I picked up a Bushnell 35mm f/2.8 on a whim. Cost all of $13, delivered, so why not? There is virtually no discussion of the Bushnell brand to be found online, I was looking for a 35mm prime, and it looked well-made.

OK, well, there's a good reason why this lens doesn't get much attention. It's kind of a pig:

Solid construction, and MFD of less than 2 feet, but:

Soft focus, limp-ish color, & noticeable vignetting wide-open.
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So why am I posting?

Because the focus-ring is TO DIE FOR, and I'm wondering why none of my other lenses have such a nice one. The ring itself extend well out from the barrel. The damping is exquisite, with zero slop in the center of movement.

-But what made me post is that the bloody thing has almost 360 degrees of rotation.
Oh my, do I love that. The resolution of the lens may stink, but the resolution of the focus-ring is incredible. It is SO much easier to fine-tune the focus ("focus" being a relative term in the case of this lens) than on any of my Zeiss, Zuiko, or Nikon lenses.

Why don't all MF lenses have this much ring-resolution? For instance, I love my Nikon AI-s 180mm & 300mm, but their rings give less than 1/2 turn total resolution. If you just breathe on those rings, you lose critical focus.

What I wouldn't give for the Bushnell's ring on all my alt glass.


just venting,.......