Tamron vs Yashica ML

[farlymac]

Did a test shoot one day after getting some not very steller results from the ML that came on my Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 (what was it with those long names, anyway?). Tamron wins!

Link below the photo to the complete set.


Short Zoom at 35mm by br1078phot, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7699588@N07/sets/72157633429820633/

PF

5-8-13 Note: I should state that this test was with four lenses, two Yashica ML zooms (35-70 and 70-210), and two Tamron Adaptall 2 zooms (28-70 and 70-210).

 

[oftheherd]

It looks to me like your focus is a little off in the Yashica lens. There seem to be some color differences as well, but that could be scanning.

I wonder if you just got a less that stellar performer in the Yashica. It could also be that at its widest, it doesn't do as well as the Tamron up to 35mm from its max of 28mm?

I do like the Tamron photo for sure. But where's the horse? 😀

 

[farlymac]

Neither ML did as well as the Tamrons, Herd. And from what I recall from postings on the now defunct YashicaForum.com, they weren't well considered.

And no horses this time.

PF

 

[oftheherd]

Now you have me wondering. I have the Yashinon 50mm f/1.7 that I got about 1970/71. That was a very good lens. If it had further markings, I don't recall since I haven't used it in some while. I'll have to look. I also have about 3 or 4 35mm primes, including Yashi somethings. If I can set aside some time this weekend, maybe I can do some comparisons of the 35mm primes. I don't recall what I have in Yashica Zooms. I do have some Vivitar, including the Series 1 35mm-85mm Varifocal. Maybe throw that into the mix.

I remember when the Tamrom Adaptall lenses came out. They always got good reviews in the magazines.

 

[farlymac]

I have no problems with the primes for the Yashica C/Y mount. The Vivitar Series-1 zooms are said to be top notch. And when I got my Nikon N90s, I dumped the kit lens, and got two Tamron AF zooms for it (28-200, and 200-400).

PF

 

[Greyscale]

I found the Yashica MC 35~70mm to be a pretty good performer, much better than the Vivitar lens that I own in the same focal length. At one time, I had a Tamron Bbar 70~210mm zoom, and it was a fantastic lens, although very heavy. The Kiron-made Vivitar 70~150 zoom that I own (in Nikon non-AI) mount is a very good zoom lens, I'm sure that they make it in C/Y mount as well.

 

[Armoured]

My own vote for most underrated lens of all time is the Tamron 80-210/f3.8-4. Even back in the day they weren't that expensive, cost nothing now, and they're well-made and produce great images.

That said, I haven't compared to the best-of-the-best - it's what I could afford back then and I still use it from time to time, the weight and feel is lovely.