Contax zoom question

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Archive 2008 · Contax zoom question

giadinh
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p.1 #1 · Contax zoom question

I just started using my 13 year old 28-85/3.3-4 with my 5D. I am pleased with the color saturation, sharpness. Is the 35-70 much better?

I have always wanted the 35-70 but never could afford one when they were made. By the time I could afford nice glass, only the 28-85 was available.

Nov 07, 2008 at 02:37 AM

edwardkaraa
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p.1 #2 · Contax zoom question

I think the 35-70 is much better in the corners at some focal lengths and f/5.6. The 28-85 is sharper in the center even wide open. Actually I believe this zoom has been designed to be used mostly wide open. There is a nice comparison at 16-9.net.

Nov 07, 2008 at 04:03 AM

Lotusm50
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p.1 #3 · Contax zoom question

No, it is not much better. The 2 lenses are comparable. The 28-85 has a wider range (not that it is stellar at 28mm), but over the 35-70mm range they are close. I don't think you would really gain anything overall by getting the 35-70. You might lose a little weight and size, however, if that is important.

Nov 07, 2008 at 04:04 AM

edwardkaraa
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p.1 #4 · Contax zoom question

According to 16-9.net, at 35mm and f/5.6, the 35-70 outperforms the 28-85 in the corners quite clearly (8.3 vs. 6.8) while both get an outstanding 8.7 in the center.

At 50mm and f/5.6, the 35-70 is marginally better in both center (8.9 vs. 8.4) and in the corners (8.2 vs. 7.9).

At 70mm (81mm for the 28-85) and f/5.6, the 35-70 is better in the center (8.8 vs. 8.3) but is softer in the corners (7.2 vs. 7.6).

You can draw your own conclusions.

Nov 07, 2008 at 04:22 AM

giadinh
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p.1 #5 · Contax zoom question

Thanks for the input everyone.

Nov 07, 2008 at 05:49 AM

Andi Dietrich
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p.1 #6 · Contax zoom question

the 28-85 is parafocal, it can be used with AF confirm chips without problem, the shorter zoom is a bit of a hassel to focus.
Striclty landscape the 35-70 is a bit sharper in the corners and has less weight. For everyday photography, the 28-85 is IMO the better lens.

Nov 07, 2008 at 08:37 AM

slungu
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p.1 #7 · Contax zoom question

Since I noticed that I use the 28mm more often than any other lens when on vacation, and second the 100mm, I was wondering if the 28-85 would not be a better lens for me than the 35-70 due to the greater range that it offers. I do not expect it to beat the 28mm prime, but I guess since I usually shoot at 5.6-8.0 I would expect it to be a great travel lens. Any of you using this lens that way ?
Regards, Stefan

Nov 07, 2008 at 12:16 PM

giadinh
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p.1 #8 · Contax zoom question

Andi,
How would you suggest encoding the AF confirm chip (focal length & aperture)?

My experience with a chipped adapter is generally positive except for use with flash since the camera/flash see 50 mm focal length & 2.0 aperture.

Any help and input would be greatly appreciated.

Nov 07, 2008 at 03:49 PM

Andi Dietrich
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p.1 #9 · Contax zoom question

I never used coded AF chips, I guess I would look out for a lens with a barrel deformation and a bit of CA to be able to correct these in DPP, maybe 24-105L at the wide end if this is possible. However this is only an idea no user experiance

Nov 08, 2008 at 03:23 PM

brainiac
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p.1 #10 · Contax zoom question

giadinh wrote:
Andi,
How would you suggest encoding the AF confirm chip (focal length & aperture)?

My experience with a chipped adapter is generally positive except for use with flash since the camera/flash see 50 mm focal length & 2.0 aperture.

Any help and input would be greatly appreciated.

When you buy the adaptor, ask the seller to set the eprom to your chosen focal length and aperture.

Nov 08, 2008 at 03:25 PM

Andi Dietrich
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p.1 #11 · Contax zoom question

slungu wrote:
Since I noticed that I use the 28mm more often than any other lens when on vacation, and second the 100mm, I was wondering if the 28-85 would not be a better lens for me than the 35-70 due to the greater range that it offers. I do not expect it to beat the 28mm prime, but I guess since I usually shoot at 5.6-8.0 I would expect it to be a great travel lens. Any of you using this lens that way ?
Regards, Stefan

I prefer primes for travel, the zoom is rather large, however if you prefer a zoom lens this will make for a wonderful travel lens, pictures have the zeiss look out of the body

Nov 08, 2008 at 03:27 PM

giadinh
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p.1 #12 · Contax zoom question

Stefan,

I used this lens for my travel in my younger days with film. It is, of course, larger than the primes. However, I felt that the benefit of having one lens with close to prime quality of several focal lengths outweighed the size concern.

Richard,

Should I have it encoded to 28mm/3.3 or 85mm/4.0 ?

Thanks.

Nov 08, 2008 at 05:13 PM

brainiac
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p.1 #13 · Contax zoom question

giadinh wrote:
Should I have it encoded to 28mm/3.3 or 85mm/4.0 ?

That's up to you. If you get it encoded to the focal length and aperture of a similar Canon lens, then sometimes that means you can use DPP's lens aberration settings, which may or may not be appropriate.

Nov 08, 2008 at 05:28 PM

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