More Maitani Madness - OM Zooms

[oscroft]

Oh yes, I've had a couple of 35-105s too - I already had one, then I bought an Olympus/Zuiko kit for a couple of other lenses that were included, and that included another.

I thought the 35-105 was really pretty good, but I didn't use either sample for long enough to get a great feel for sharpness - I don't really have a need for such a zoom. But in the short time I used them, I decided that the contrast was a bit lower than most Zuiko zooms - but I can't really swear to that, as I really didn't use them critically.

Foolish regards
Alan
TMFBoing
Fool UK Community

 

[Ade-oh]

Funnily enough my experience is exactly the opposite - I've two 35/2.8s and the 35-105 is sharper than both of them.

As I said, it could have been a duff example: I bought it second hand with an OM-4 body. At that time, IIRC, I had a 28/2.8, a 50/1.8 and a 135/2.8, all of which were very good indeed.

 

[D.O'K.]

Have only got the f3.5-4.5, which produces highly acceptable quality up to about 6x8", but thereafter is far less impressive than any of the Zuiko primes I've used.

As others have indicated it's a compact little lens; but in my view it's also a little plasticky and cheap-feeling.

A good thing, though, for snapshot occasions (when the best possible results aren't the priority...).

Regards,
D.

 

[ColinW]

I only have the 35-70/3.5-4.5 so I can't compare it too the other versions, but just to say I've always been very happy with the results and have been surprised (in a good way) quite frequently with it.

A very handy walkabout lens.

 

[Ken Ford]

Ken,

What about a 28-48/4 and a 75-150/4 in the pocket?

You liked your old CV 28, no?

B2 (;->

Still like it, as a matter of fact! I'm thinking more of a single lens that covers the range I use the most - 35 and 70.

The f/4 and f/3.5-4.5 versions are cheap enough that maybe I should buy both and do a shootoff.

 

[Ken Ford]

A few people here and elsewhere have commented on the lack of build quality in the f/3.5-4.5 version including internal plastic parts that wore out with use. Is this a universal issue, or did they cheapen it up as time passed?

 

[kuzano]

Another vote for the Tamron....

Another vote for the Tamron....

The tamron SP 35-80/2.8 might be a viable and cheap alternative. Very good optically.

Very nice, compact and the Macro works well for bonus. I carry mine as a Zuiko manual focus for my Olympus DSLR. It's great.