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Archive 2016Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
p.2 #1Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Thanks. That's exactly what I think would make it worth the 2k. If it delivers stellar performance at 5.6-8 at 28-30 then I should be super happy. With the Canon 28 IS i always felt the need to use their deconvolution routine that doubled the file size and took forever to process a pile of shots. I'm hoping that a 7r2 + GM zoom rig will really boost that sort of intangible realism in large stiched panos.
Apr 07, 2016 at 01:02 PM
p.2 #2Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
GMPhotography wrote:
The Contax 35-70 I remember this lens back in my Canon days. Great rendering but I don't think it has the resolving power of the new GM 24-70. We also need to think ahead on next gen cams which may jump to 60 Mpx. I want the GM as they are design for higher Mpx cams. I would say right now the new GM is the best zoom over any legacy lenses.
Hi Guy,
If the GM is really out resolving the old C/Y 35-70mm all the way out to the corners, that is really saying a lot. Part of that lot is "damn now I need to spend $2200" UGH!!
And I just acquired a really nice copy of the 35-70 with a Novaflex adapter. Sure you don't want to edit your reply one more time?
The Contax 35-70 I remember this lens back in my Canon days. Great rendering but I don't think it has the resolving power of the new GM 24-70. We also need to think ahead on next gen cams which may jump to 60 Mpx. I want the GM as they are design for higher Mpx cams. I would say right now the new GM is the best zoom over any legacy lenses.
Hi Guy,
If the GM is really out resolving the old C/Y 35-70mm all the way out to the corners, that is really saying a lot. Part of that lot is "damn now I need to spend $2200" UGH!!
And I just acquired a really nice copy of the 35-70 with a Novaflex adapter. Sure you don't want to edit your reply one more time?
Apr 07, 2016 at 04:36 PM
p.2 #3Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Don't buy into hype my friends!! Keep the Contax alive as long as we could!!
billsnature wrote:
GMPhotography wrote
The Contax 35-70 I remember this lens back in my Canon days. Great rendering but I don't think it has the resolving power of the new GM 24-70. We also need to think ahead on next gen cams which may jump to 60 Mpx. I want the GM as they are design for higher Mpx cams. I would say right now the new GM is the best zoom over any legacy lenses.If the GM is really out resolving the old C/Y 35-70mm all the way out to the corners, that is really saying a lot. Part of that lot is "damn now I need to spend $2200" UGH!!
And I just acquired a really nice copy of the 35-70 with a Novaflex adapter. Sure you don't want to edit your reply one more time?
Apr 07, 2016 at 04:56 PM
p.2 #4Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
No spend money keep the economy going. Lol
Apr 07, 2016 at 05:10 PM
p.2 #5Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Sadly Japanese economy
Apr 07, 2016 at 05:58 PM
p.2 #6Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
GMPhotography wrote:
The Contax 35-70 I remember this lens back in my Canon days. Great rendering but I don't think it has the resolving power of the new GM 24-70. We also need to think ahead on next gen cams which may jump to 60 Mpx. I want the GM as they are design for higher Mpx cams. I would say right now the new GM is the best zoom over any legacy lenses.
I don't know guy. I have a stellar copy of the Contax 35-70, and I swear at 35mm it'll hold its own against the new GM(maybe...😉
It has no problem resolving 42mpx of my A7rll. And @50mm it's pretty stellar too. Maybe not as superb as my Loxia 50, but it's pretty damn good. But at35mm and f8-11 it's blown me away...granted it doesn't have 24-35mm, though, but it also only cost me <$400.
Gregg
Contax 35-70/3.4 @35mm and f11
35mm @f8
Edited on Apr 07, 2016 at 06:18 PM · View previous versions
The Contax 35-70 I remember this lens back in my Canon days. Great rendering but I don't think it has the resolving power of the new GM 24-70. We also need to think ahead on next gen cams which may jump to 60 Mpx. I want the GM as they are design for higher Mpx cams. I would say right now the new GM is the best zoom over any legacy lenses.
I don't know guy. I have a stellar copy of the Contax 35-70, and I swear at 35mm it'll hold its own against the new GM(maybe...😉
It has no problem resolving 42mpx of my A7rll. And @50mm it's pretty stellar too. Maybe not as superb as my Loxia 50, but it's pretty damn good. But at35mm and f8-11 it's blown me away...granted it doesn't have 24-35mm, though, but it also only cost me <$400. Gregg
Contax 35-70/3.4 @35mm and f11
35mm @f8
Edited on Apr 07, 2016 at 06:18 PM · View previous versions
Apr 07, 2016 at 06:04 PM
p.2 #7Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Oh...btw...thank you Fred and Guy(Joshua, looking forward to your grabs as well!) for your images and tests with this lens. Very informative!! Kudos to you guys!
Fred...really looking forward to Mono pics with it.
Guy...aren't you in Sedona? My buddy is there now too! If you see a guy with an a7rll floating around, it just might be him!!
Cheers,
Grrgg
Fred...really looking forward to Mono pics with it.
Guy...aren't you in Sedona? My buddy is there now too! If you see a guy with an a7rll floating around, it just might be him!!
Cheers,
Grrgg
Apr 07, 2016 at 06:11 PM
p.2 #8Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
I'm actually in Cave Creek. My brother in law has two restaurants up there, so we went to visit his new one.
Apr 07, 2016 at 06:13 PM
p.2 #9Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
billsnature wrote:
Hi Guy,
If the GM is really out resolving the old C/Y 35-70mm all the way out to the corners, that is really saying a lot. Part of that lot is "damn now I need to spend $2200" UGH!!
And I just acquired a really nice copy of the 35-70 with a Novaflex adapter. Sure you don't want to edit your reply one more time?
You're playing that endless game of chasing the latest greatest equipment to eek out that 1% utmost Image quality. This game never ends as each year something new is released that one-ups the previous year's equipment. Personally I'd be quite happy with the 35-70 especially when there are 22 one hundred dollar bills rolled up in my jean pockets.
GMPhotography wrote
The Contax 35-70 I remember this lens back in my Canon days. Great rendering but I don't think it has the resolving power of the new GM 24-70. We also need to think ahead on next gen cams which may jump to 60 Mpx. I want the GM as they are design for higher Mpx cams. I would say right now the new GM is the best zoom over any legacy lenses.If the GM is really out resolving the old C/Y 35-70mm all the way out to the corners, that is really saying a lot. Part of that lot is "damn now I need to spend $2200" UGH!!
And I just acquired a really nice copy of the 35-70 with a Novaflex adapter. Sure you don't want to edit your reply one more time?
You're playing that endless game of chasing the latest greatest equipment to eek out that 1% utmost Image quality. This game never ends as each year something new is released that one-ups the previous year's equipment. Personally I'd be quite happy with the 35-70 especially when there are 22 one hundred dollar bills rolled up in my jean pockets.
Apr 07, 2016 at 06:19 PM
p.2 #10Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
chez wrote:
Hi Guy,
If the GM is really out resolving the old C/Y 35-70mm all the way out to the corners, that is really saying a lot. Part of that lot is "damn now I need to spend $2200" UGH!!
And I just acquired a really nice copy of the 35-70 with a Novaflex adapter. Sure you don't want to edit your reply one more time?You're playing that endless game of chasing the latest greatest equipment to eek out that 1% utmost Image quality. This game never ends as each year something new is released that one-ups the previous year's equipment. Personally I'd be quite happy with the 35-70 especially when there are 22 one hundred dollar bills rolled up in my jean pockets.
im out of this one as soon as it hits price/ weight and size . That's not why we shoot images.
billsnature wrote
GMPhotography wrote
The Contax 35-70 I remember this lens back in my Canon days. Great rendering but I don't think it has the resolving power of the new GM 24-70. We also need to think ahead on next gen cams which may jump to 60 Mpx. I want the GM as they are design for higher Mpx cams. I would say right now the new GM is the best zoom over any legacy lenses.If the GM is really out resolving the old C/Y 35-70mm all the way out to the corners, that is really saying a lot. Part of that lot is "damn now I need to spend $2200" UGH!!
And I just acquired a really nice copy of the 35-70 with a Novaflex adapter. Sure you don't want to edit your reply one more time?
im out of this one as soon as it hits price/ weight and size . That's not why we shoot images.
Apr 07, 2016 at 06:54 PM
p.2 #11Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
You guys who have a Contax 35-70...is your copy really tight to zoom? I got a copy off of ebay and the push pull part is really stiff. Like when I try to pull it out it pulls out all the way when I pull and then I have to push it back in. It is not fun to use at all. I have a Minolta 35-70 3.4 Macro and it has the twist to zoom which is better and smoother...I use it more often.
Apr 08, 2016 at 09:37 PM
p.2 #12Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Sadly, what happens is: these lenses get passed around a lot. A lot of people hear about them, they go buy one - generally the cheapest they can find - then wonder why they either have sloppy tolerances or other issues. Or they dislike the lens for other reasons. So then they sell them on to the 19th or 20th owner since the lens rolled off the line. They are now decades old and many were made over a long period. And they are light (sorry Guy, lol).
There should be nothing other than a fine interference resistance to the zoom action, no play whatever nor any kind of mechanical resistance, Same with the focus ring, a lovely smooth action comes as standard with excellent stops and a slight resistance to the macro part of the ring. I know this because I bought one 'new in sealed box' for around $900. It feels mechanically nicer than my Leica E55 50/2, a demo unit.
On the thread topic, I prefer mine for landscapes over any modern mid zoom due to the beautiful rich color (tremendous blues), contrast and lack of the edginess you see so clearly in modern lenses. The CY zoom resembles the old Contarex lenses in that it sacrifices macro contrast (10 lpmm) for the sake of a flat field and great detail everywhere, all with fabulous monotones. So the starting files are already excellent. It's a very refined look to my eyes. Great for 'near-fars' too.
The long end is where I like it - with the lens compressed, and at 35mm it is fully extended. The inner sleeve tube is very substantial compared with the latest Canon 24-70 and this GM zoom, and it never extends more than one centimeter or so. 70mm is a little better than 50mm - no astigmatism, gentle decline, lovely bokeh. Center at 50mm and f8 is (in MTF) 70-85-91, compares with Loxia 50 at f5.6 (best) 72-86-92. Same level of distortion - 0.6%, pincushion rather than barrel. Images shot on a99, we get far better with a7r. In support of what I have had to say:
There should be nothing other than a fine interference resistance to the zoom action, no play whatever nor any kind of mechanical resistance, Same with the focus ring, a lovely smooth action comes as standard with excellent stops and a slight resistance to the macro part of the ring. I know this because I bought one 'new in sealed box' for around $900. It feels mechanically nicer than my Leica E55 50/2, a demo unit.
On the thread topic, I prefer mine for landscapes over any modern mid zoom due to the beautiful rich color (tremendous blues), contrast and lack of the edginess you see so clearly in modern lenses. The CY zoom resembles the old Contarex lenses in that it sacrifices macro contrast (10 lpmm) for the sake of a flat field and great detail everywhere, all with fabulous monotones. So the starting files are already excellent. It's a very refined look to my eyes. Great for 'near-fars' too.
The long end is where I like it - with the lens compressed, and at 35mm it is fully extended. The inner sleeve tube is very substantial compared with the latest Canon 24-70 and this GM zoom, and it never extends more than one centimeter or so. 70mm is a little better than 50mm - no astigmatism, gentle decline, lovely bokeh. Center at 50mm and f8 is (in MTF) 70-85-91, compares with Loxia 50 at f5.6 (best) 72-86-92. Same level of distortion - 0.6%, pincushion rather than barrel. Images shot on a99, we get far better with a7r. In support of what I have had to say:
Apr 08, 2016 at 11:43 PM
p.2 #13Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
I have had 5 copies of the 35-70 over the years. Always a balance to a) "too loose" and then having zoom creep issue" B) "too tight" and zero zoom creep, but feels a bit tight at zoom or C) Just right. Great balance of stiffness versus creep.
I wish this level of image quality came it a 2 ring zoom, sadly not sure it does. I have a GM in transit, so I guess I will know shortly
Bill
I wish this level of image quality came it a 2 ring zoom, sadly not sure it does. I have a GM in transit, so I guess I will know shortly
Bill
Apr 09, 2016 at 10:52 AM
p.2 #14Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
I have gone through a lot of adapter for my C/Y 35-70 to find the right one and now I wouldn't bother with a FE 35mm or a Loxia 35mm for landscape. My C/Y is not shaper in the centre, but is sharper over the whole frame, especially in the corners. Also make sure you flock your adapter with your C/Y.
I still take my FE 35mm on over seas trips, because it is a great little lens for street shooting.
For a 50mm focal length for landscapes I leave my Sony-Zeiss prime at home now over the C/Y zoom. @f8 there is a difference in favour of the prime, but not a that big a difference. You have to weigh up how important 50mm is to you for landscape photography and is it better to accept a 2-5% lesser lens for less weight and more versatility. Those savings mean more weight to more used focal lengths in landscapes.
I still take my FE 35mm on over seas trips, because it is a great little lens for street shooting.
For a 50mm focal length for landscapes I leave my Sony-Zeiss prime at home now over the C/Y zoom. @f8 there is a difference in favour of the prime, but not a that big a difference. You have to weigh up how important 50mm is to you for landscape photography and is it better to accept a 2-5% lesser lens for less weight and more versatility. Those savings mean more weight to more used focal lengths in landscapes.
Apr 09, 2016 at 10:16 PM
p.2 #15Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
I used to shoot with the c/y 35-70/3.4 ages ago and don't have it anymore. I just purchased a mint copy and will test it against the FE 24-70GM.
Frankly, as good as it might be on the A7RII, I would be very surprised if the Contax performs similarly to the new GM.
Frankly, as good as it might be on the A7RII, I would be very surprised if the Contax performs similarly to the new GM.
Apr 09, 2016 at 10:26 PM
p.2 #16Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
I shot with it (Contax 35-70/ 3,4) yesterday on the a7rII. It cannot compete with the modern Zooms wide open, you have to simply stop it down to minimum 6,x in order to clear the corners.
At f8, the look is like from a real Zeiss lens: Sharp, clear whatever you like... Obviously it also cannot compete with the GM in terms of versatility.
Then again, for 350 or so, it was also only a fraction of the GM...
At f8, the look is like from a real Zeiss lens: Sharp, clear whatever you like... Obviously it also cannot compete with the GM in terms of versatility.
Then again, for 350 or so, it was also only a fraction of the GM...
Apr 10, 2016 at 01:27 AM
p.2 #17Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
I tend to agree. My experience with this Contax zoom years ago was that, while the center was first class at any aperture, the corners at f/3.4-4 were 'usable' but far from stellar. Needing f/5.6 to reach very good levels. Of course that was, and still it is, an excellent performance for a zoom. Nevertheless, even back in that time, the Vario Sonnar 35-70 wide open couldn't really compete with the best primes.
It has also noticeable distorsion at the wide end. Yes, this is easily corrected in LR but at the cost of losing some microdetail in the process of interpolating/resampling..
It has also noticeable distorsion at the wide end. Yes, this is easily corrected in LR but at the cost of losing some microdetail in the process of interpolating/resampling..
Apr 10, 2016 at 02:02 AM
p.2 #18Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Yep, the C/Y has different uses to modern zooms. It really needs f5.6+ and this is where it shines. For me as a landscape photographer primes and a quality zoom that shines at f5.6 right to the coners make a better combo than the new GM, but for most people the GM will be better for their needs.
Apr 10, 2016 at 10:15 AM
p.2 #19Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
artur5 wrote:
I tend to agree. My experience with this Contax zoom years ago was that, while the center was first class at any aperture, the corners at f/3.4-4 were 'usable' but far from stellar. Needing f/5.6 to reach very good levels. Of course that was, and still it is, an excellent performance for a zoom. Nevertheless, even back in that time, the Vario Sonnar 35-70 wide open couldn't really compete with the best primes.
It has also noticeable distorsion at the wide end. Yes, this is easily corrected in LR but at the cost of losing some microdetail in the process of...Show more →
Yes, there was distortion at 35mm and if I remember correctly the extreme corners look at bit worse at 35mm as well. Is that the same experience you guys have?
I tend to agree. My experience with this Contax zoom years ago was that, while the center was first class at any aperture, the corners at f/3.4-4 were 'usable' but far from stellar. Needing f/5.6 to reach very good levels. Of course that was, and still it is, an excellent performance for a zoom. Nevertheless, even back in that time, the Vario Sonnar 35-70 wide open couldn't really compete with the best primes.
It has also noticeable distorsion at the wide end. Yes, this is easily corrected in LR but at the cost of losing some microdetail in the process of...Show more →
Yes, there was distortion at 35mm and if I remember correctly the extreme corners look at bit worse at 35mm as well. Is that the same experience you guys have?
Apr 10, 2016 at 11:17 AM
p.2 #20Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Fred Miranda wrote:
It has also noticeable distorsion at the wide end. Yes, this is easily corrected in LR but at the cost of losing some microdetail in the process of interpolating/resampling..Yes, there was distortion at 35mm and if I remember correctly the extreme corners look at bit worse at 35mm as well. Is that the same experience you guys have?
I must have a stellar copy. I think mine is sharp all the way to the corners. Are we talking infinity? What aperture? @f8-11 and 35mm, I've been blown away. I'd have to try and see if I shot around f4-5.6 to see how the corners are. I think the weak spot might be 70mm on my. @50mm, though, the center is dead sharp WO. Stopped down to f11, it produces excellent results as well. And @f5.6 through the range, you could cut yourself!!
I must admit that the bokeh of the Contax can't compete with the GM, though. For a zoom, it's pretty incredible. Makes me want to have just for the bokeh-lisciousness!!
I'll have to do more shooting with the 35-70, but I can say without a doubt, that I won't sell this lens! The combo of great colors, contrast, sharpness, macro function, and size/weight AND IBIS on the Rll, make this lens perfect!!(for me, of course...)
Gregg
artur5 wrote
I tend to agree. My experience with this Contax zoom years ago was that, while the center was first class at any aperture, the corners at f/3.4-4 were 'usable' but far from stellar. Needing f/5.6 to reach very good levels. Of course that was, and still it is, an excellent performance for a zoom. Nevertheless, even back in that time, the Vario Sonnar 35-70 wide open couldn't really compete with the best primes.It has also noticeable distorsion at the wide end. Yes, this is easily corrected in LR but at the cost of losing some microdetail in the process of interpolating/resampling..
I must have a stellar copy. I think mine is sharp all the way to the corners. Are we talking infinity? What aperture? @f8-11 and 35mm, I've been blown away. I'd have to try and see if I shot around f4-5.6 to see how the corners are. I think the weak spot might be 70mm on my. @50mm, though, the center is dead sharp WO. Stopped down to f11, it produces excellent results as well. And @f5.6 through the range, you could cut yourself!!
I must admit that the bokeh of the Contax can't compete with the GM, though. For a zoom, it's pretty incredible. Makes me want to have just for the bokeh-lisciousness!!
I'll have to do more shooting with the 35-70, but I can say without a doubt, that I won't sell this lens! The combo of great colors, contrast, sharpness, macro function, and size/weight AND IBIS on the Rll, make this lens perfect!!(for me, of course
...)Gregg
Apr 10, 2016 at 11:39 AM