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Archive 2016Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
p.26 #1Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
philip_pj wrote:
Very nice photos, JH. The 25/2.8 was overlooked at the time - not fast enough - so the 25/2 and 28/2 were preferred by many. But this one has 'better' landscape MTF leading to the obviously excellent depth. Slow lenses, you can't beat 'em.
Zeiss was chuffed to make the 25/2, which has a stronger center, but it was roundly canned for corners that were not much better at f5.6 than wide open. The 25/2.8 is more old school, and all line pairs join up in the corners, where the lens is decidedly better than the faster one. Less vignette too,...Show more →
Klaus' tests of the lenses at photozone show the faster f2 version much better in the corners, midfield and centre than the f2.8 at all apertures including f8 and f11.. And it shows the corners steadily improving.
Of course this is st 3m. At infinity it's great, but a little less good...
May 14, 2016 at 02:38 AM
p.26 #2Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
For landscape I love the SMC Pentax 28mm f/3.5 K (not Takumar or Pentax-M). Some copies have a flatter field and some have some toward the camera curvature. But I love the color and contrast, low CA. The very deep corners may be a little soft, but at f/11 it's minimal. It also seems to ward off diffraction very well.
I'm going to hold out for the Loxia 28...
Upper Mill Creek Falls by Tim Devine, on Flickr
Below Oneida Falls by Tim Devine, on Flickr
Sachs Covered Bridge by Tim Devine, on Flickr
Pemaquid Point Light by Tim Devine, on Flickr
Aaron's Cascade by Tim Devine, on Flickr
Fred Miranda wrote:
Maybe not the most accurate method but should be an indication of performance
The contax on this test at f5.6 looks like it need stopping down more for corners. I may reset the contax at 5.6 by focussing into the corners to allow for field curvatureI tested 2 copies of each (CY 28/2.8 and FE 28/2).
From my copies, the CY Distagon 28/2.8 needs f/8 for the very corners at infinity. It has a cooler color cast but lots of micro-contrast. The FE never really sharpens up at the very corners but looks comparable to the Contax at center and mid-field. My conclusion is that at f/8 and f/11, the CY 28/2.8 wins in a big way.
Did you test your Contax for decentering? I've seen some decentered copies.
I'm going to hold out for the Loxia 28...
Upper Mill Creek Falls by Tim Devine, on Flickr
Below Oneida Falls by Tim Devine, on Flickr
Sachs Covered Bridge by Tim Devine, on Flickr
Pemaquid Point Light by Tim Devine, on Flickr
Aaron's Cascade by Tim Devine, on Flickr
Fred Miranda wrote:
johnahill wrote
Note, these were focussed in the center at 2.8 and then stopped down.Maybe not the most accurate method but should be an indication of performance
The contax on this test at f5.6 looks like it need stopping down more for corners. I may reset the contax at 5.6 by focussing into the corners to allow for field curvature
From my copies, the CY Distagon 28/2.8 needs f/8 for the very corners at infinity. It has a cooler color cast but lots of micro-contrast. The FE never really sharpens up at the very corners but looks comparable to the Contax at center and mid-field. My conclusion is that at f/8 and f/11, the CY 28/2.8 wins in a big way.
Did you test your Contax for decentering? I've seen some decentered copies.
May 14, 2016 at 01:20 PM
p.26 #3Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
I'm in the midst of some 28mm tests with the SMCP 28/2, SMCP 28/3.5, and Oly 28/2.8. So far, at f/8 and infinity focus, "Hollywood North" is consistently a step ahead of the other two, which are about equal. The two smaller primes are slightly better than the Canon EF 24-70/2.8L II, which is in turn slightly better than the EF 16-35/4L IS, at 28mm. OTOH, they're all really good.
I think I should add an Oly 28/2 to the mix...
I think I should add an Oly 28/2 to the mix...
May 14, 2016 at 02:20 PM
p.26 #4Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
jcolwell wrote:
OTOH, they're all really good....
That seems kind of significant...
OTOH, they're all really good....
That seems kind of significant...
May 14, 2016 at 03:44 PM
p.26 #5Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
The 3.5 Pentax can often be had for under a $100. I've tried quite a few other 28's that I thought weren't all that great.
May 14, 2016 at 04:48 PM
p.26 #6Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
If you see one Tim, let me know.
I found it difficult to find on ebay, partially due to the there's being thousands of listings for the other 28mm variants and not the Pentax-K (thats the right one yes?)
I found it difficult to find on ebay, partially due to the there's being thousands of listings for the other 28mm variants and not the Pentax-K (thats the right one yes?)
May 14, 2016 at 04:58 PM
p.26 #7Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
johnahill wrote:
... the Pentax-K (thats the right one yes?)
Yes. http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/lenses/primes/wide-angle/K28f3.5.html
... the Pentax-K (thats the right one yes?)
Yes. http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/lenses/primes/wide-angle/K28f3.5.html
May 14, 2016 at 06:00 PM
p.26 #8Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
The one's on eBay right now ship out of Japan and are pretty pricy. If you are patient, you should be able to pickup one for less.
This is the one that I'm talking about:
http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/lenses/primes/wide-angle/K28f3.5.html
-Tim
May 14, 2016 at 06:16 PM
p.26 #9Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
johnahill wrote:
If you see one Tim, let me know.
I found it difficult to find on ebay, partially due to the there's being thousands of listings for the other 28mm variants and not the Pentax-K (thats the right one yes?)
Here's one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMC-Pentax-28mm-F-3-5-MF-Wide-Angle-Prime-Lens-SN5331777-for-K-Mount-from-Japan-/141987962851?hash=item210f245fe3
If you see one Tim, let me know.
I found it difficult to find on ebay, partially due to the there's being thousands of listings for the other 28mm variants and not the Pentax-K (thats the right one yes?)
Here's one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMC-Pentax-28mm-F-3-5-MF-Wide-Angle-Prime-Lens-SN5331777-for-K-Mount-from-Japan-/141987962851?hash=item210f245fe3
May 14, 2016 at 07:16 PM
p.26 #10Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
On another note and probably worth another thread, is why there is little mention of the batis 18mm. I assume this is because of limited availability, but potentially this could replace the VGT 15 and Loxia 21.....
May 16, 2016 at 10:44 AM
p.26 #11Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
I've tried the CY 35-70/3.4, CY 28/2.8 and Pentax 28/3.5 lenses for a while, but after much testing and actual shooting, I ended up preferring the 24-70GM together with a few primes. (Mostly Loxia)
However, there are two Contax lenses I prefer over the current native options. CY 100/3.5 and CY 100-300. (Both Sonnar designs)
However, there are two Contax lenses I prefer over the current native options. CY 100/3.5 and CY 100-300. (Both Sonnar designs)
Jul 31, 2016 at 08:21 PM
p.26 #12Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
dakel wrote:
On another note and probably worth another thread, is why there is little mention of the batis 18mm. I assume this is because of limited availability, but potentially this could replace the VGT 15 and Loxia 21.....
While I LOVE the Batis 18mm, and it's the only UWA I've kept...
I don't see how an 18mm lens can replace a 15mm lens. And if we care about the diminishing returns these lenses deliver compared to just strong performing lenses-- cropping 18mm to 21mm isn't free either.
Then there's the size issue. If you don't need or want AF, keep in mind the Batis is fat in large part due to the AF mechanisms and design choices avoided by MF designs.
Finally, you don't get Loxia 21mm sunstars with the Batis, if that's your thing!
On another note and probably worth another thread, is why there is little mention of the batis 18mm. I assume this is because of limited availability, but potentially this could replace the VGT 15 and Loxia 21.....
While I LOVE the Batis 18mm, and it's the only UWA I've kept...
I don't see how an 18mm lens can replace a 15mm lens. And if we care about the diminishing returns these lenses deliver compared to just strong performing lenses-- cropping 18mm to 21mm isn't free either.
Then there's the size issue. If you don't need or want AF, keep in mind the Batis is fat in large part due to the AF mechanisms and design choices avoided by MF designs.
Finally, you don't get Loxia 21mm sunstars with the Batis, if that's your thing!
Aug 01, 2016 at 01:26 AM
p.26 #13Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
If I finally find a copy of the 24-70mm GM that is centered enough for me to live with...and I accept the consensus that the 24-70 GM and a Loxia 21mm are a big part of "Ultimate landscape package... What is the best circular polarizer solution? I have B + W and Marumi CPL's in sizes to cover Loxia 21mm and Zony 16-35mm but need an 82mm solution for GM.
Any suggestions on best combo of price quality and portability that will cover 82mm?
Any suggestions on best combo of price quality and portability that will cover 82mm?
Aug 05, 2016 at 06:35 AM
p.26 #14Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
billsnature wrote:
If I finally find a copy of the 24-70mm GM that is centered enough for me to live with...and I accept the consensus that the 24-70 GM and a Loxia 21mm are a big part of "Ultimate landscape package... What is the best circular polarizer solution? I have B + W and Marumi CPL's in sizes to cover Loxia 21mm and Zony 16-35mm but need an 82mm solution for GM.
Any suggestions on best combo of price quality and portability that will cover 82mm?
That's until the new 16-35/2.8 GM comes along...
If I finally find a copy of the 24-70mm GM that is centered enough for me to live with...and I accept the consensus that the 24-70 GM and a Loxia 21mm are a big part of "Ultimate landscape package... What is the best circular polarizer solution? I have B + W and Marumi CPL's in sizes to cover Loxia 21mm and Zony 16-35mm but need an 82mm solution for GM.
Any suggestions on best combo of price quality and portability that will cover 82mm?
That's until the new 16-35/2.8 GM comes along...
Aug 05, 2016 at 08:13 AM
p.26 #15Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
I thought readers of this thread might be interested in a comparison between the C/Y 35-70 and the Minolta MD 35-70 f/3.5 (Macro v3). The MD is very close to the C/Y 35-70 in a smaller package and a fraction of the price. Could be a good option for the budget conscious (but I'm not selling my Contax any time soon.)
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/58379372
35mm Comparison
50mm
70mm
Edited on Sep 22, 2016 at 02:09 PM · View previous versions
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/58379372
35mm Comparison
50mm
70mm
Edited on Sep 22, 2016 at 02:09 PM · View previous versions
Sep 22, 2016 at 01:16 PM
p.26 #16Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Mathieu18 wrote:
I thought readers of this thread might be interested in a comparison between the C/Y 35-70 and the Minolta MD 35-70 f/3.5 (Macro v3). The MD is very close to the C/Y 35-70 in a smaller package and a fraction of the price. Could be a good option for the budget conscious (but I'm not selling my Contax any time soon.)
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/58379372
Thanks for sharing the test! Interesting to see the results, as I had both, with intent of doing my own comparative test, but realized I didn't have time and just sold my MD v3 in super mint condition with adapter here on b&s board for $75. Obviously a steal of a lens at that price. Perhaps one of the best value lenses out there?
I thought readers of this thread might be interested in a comparison between the C/Y 35-70 and the Minolta MD 35-70 f/3.5 (Macro v3). The MD is very close to the C/Y 35-70 in a smaller package and a fraction of the price. Could be a good option for the budget conscious (but I'm not selling my Contax any time soon.)
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/58379372
Thanks for sharing the test! Interesting to see the results, as I had both, with intent of doing my own comparative test, but realized I didn't have time and just sold my MD v3 in super mint condition with adapter here on b&s board for $75. Obviously a steal of a lens at that price. Perhaps one of the best value lenses out there?
Sep 22, 2016 at 01:53 PM
p.26 #17Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
billsnature wrote:
If I finally find a copy of the 24-70mm GM that is centered enough for me to live with...and I accept the consensus that the 24-70 GM and a Loxia 21mm are a big part of "Ultimate landscape package... What is the best circular polarizer solution? I have B + W and Marumi CPL's in sizes to cover Loxia 21mm and Zony 16-35mm but need an 82mm solution for GM.
Any suggestions on best combo of price quality and portability that will cover 82mm?
I just bought a couple of Haida CPL's (49mm and 67mm) that I think are very good for the money. They make an 82mm...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Haida-Slim-82mm-PRO-II-MC-C-POL-CPL-Circular-Polarizing-Filter-/171487085974?hash=item27ed6d4596:g:-ooAAOSw8d9UuQD8
If I finally find a copy of the 24-70mm GM that is centered enough for me to live with...and I accept the consensus that the 24-70 GM and a Loxia 21mm are a big part of "Ultimate landscape package... What is the best circular polarizer solution? I have B + W and Marumi CPL's in sizes to cover Loxia 21mm and Zony 16-35mm but need an 82mm solution for GM.
Any suggestions on best combo of price quality and portability that will cover 82mm?
I just bought a couple of Haida CPL's (49mm and 67mm) that I think are very good for the money. They make an 82mm...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Haida-Slim-82mm-PRO-II-MC-C-POL-CPL-Circular-Polarizing-Filter-/171487085974?hash=item27ed6d4596:g:-ooAAOSw8d9UuQD8
Sep 22, 2016 at 04:18 PM
p.26 #18Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
I'm using Haida as well very good with no color shift
Sep 22, 2016 at 04:37 PM
p.26 #19Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Mathieu18 wrote:
I thought readers of this thread might be interested in a comparison between the C/Y 35-70 and the Minolta MD 35-70 f/3.5 (Macro v3). The MD is very close to the C/Y 35-70 in a smaller package and a fraction of the price. Could be a good option for the budget conscious (but I'm not selling my Contax any time soon.)
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/58379372
Thanks for doing this comparison. I have had two copies of the Minolta and two of the Contax at different times, and I finally ended up with one of the Minoltas because overall it seemed to outperform all the other three. The only place where the Contax shined better was at 35mm edges wide open. BTW it's very easy to remove a 3.4 stop on the Minolta to it down to 2.8, and I didn't notice any IQ difference between 3. and 2.8
I notice that in the tests at 35mm the Minolta seems a bit wider, and I'm assuming that you had both zoomed in all the way. That doesn't seem to be the case at the other end.
I thought readers of this thread might be interested in a comparison between the C/Y 35-70 and the Minolta MD 35-70 f/3.5 (Macro v3). The MD is very close to the C/Y 35-70 in a smaller package and a fraction of the price. Could be a good option for the budget conscious (but I'm not selling my Contax any time soon.)
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/58379372
Thanks for doing this comparison. I have had two copies of the Minolta and two of the Contax at different times, and I finally ended up with one of the Minoltas because overall it seemed to outperform all the other three. The only place where the Contax shined better was at 35mm edges wide open. BTW it's very easy to remove a 3.4 stop on the Minolta to it down to 2.8, and I didn't notice any IQ difference between 3. and 2.8
I notice that in the tests at 35mm the Minolta seems a bit wider, and I'm assuming that you had both zoomed in all the way. That doesn't seem to be the case at the other end.
Sep 22, 2016 at 07:34 PM
p.26 #20Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Thanks for that series of tests. I can't see much difference between the two, except in the corner at 35mm where I can see a clear difference between the bushes.
On the other hand, I loved the way that the Minolta AF lenses handled colors. Perhaps I'll have to try some of the MD series, or at least the 35-70!
On the other hand, I loved the way that the Minolta AF lenses handled colors. Perhaps I'll have to try some of the MD series, or at least the 35-70!
Sep 22, 2016 at 10:13 PM