35-70

35-70

My original post has disappeared,so I'll ask again.Has anyone experience of this G lens?I have all the primes apart from the 16mm.So is it worth buying for a road trip lens?
Ta DM
 
Wow,

I tried the search function here with any other combination of "ContaxG lens 35-70" and so forth and nothing could be found.

Sorry, but I thought this was a working web-site. I apologize for the lack of search possibilities here. I remember some such posts as could help you.

But we have to restate all the old stuff now .... WOW!

Maybe try a google search instead and forget about rangefinderforum searches, please.
 
Performance is excellent with the exception of the far edges of the frame as I recall from test reports from Popular Photography. Frankly, it's more of a novelty lens given it's high cost, relatively large size and slow speed at the long end. You'd be far better off with a Contax TVS III with it's 30-60/3.7-6.7 Vario Sonnar lens. Contax's published MTF plots show very similar performance between the two optics. I use to own a TVS III and it was the best performer in the TVS series and far more compact than the 35-70/3.5-5.6 G series lens (something to bear in mind for travel). It also focuses a bit closer than the G lens. These cameras can be purchased used and clean for a fraction of their original retail price, usually a few hundred $$ and probably less than a 35-70 G lens.
 
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Thankyou for your prompt reply which was most informative.I suppose it is the collector in me that wants this lens since I can cover all the focal lenghths with the primes.It seems an interesting lens and it could be useful especially if I can pick one up cheaply,although I doubt it.
Ta
DM
 
uhligfd said:
Wow,

I tried the search function here with any other combination of "ContaxG lens 35-70" and so forth and nothing could be found.

Sorry, but I thought this was a working web-site. I apologize for the lack of search possibilities here. I remember some such posts as could help you.

But we have to restate all the old stuff now .... WOW!

Maybe try a google search instead and forget about rangefinderforum searches, please.
Click to expand...

over 200 hits for contax 35-70 at site:rangefinderforum.com
 
Depends somewhat on what you consider "cheap." I was able to find 1 on eBay (mint condition but rear cap only & no other accessories) a few months ago for under $600 U.S.

frenchspur said:
Thankyou for your prompt reply which was most informative.I suppose it is the collector in me that wants this lens since I can cover all the focal lenghths with the primes.It seems an interesting lens and it could be useful especially if I can pick one up cheaply,although I doubt it.
Ta
DM
Click to expand...
 
I think £300 is below the current market value, @ least from what I can glean from eBay, but given the current economy & "orphan" status of the G system, prices may get down to that level sooner than you think.

Other than the fact that it is a relatively slow zoom, the Vario-Sonnar handles & performs just like the primes. Mine seems to be a little stiff on the zoom action compared to SLR zooms I've used, but I actually prefer that to 1 that's overly loose. I have no idea whether that's typical as I've never seen, let alone handled, another. I bought mine w/the intention of using it as a travel lens for daytime shooting, but haven't really gone on any trips recently.

frenchspur said:
Well I was thinking of around £300.BTW how does the lens handle and compare with the primes?
Ta DM
Click to expand...
 
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I have a nice black 35-70mm G lens and it is my favorite zoom (along with my 24-70mm Nikkor). It is tack sharp and renders with the usual zeiss "snap", particularly in color. If you're looking for a daytime travel lens, this is the one.

Is it as sharp as the primes, probably not but I doubt you'll see the difference in most scenarios. It is a VERY sharp lens.

Kent
 
Thankyou for the info.I will get one as soon as I get to London,probably in April or May.The only zoom I have experience of is a Leica 35-70 f4 R.I believe this lens was made for Leica by Zeiss.It is an excellent piece of glass and I think the 35-70 G for my G2s will be of the same quality .
Ta
DM
 
I have both of the Leica 35-70mm R as well and I think you'll be thrilled with the G. To my eye it is the sharper of the two.

Enjoy!

Kent
 
It's nice, even wide open, I mix it with my prime lenses using slide film and you cannot say which lens was used
 
I just bought a zoom for my G2 and I like the handling and the quality. Have to wait to see the results it brings.
 
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