G2 ? From the pics I have seen, it appears that the zoom extends awkwardly out like a 28-200mm all purpose zoom on a 35mm SLR. Am I imagining things ? Do you have any pics of the camera lens combo set at various focal lengths to share with us.

Thanks

G2Fan

 

[Sergio]

Sorry G2Fan, I don't have pictures of the zoom to share with you but it does balance very well. The camera feels pretty much the same as if you had the 90mm sonnar on it. I keep the vario on one of my G2 bodies almost all the time.

Best regards.

 

[akptc]

It's very nice in black

It's very nice in black

Hi, I just bit the bullet and bought this Vario-Sonnar 35-70 for the G2 from KEH, mainly out of curiosity to find out how it really performs. Within the *very* few reviews availabel online, opinions tend to be divided amongst those who love this lens those who consider it only "ok".

I am posting this in hopes of hearing more from users of this lens, with, perhaps, some sample photos etc.

Cheers,

 

[kdemas]

Terrific Lens

Terrific Lens

I actually just got back from shooting with my Black 35-70 zoomon my G2. I have all the primes as well and, truth be told, I don't use the zoom all that often. It is an excellent lens, truly exceptional for travel, just not as bitingly sharp as some of the primes (45mm in particular).

That said, I would highly recommend it. It balances very well and the zoom finder works seamlessly. Some of them can have a slightly stiff zoom action but I understand they loosen up over time. Mine is damped quite nicely so it's never been an issue.

Anyway, if you travel and want a small kit I'd say you would be served quite well with the 35-70.

Enjoy.

Kent

 

[akptc]

Kent, thank you for your feedback. I am hopeful that with the 35-70 and an extra body, the 45mm, and the 28mm lenses, I may be able to "stabilize" my typical travel outfit and stop worrying about what to take and what leave home 🙂

Btw, I did a search for "vario" on contaxg.com and found a whole bunch of pics taken with this lens. Some look really good to me, here is a sample:

http://contaxg.com/document.php?id=23006
http://contaxg.com/document.php?id=20048
http://contaxg.com/document.php?id=16004
http://contaxg.com/document.php?id=1294
http://contaxg.com/document.php?id=586
http://contaxg.com/document.php?id=22954

 

[kdemas]

Andy,

I'd say those results are fairly typical, that is, very very nice. Like I said, it's one heck of a lens for travel or an all in one kit.

Post your opinions if you get one, I think you'll be pleased.

Best of luck!

Kent

 

[sircarl]

Just want to second what all the other users have said. I bought this zoom a few months ago and took it on vacation to Italy with my G2, instead of all the primes I own (well, I did take the 21mm). It doesn't have a huge zoom range, but it worked out just fine, and I was very pleased with the results. I shot slide film -- mostly Kodak E100G -- with pin-sharp results when projected large. Handles well too.

 

[akptc]

I am so excited about this lens! But, as luck would have it, KEH shipped me the silver version (I ordered a black one) in a mislabeled box, so it's back to KEH and I am "waiting for the mail" again. I guess good things are worth waiting for... 🙂

 

[akptc]

Well, after a total fiasco with KEH (twice they shipped me the wrong lens, then told me they did not actually have the black one), I finally found one on ebay. Just put my bid for it, hit the reserve price right on the nose. Still days to go but I am crossing my fingers very very tight! Would appreciate any good vibes the good folks here may have to spare :angel:

Btw, there is a guy ("Mo") selling a NOS G2 kit with the 35-70 in it, for over $4K (!) I called him to ask if he'd sell the 35-70 separately but got a quote of $999 (down from $1200 after some barganing). Pretty steep, so I asked him to hold the lens if the $4K kit doesn't sell, might renegotiate later. As it stands though, I have high hopes to grab that solitary 35-70 on the bay.

 

[Socke]

Oops! This one 200037977713?

Luckily I read my mail before bidding 🙂

 

[akptc]

Oops! This one 200037977713?

Luckily I read my mail before bidding 🙂

Yep, item #200037977713 is the one 🙂

Ah, shawks, it's so selfish of me to try to keep it all to myself! (I now remember reading that you too were looking for one as well). Well, chances are I will probably get outbid anyway.. Then again, should I win, chances are the next GAS attack may result in it being listed here 🙂)

 

[Socke]

No problem, that one looks good but I have silver bodies, there will be a silver 35-70 some time.

I'm not in a hurry, I want it for my trip to Salvador de Bahia which won't happen before March or April.

 

[akptc]

There are two silver ones on ebay now -

120041862422 (less than 2 hrs to go)
280037614639 (20 hrs to go)

The one thing I really regret not biding on was that silver-black G2, I bet both the chrome and black lenses would look great on it.

 

[Socke]

Interesting, ebay.de found the black one only


Edit, UK is better than the USA for me - no import taxes and VAT 🙂

 

[Eugene]

I just got one of the silver ones a few days ago. I was supposed to receive it today. Damm DHL.

 

[akptc]

Congratulatons Eugene! Hope you will post some pictures soon (of it and by it).

 

[akptc]

Happy days!

Happy days!

I was the only bidder on the black one (thank you all the kind folks who let me win it without a fight) and got the lens for the reserve price of 300 BP. Needless to say, I can't wait to play with it 😀

 

[Eugene]

Congrads Andy. These lens are hard to find. Enjoy. I think mine will be there this coming Monday.