I am not too happy with my Oly 24/2.8 as far as sharpness goes. It seems to be the single-coated version if it makes any difference. My Tamron 17-35 is not any better. I guess I am just spoiled with the CZ 28/2.8.
Any recommendation for a better lens in about the $250 range?
I have the 24mm focal length covered in three different lenses. One of these is the 24/2.8 while the other two are L series zooms. I have taken tons of pics with the 24/2.8 over the years.
The Canon 24/2.8 is a small, light bright and very affordable lens. I also found the IQ to be pretty good. I am sure the 24L is better buts its much larger, heavier and way more expensive.
The focus and build of the 24/2.8 is old style. It could be quicker, quieter and smoother. To answer your question I think the 24/2.8 will be the ticket for the budget you mention...
I second that for a late multi-coated version of the OL 24. I've had a couple of EF 24's and they were only good for close distance work - at infinity the edges and corners were soft with lots of CA.
Silentlight wrote:
Are there a lot of sample variations in the Oly 24 lineup?
A lot? No. Significant? Yes. Across much of the Oly line, apparently. Simply a matter of 30 or so years of use. A few get dropped, I am sure.
On top of that, Oly didn't sit on their hands during that time. Lenses were revised as many as 7 times (50/1.4) throughout their lives. Often upgraded or optimized coatings, but also optical design changes. Late model MCs (even if they don't say MC) will represent the culmination of those efforts and will generally have the best contrast & flare control and be in better shape.
That being said, I love my single-coated Zuiko 21/3.5, and might even enjoy your 24/2.8 (at the right price )
Silentlight wrote:
I am not too happy with my Oly 24/2.8 as far as sharpness goes. It seems to be the single-coated version if it makes any difference. My Tamron 17-35 is not any better. I guess I am just spoiled with the CZ 28/2.8.
Any recommendation for a better lens in about the $250 range?
Based on reputation, I say the Yashica 24/2.8 ML. Multicoated and with C/Y mount, it fits your budget. While hard to find, I saw one on KEH.
I purchased a "new" old stock example of this lens a year ago and it was in no way in the same league as the Oly 24 2.8. Either its reputation is unfounded or there is extreme sample variation. Corner sharpness was truly poor.
rico wrote:
Based on reputation, I say the Yashica 24/2.8 ML. Multicoated and with C/Y mount, it fits your budget. While hard to find, I saw one on KEH.
I currently have 1 multicoated Oly 24 f/2.8 and one single-coated Oly 24 f/2.8. My multicoated copy is sharp wide open, whereas my single-coated copy is OK and needs 2 clicks to get really sharp. The MC also handles flare much better.
I love the Oly so much that my 35L has been sitting in the bag unused.
justruss wrote:
I currently have 1 multicoated Oly 24 f/2.8 and one single-coated Oly 24 f/2.8. My multicoated copy is sharp wide open, whereas my single-coated copy is OK and needs 2 clicks to get really sharp. The MC also handles flare much better.
I love the Oly so much that my 35L has been sitting in the bag unused.
I also use mine wide open with good results quite often. Stopping down gives a little more contrast and brings sharpness to the corners.
Just paid for another sample of Zuiko 24/2.8 on the auction site. This one is hopefully the MC version since it says "Zuiko" on it instead of the "H.Zuiko". Serial number 21xxxxx. And same price as my H.Zuiko version.
Let's see how the new one works when it arrives. I still wish it had an extra blade or two though!
Silentlight wrote:
Just paid for another sample of Zuiko 24/2.8 on the auction site. This one is hopefully the MC version since it says "Zuiko" on it instead of the "H.Zuiko". Serial number 21xxxxx. And same price as my H.Zuiko version.
Let's see how the new one works when it arrives. I still wish it had an extra blade or two though!
Mine is 222xxx and it also reads "OM-System" and "japan". Sounds like you are getting the MC version for sure. Did you put one more "x" space in your serial number as mine is only a six digit number? Let us know how it performs.
)