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Archive 2016Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
p.27 #1Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Are there any tests of contax 35-70 vs FE24-70/4? The FE's main problem is 24-30mm which contax doesn't have and 70mm should be stopped down but between 35-60 it is quite good lens
And we get all the goodies of native AF lens.
And we get all the goodies of native AF lens.Sep 23, 2016 at 01:17 AM
p.27 #2Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Michael,
I also removed the stop, probably the easiest mod ever. f/2.8 is nice to have at 35mm but I'd disagree about the IQ. Vignette increases significantly and SA is VERY evident. I think sharpness also drops but I can't really tell if its a result of the SA or a significant decline on its own.
I put some more images up on DPReview. Given the size of these, I have to compress them too much on here (though DPReview is probably doing the same behind the scenes.) To me it still looks like a wash between the two lenses.
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/58389606
ikit, I have a few other comparisons I want to try and do, but I can put the C/Y 35-70 and FE 24-70/4 on the list. I've been very impressed by the FE a few times when stopped down and shooting some long exposures. At least the centers are bitingly sharp.
I also removed the stop, probably the easiest mod ever. f/2.8 is nice to have at 35mm but I'd disagree about the IQ. Vignette increases significantly and SA is VERY evident. I think sharpness also drops but I can't really tell if its a result of the SA or a significant decline on its own.
I put some more images up on DPReview. Given the size of these, I have to compress them too much on here (though DPReview is probably doing the same behind the scenes.) To me it still looks like a wash between the two lenses.
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/58389606
ikit, I have a few other comparisons I want to try and do, but I can put the C/Y 35-70 and FE 24-70/4 on the list. I've been very impressed by the FE a few times when stopped down and shooting some long exposures. At least the centers are bitingly sharp.
Sep 23, 2016 at 08:38 AM
p.27 #3Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Mathieu18 wrote:
Michael,
I also removed the stop, probably the easiest mod ever. f/2.8 is nice to have at 35mm but I'd disagree about the IQ. Vignette increases significantly and SA is VERY evident. I think sharpness also drops but I can't really tell if its a result of the SA or a significant decline on its own.
I remember sebboh doing this a while back. I remember 35mm f/2.8 being pretty darn glowy. Still, having f/2.8 as an option - even if rarely used - can't hurt.
Mathieu18 wrote:
I put some more images up on DPReview. Given the size of these, I have to compress them too much on here (though DPReview is probably doing the same behind the scenes.) To me it still looks like a wash between the two lenses.
You don't have to compress them much to share at FM - just host the images elsewhere. I have a B&S account, but I keep my images at Flickr. Don't have to worry about image sizes that way. Who knows what Flickr does to them, though.
Michael,
I also removed the stop, probably the easiest mod ever. f/2.8 is nice to have at 35mm but I'd disagree about the IQ. Vignette increases significantly and SA is VERY evident. I think sharpness also drops but I can't really tell if its a result of the SA or a significant decline on its own.
I remember sebboh doing this a while back. I remember 35mm f/2.8 being pretty darn glowy. Still, having f/2.8 as an option - even if rarely used - can't hurt.
Mathieu18 wrote:
I put some more images up on DPReview. Given the size of these, I have to compress them too much on here (though DPReview is probably doing the same behind the scenes.) To me it still looks like a wash between the two lenses.
You don't have to compress them much to share at FM - just host the images elsewhere. I have a B&S account, but I keep my images at Flickr. Don't have to worry about image sizes that way. Who knows what Flickr does to them, though.
Sep 23, 2016 at 08:52 AM
p.27 #4Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
arduluth wrote:
I also removed the stop, probably the easiest mod ever. f/2.8 is nice to have at 35mm but I'd disagree about the IQ. Vignette increases significantly and SA is VERY evident. I think sharpness also drops but I can't really tell if its a result of the SA or a significant decline on its own.I remember sebboh doing this a while back. I remember 35mm f/2.8 being pretty darn glowy. Still, having f/2.8 as an option - even if rarely used - can't hurt.
Agreed, and there is zero penalty, I've left mine modified, but wouldn't use 2.8 unless I was bumping up against ISO 6400, but that's me. I HATE SA.
You don't have to compress them much to share at FM - just host the images elsewhere. I have a B&S account, but I keep my images at Flickr. Don't have to worry about image sizes that way. Who knows what Flickr does...Show more →
I'm fairly new on FM, what's the best way to embed if hosted on Flickr? Also, I can see compression on Flickr as well as DPReview so it definitely happens, but at least I don't need to worry about handling it myself to get to the approx. 1.4MB limit.
Mathieu18 wrote
Michael,I also removed the stop, probably the easiest mod ever. f/2.8 is nice to have at 35mm but I'd disagree about the IQ. Vignette increases significantly and SA is VERY evident. I think sharpness also drops but I can't really tell if its a result of the SA or a significant decline on its own.
Agreed, and there is zero penalty, I've left mine modified, but wouldn't use 2.8 unless I was bumping up against ISO 6400, but that's me. I HATE SA.
Mathieu18 wrote
I put some more images up on DPReview. Given the size of these, I have to compress them too much on here (though DPReview is probably doing the same behind the scenes.) To me it still looks like a wash between the two lenses.I'm fairly new on FM, what's the best way to embed if hosted on Flickr? Also, I can see compression on Flickr as well as DPReview so it definitely happens, but at least I don't need to worry about handling it myself to get to the approx. 1.4MB limit.
Sep 23, 2016 at 09:49 AM
p.27 #5Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Upload it to flickr. Once there, click on the share arrow icon in the bottom right hand of the image, between the edit and download buttons. In the dialog that opens up, pick BBCode. Copy the text and paste it into your post here. Feel free to add whatever else you want - e.g. I usually center my images here.
Sep 23, 2016 at 10:46 AM
p.27 #6Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Thanks, hadn't used the BBCode before.
Now a sample so I can see how it works... Some of my favorites with the C/Y 35-70.
Invisible Man by Matt Parvin, on Flickr
Morning Fight by Matt Parvin, on Flickr
Yates Mill Pond by Matt Parvin, on Flickr
Now a sample so I can see how it works... Some of my favorites with the C/Y 35-70.
Invisible Man by Matt Parvin, on FlickrMorning Fight by Matt Parvin, on FlickrYates Mill Pond by Matt Parvin, on FlickrSep 23, 2016 at 01:00 PM
p.27 #7Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
ikit wrote:
Are there any tests of contax 35-70 vs FE24-70/4? The FE's main problem is 24-30mm which contax doesn't have and 70mm should be stopped down but between 35-60 it is quite good lens
And we get all the goodies of native AF lens.I can't show you any comparisons, but I did once have the FE and I currently have the Contax as a hiking lens.
My copy of the FE was centrally nice at 24-30, but edges never got good. As you suggested if that was the only issue you'd prefer FE, as there are lots of purposes for which a good centre is all you need, and at 35 the FE is as good as Contax and at 59 FE is fine though Contax is better. The problem with my copy of FE(and this matches tests and reports) is that at 70 it gets even as you stop down, but never gets really crisp, whereas Contax is terrific. A high end slow and compact 24-70 for travel is something I hope a third party comes out with, since we can't expect a mk2 if the Zony for a long time. Though I can see the Zony makes perfect sense for some needs - it's performance limitations are a result of how compact it is I suspect.
Sep 23, 2016 at 03:02 PM
p.27 #8Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
DavidBM wrote:
A high end slow and compact 24-70 for travel is something I hope a third party comes out with, since we can't expect a mk2 if the Zony for a long time. Though I can see the Zony makes perfect sense for some needs - it's performance limitations are a result of how compact it is I suspect.
I would pay handsomely for a 24-70 (or 28-85) that was relatively lightweight, two-touch zoom, non-rotating front element, and very high performance at f/5.6-f/11. Dear god would I love a Loxia zoom to that spec.
In the meantime, the Contax 35-70 will keep its place in my backpack.
A high end slow and compact 24-70 for travel is something I hope a third party comes out with, since we can't expect a mk2 if the Zony for a long time. Though I can see the Zony makes perfect sense for some needs - it's performance limitations are a result of how compact it is I suspect.
I would pay handsomely for a 24-70 (or 28-85) that was relatively lightweight, two-touch zoom, non-rotating front element, and very high performance at f/5.6-f/11. Dear god would I love a Loxia zoom to that spec.
In the meantime, the Contax 35-70 will keep its place in my backpack.
Sep 23, 2016 at 03:46 PM
p.27 #9Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Hmmm my copy of the 24-70 GM is just flat out deadly in the corners and way before F8. I never shot the C/Y 35-70 so I can't advice anyone on it but I know my GM rocks
Sep 23, 2016 at 04:27 PM
p.27 #10Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
GMPhotography wrote:
Hmmm my copy of the 24-70 GM is just flat out deadly in the corners and way before F8. I never shot the C/Y 35-70 so I can't advice anyone on it but I know my GM rocks
Yep that's right. But these guys are hoping for a slower smaller zoom of the same quality some day.
Sep 24, 2016 at 01:48 AM
p.27 #11Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
GMPhotography wrote:
Hmmm my copy of the 24-70 GM is just flat out deadly in the corners and way before F8. I never shot the C/Y 35-70 so I can't advice anyone on it but I know my GM rocks
Guy,
We've gotten distracted from the main thread and are now comparing the Contax 35-70 to the Sony 24-70 f/4 lens, not the GM.
Hmmm my copy of the 24-70 GM is just flat out deadly in the corners and way before F8. I never shot the C/Y 35-70 so I can't advice anyone on it but I know my GM rocks
Guy,
We've gotten distracted from the main thread and are now comparing the Contax 35-70 to the Sony 24-70 f/4 lens, not the GM.
Sep 24, 2016 at 05:57 PM
p.27 #12Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Many 35-70 users would not want the GM zoom if it weighed 500 grams, was a normal size and cost $800 - it would be a backward step in terms of total image quality, on the balance of factors that favor the popular Zeiss look (essentially microcolor and microcontrast, plus good overall aberration control). It's good for Sony that a few people like the Sony GM zoom for nature work, but no regular person cares more than how great an image looks to them. For that, Zeiss delivers.
Many don't enjoy the look of Sony's modern zoom lenses for landscape work, they have seen it all before in other modern formula zooms. And few landscapes can be shot at wider than f8 for these FLs, so it makes perfect sense to have your lens peak there rather than f4 or f5.6 - it's a feature, rather than a bug. 60% modulation for fine detail in the very corner is terrific by any standard, in fact the CY zoom is highly regarded for its corner performance.
Many don't enjoy the look of Sony's modern zoom lenses for landscape work, they have seen it all before in other modern formula zooms. And few landscapes can be shot at wider than f8 for these FLs, so it makes perfect sense to have your lens peak there rather than f4 or f5.6 - it's a feature, rather than a bug. 60% modulation for fine detail in the very corner is terrific by any standard, in fact the CY zoom is highly regarded for its corner performance.
Sep 24, 2016 at 06:10 PM
p.27 #13Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
philip_pj wrote:
Many 35-70 users would not want the GM zoom if it weighed 500 grams, was a normal size and cost $800 - it would be a backward step in terms of total image quality, on the balance of factors that favor the popular Zeiss look (essentially microcolor and microcontrast, plus good overall aberration control). It's good for Sony that a few people like the Sony GM zoom for nature work, but no regular person cares more than how great an image looks to them. For that, Zeiss delivers.
Many don't enjoy the look of Sony's modern zoom lenses for landscape work,...Show more →
As sensors become more dense, diffraction becomes a problem if you are peaking at f8...really a problem for mft and 20 mpix seem to have hit a wall.
Many 35-70 users would not want the GM zoom if it weighed 500 grams, was a normal size and cost $800 - it would be a backward step in terms of total image quality, on the balance of factors that favor the popular Zeiss look (essentially microcolor and microcontrast, plus good overall aberration control). It's good for Sony that a few people like the Sony GM zoom for nature work, but no regular person cares more than how great an image looks to them. For that, Zeiss delivers.
Many don't enjoy the look of Sony's modern zoom lenses for landscape work,...Show more →
As sensors become more dense, diffraction becomes a problem if you are peaking at f8...really a problem for mft and 20 mpix seem to have hit a wall.
Sep 24, 2016 at 06:15 PM
p.27 #14Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Oh my bad, sorry. Hate to say it but not a fan of the 24-70 f4 . Been through a couple if them and been disappointed. Had some bad copies.
mhespenheide wrote:
Guy,
We've gotten distracted from the main thread and are now comparing the Contax 35-70 to the Sony 24-70 f/4 lens, not the GM.
mhespenheide wrote:
GMPhotography wrote
Hmmm my copy of the 24-70 GM is just flat out deadly in the corners and way before F8. I never shot the C/Y 35-70 so I can't advice anyone on it but I know my GM rocksWe've gotten distracted from the main thread and are now comparing the Contax 35-70 to the Sony 24-70 f/4 lens, not the GM.
Sep 24, 2016 at 06:45 PM
p.27 #15Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
I know Leica has a 35-70 in R mount that was quite good and small. Be careful though there are two of them and one is clearly better than the other . Other than that I can't think if much else in a mid zoom small and light. You guys need to work out. 
I'm seriously joking.
I'm seriously joking.
Sep 24, 2016 at 06:49 PM
p.27 #16Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
GMPhotography wrote:
I know Leica has a 35-70 in R mount that was quite good and small. Be careful though there are two of them and one is clearly better than the other . Other than that I can't think if much else in a mid zoom small and light. You guys need to work out.
I'm seriously joking.
I would stay away from these older Leica R zooms. I've tried both Leica R 28-90 and 35-70 zooms and corners didn't look good even stopped down. Nice colors and rendering though.
I know Leica has a 35-70 in R mount that was quite good and small. Be careful though there are two of them and one is clearly better than the other . Other than that I can't think if much else in a mid zoom small and light. You guys need to work out.
I'm seriously joking.
I would stay away from these older Leica R zooms. I've tried both Leica R 28-90 and 35-70 zooms and corners didn't look good even stopped down. Nice colors and rendering though.
Nov 25, 2016 at 09:54 AM
p.27 #17Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Fred Miranda wrote:
I'm seriously joking.I would stay away from these older Leica R zooms. I've tried both Leica R 28-90 and 35-70 zooms and corners didn't look good even stopped down. Nice colors and rendering though.
What 35-70 R zoom did you try?
GMPhotography wrote
I know Leica has a 35-70 in R mount that was quite good and small. Be careful though there are two of them and one is clearly better than the other . Other than that I can't think if much else in a mid zoom small and light. You guys need to work out.I'm seriously joking.
What 35-70 R zoom did you try?
Nov 25, 2016 at 10:02 AM
p.27 #18Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
The f/4 version of Leica-R 35-70mm is a rebadged Minolta with only so-so performance. The unicorn is the f/2.8 version, which is not only rare but super expensive. The optical quality of that elusive zoom is quite a bit better but I am not sure whether it is worth the price. It is more the limited quantity that drives up the price, IMHO.
Nov 25, 2016 at 11:49 AM
p.27 #19Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Peire wrote:
I'm seriously joking.I would stay away from these older Leica R zooms. I've tried both Leica R 28-90 and 35-70 zooms and corners didn't look good even stopped down. Nice colors and rendering though.What 35-70 R zoom did you try?
I've tried the Leica 35-70mm Vario-Elmar-R f/4 (ROM) and the 28-90mm f/2.8-4.5 Aspherical Vario-Elmarit-R lenses.
Fred Miranda wrote
GMPhotography wrote
I know Leica has a 35-70 in R mount that was quite good and small. Be careful though there are two of them and one is clearly better than the other . Other than that I can't think if much else in a mid zoom small and light. You guys need to work out.I'm seriously joking.
I've tried the Leica 35-70mm Vario-Elmar-R f/4 (ROM) and the 28-90mm f/2.8-4.5 Aspherical Vario-Elmarit-R lenses.
Nov 25, 2016 at 12:16 PM
p.27 #20Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Both of them are considered stellar lenses by most reviewers, specially the 28-90 that, according to Erwin Puts, equals or surpasses the optical performances of the equivalent Leica primes from 35 to 90mm. (including the Apo Summicron 90 ).
The 35-70/4 isn't a rebadged Minolta (that's the 35-70/3.5 from 1983) but an entirely Leica modern design from 1997, albeit manufactured in Japan.
Who are we to believe Fred ? You or good ole friend Erwin ?.
Edited on Nov 25, 2016 at 12:43 PM · View previous versions
The 35-70/4 isn't a rebadged Minolta (that's the 35-70/3.5 from 1983) but an entirely Leica modern design from 1997, albeit manufactured in Japan.
Who are we to believe Fred ? You or good ole friend Erwin ?.
Edited on Nov 25, 2016 at 12:43 PM · View previous versions
Nov 25, 2016 at 12:42 PM