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Archive 2016Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
p.28 #1Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Fred. Take my word for it.
Nov 25, 2016 at 12:43 PM
p.28 #2Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
artur5 wrote:
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 ?.
I tested it on the A7RII. Perhaps other reviewers tested it on different cameras/sensors. As I wrote, the 28-90/2.8-4 has great colors and rendering but the corners do not look good on the A7RII, especially at the wide range. Aberration control is also a big disappointment with this lens. I can post some sample if you would like.
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 ?.
I tested it on the A7RII. Perhaps other reviewers tested it on different cameras/sensors. As I wrote, the 28-90/2.8-4 has great colors and rendering but the corners do not look good on the A7RII, especially at the wide range. Aberration control is also a big disappointment with this lens. I can post some sample if you would like.
Nov 25, 2016 at 01:06 PM
p.28 #3Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
AGeoJO wrote:
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.
Hi Joshua,
The Leica R 35mm-70mm f4 Vario Elmar lens is not a rebadged Minolta lens. It is a Leica design made for Leica by Kyocera as is the Leica R 80-200mm f4 Vario Elmar lens. Kyocera of course was the maker of Contax and Yashica cameras and lenses.
The Leica R 35-70mm f3.5 is however a rebadged Minolta lens and has only so-so performance.
The 35-70mm f4 Vario Elmar is a very good performer and supposed to be close to the performance of the Leica R 35-70mm f2.8 Vario Elmarit Asph.
Fred Miranda wrote:
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 ?.I tested it on the A7RII. Perhaps other reviewers tested it on different cameras/sensors. As I wrote, the 28-90/2.8-4 has great colors and rendering but the corners do not look good on the A7RII, especially at the wide range. Aberration control is also a big disappointment with this lens. I can post some sample if you would like.
Hi Fred,
I will have to check my Leica R 35-70mm f4 Vario Elmar lens when I get a chance particularly into the corners on my stock A7r and my A7rM V3.
Rich
Edited on Nov 25, 2016 at 03:00 PM · View previous versions
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.
Hi Joshua,
The Leica R 35mm-70mm f4 Vario Elmar lens is not a rebadged Minolta lens. It is a Leica design made for Leica by Kyocera as is the Leica R 80-200mm f4 Vario Elmar lens. Kyocera of course was the maker of Contax and Yashica cameras and lenses.
The Leica R 35-70mm f3.5 is however a rebadged Minolta lens and has only so-so performance.
The 35-70mm f4 Vario Elmar is a very good performer and supposed to be close to the performance of the Leica R 35-70mm f2.8 Vario Elmarit Asph.
Fred Miranda wrote:
artur5 wrote
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 ?.
Hi Fred,
I will have to check my Leica R 35-70mm f4 Vario Elmar lens when I get a chance particularly into the corners on my stock A7r and my A7rM V3.
Rich
Edited on Nov 25, 2016 at 03:00 PM · View previous versions
Nov 25, 2016 at 01:18 PM
p.28 #4Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Fred Miranda wrote:
I tested it on the A7RII. Perhaps other reviewers tested it on different cameras/sensors. As I wrote, the 28-90/2.8-4 has great colors and rendering but the corners do not look good on the A7RII, especially at the wide range. Aberration control is also a big disappointment with this lens. I can post some sample if you would like.
No need for that. I haven't ever tried those lenses and no doubt you'll know better. Nothing like personal experience. It's just that your not very favorable comments on that pair of zooms seems to contradict not only E. Puts but several other opinions out there. We know that Mr. Puts is considered a bit of a Leica spokesman but his tests are usually accurate and devoid of 'fanboyism'. I've read from him rather harsh statements about a few revered Leica classical designs of yesteryear
I tested it on the A7RII. Perhaps other reviewers tested it on different cameras/sensors. As I wrote, the 28-90/2.8-4 has great colors and rendering but the corners do not look good on the A7RII, especially at the wide range. Aberration control is also a big disappointment with this lens. I can post some sample if you would like.
No need for that. I haven't ever tried those lenses and no doubt you'll know better. Nothing like personal experience. It's just that your not very favorable comments on that pair of zooms seems to contradict not only E. Puts but several other opinions out there. We know that Mr. Puts is considered a bit of a Leica spokesman but his tests are usually accurate and devoid of 'fanboyism'. I've read from him rather harsh statements about a few revered Leica classical designs of yesteryear
Nov 25, 2016 at 01:22 PM
p.28 #5Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
artur5 wrote:
No need for that. I haven't ever tried those lenses and no doubt you'll know better. Nothing like personal experience. It's just that your not very favorable comments on that pair of zooms seems to contradict not only E. Puts but several other opinions out there. We know that Mr. Puts is considered a bit of a Leica spokesman but his tests are usually accurate and devoid of 'fanboyism'. I've read from him rather harsh statements about a few revered Leica classical designs of yesteryear
The lens is a great performer on center and mid-field at infinity. Some reviewers do not test lenses at infinity distance and may not care too much about corner performance and CA.
It's a beautifully built lens and my copy was perfectly centered but it just fell short my needs. If you care about performance across the field and aberration control for over 5K, I would look elsewhere.
Fred Miranda wrote
I tested it on the A7RII. Perhaps other reviewers tested it on different cameras/sensors. As I wrote, the 28-90/2.8-4 has great colors and rendering but the corners do not look good on the A7RII, especially at the wide range. Aberration control is also a big disappointment with this lens. I can post some sample if you would like.The lens is a great performer on center and mid-field at infinity. Some reviewers do not test lenses at infinity distance and may not care too much about corner performance and CA.
It's a beautifully built lens and my copy was perfectly centered but it just fell short my needs. If you care about performance across the field and aberration control for over 5K, I would look elsewhere.
Nov 25, 2016 at 01:50 PM
p.28 #6Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
I had the Leica R 28-80/3.4-4.5, and it was also made by Kyocera. Performance was good, but not exemplary, and I didn't care for the lack of auto aperture and manual focusing on my Canon bodies making hard to focus stopped down through viewfinder at shooting aperture -- too much hassle for me.
Nov 26, 2016 at 08:12 PM
p.28 #7Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Gunzorro wrote:
I had the Leica R 28-80/3.4-4.5, and it was also made by Kyocera. Performance was good, but not exemplary, and I didn't care for the lack of auto aperture and manual focusing on my Canon bodies making hard to focus stopped down through viewfinder at shooting aperture -- too much hassle for me.
I believe that you mean Leica R 28-70mm f3.5-4.5. The first version of the lens was designed and made by Sigma with Sigma optics and mechanics with some input from Leica (1990-1997). The second version of this lens (introduced in 1997) had the same Sigma optical design with Leica mechanics and was made by Kyocera.
Rich
I had the Leica R 28-80/3.4-4.5, and it was also made by Kyocera. Performance was good, but not exemplary, and I didn't care for the lack of auto aperture and manual focusing on my Canon bodies making hard to focus stopped down through viewfinder at shooting aperture -- too much hassle for me.
I believe that you mean Leica R 28-70mm f3.5-4.5. The first version of the lens was designed and made by Sigma with Sigma optics and mechanics with some input from Leica (1990-1997). The second version of this lens (introduced in 1997) had the same Sigma optical design with Leica mechanics and was made by Kyocera.
Rich
Nov 26, 2016 at 08:21 PM
p.28 #8Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Thanks Rich!
Yes, sorry for the error. Should have read 28-70, Kyocera version.
Yes, sorry for the error. Should have read 28-70, Kyocera version.
Nov 27, 2016 at 09:25 AM
p.28 #9Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Hello everyone, am new on this board but have been into the C/Y glass for a while now, I guess ever since the A7 series came out from Sony.
Just want to thank you all for your input on these lenses, I have ordered my 35-70 3.4 a few days ago from Ebay, it's in my country since yesterday but no notificatiojn from local post office yet. Anyway, I am so looking forward to using this zoom piece, I have been looking for a zoom that is light enough for my A7s and this one seems like "it".
I have had the 28 2.8 and the 50 1.7 for some time now and well, believe it or not, I have sold newer FE (expansive!) glass but kept the c/y ones. If I hunt down the 21 2.8 as well (for steadicam work and some wedding reception shots) and the 85 1.4, I will see myself as "good to go".
Again, thank you all for all you shared here.
Just want to thank you all for your input on these lenses, I have ordered my 35-70 3.4 a few days ago from Ebay, it's in my country since yesterday but no notificatiojn from local post office yet. Anyway, I am so looking forward to using this zoom piece, I have been looking for a zoom that is light enough for my A7s and this one seems like "it".
I have had the 28 2.8 and the 50 1.7 for some time now and well, believe it or not, I have sold newer FE (expansive!) glass but kept the c/y ones. If I hunt down the 21 2.8 as well (for steadicam work and some wedding reception shots) and the 85 1.4, I will see myself as "good to go".
Again, thank you all for all you shared here.
Jan 04, 2017 at 05:24 AM
p.28 #10Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
...just to mention..
I for one find the c/y Distagon 28 2.8 to be THE most cinematic lens ever. That aside, I have shot entire events just using it, for close-ups, establishing shots, etc. The 28 2.8 will never depart from me.
I for one find the c/y Distagon 28 2.8 to be THE most cinematic lens ever. That aside, I have shot entire events just using it, for close-ups, establishing shots, etc. The 28 2.8 will never depart from me.
Jan 04, 2017 at 05:27 AM
p.28 #11Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Pretty sad that the D28/2.8 can get overlooked, lol. I agree, when I tested my six CY lenses when the a7r showed up, D28 images just about popped off the screen - such a classy lens. Needs almost no PP either. From memory, it's one of rico's favourites too. Great size, even the font 'Carl Zeiss' is just right.
Danivas, you might enjoy these videos shot on the CY lenses:
and some RED chat about them:
http://www.reduser.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-92044-p-11.html
Danivas, you might enjoy these videos shot on the CY lenses:
and some RED chat about them:
http://www.reduser.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-92044-p-11.html
Jan 04, 2017 at 09:49 PM
p.28 #12Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
johnahill wrote:
I have a very nice contax 28/2.8 on route to me, boxed and looking mint I'm hoping it delivers, used to have one back in the day on a 5D. Will be using novoflex adapter, having used various adopters on Sony and back in the day on 5d, it's not worth the lottery of cheap Chinese adapters imo.
I did recently get a used fe28 but has some large dust spots so may return it, not a fan of having that much distortion that requires correction. Also been a huge fan of the zf 25/2.8 and it likely is a better...Show more →
I did pay a small fortune for my 28 cron back in the Nex-5 days, but I've never had to buy another
Keyhole by unoh7, 28 cron A7.mod
Big Bend by unoh7, 28 Cron A7 Kolari
Is there any lens which can match that at 28mm on a stock A7x?
The M240 does not totally love this lens like the M9, that and the stock Sonys smearing of it, have brought prices to the point I saw one recently for 1800.
The kolari seems to like it fine
Rapunzel Lived Here by unoh7, on Flickr
Welcome to Shoshone by unoh7, on Flickr
First two are the v2 Kolari and second two are v1
I'm pretty sure no 28 is sexier....
crony by unoh7, on Flickr
That's on the R back in 2013 right before I returned it for the plain A7. Of course that could not do the cron justice outside the central frame either. No mods then. So this lens and the ZM18 are the only reason I went to Leica, when the M9 prices had just fallen enough to reach. I must be the only person to buy one IN SPITE of the rangefinder
Now I think Lloyd said the 28 Lux is as good on the Kolari as the M240, which many M wides are not quite. Maybe one of those would be sexier yet, but I doubt I will find out for quite some time.
Had I betrayed my precious RF collection and gone full sony, no doubt I would get a GM2470. TYG it was not a temptation in 2013: i might be trolling those Leicaphiles instead of being one I can still hear the collective "MEH" when the 2470/4 Zeiss got out in the wild in December 2013 
I have a very nice contax 28/2.8 on route to me, boxed and looking mint I'm hoping it delivers, used to have one back in the day on a 5D. Will be using novoflex adapter, having used various adopters on Sony and back in the day on 5d, it's not worth the lottery of cheap Chinese adapters imo.
I did recently get a used fe28 but has some large dust spots so may return it, not a fan of having that much distortion that requires correction. Also been a huge fan of the zf 25/2.8 and it likely is a better...Show more →
I did pay a small fortune for my 28 cron back in the Nex-5 days, but I've never had to buy another
Keyhole by unoh7, 28 cron A7.mod
Big Bend by unoh7, 28 Cron A7 Kolari
Is there any lens which can match that at 28mm on a stock A7x?
The M240 does not totally love this lens like the M9, that and the stock Sonys smearing of it, have brought prices to the point I saw one recently for 1800.
The kolari seems to like it fine
Rapunzel Lived Here by unoh7, on Flickr
Welcome to Shoshone by unoh7, on Flickr
First two are the v2 Kolari and second two are v1
I'm pretty sure no 28 is sexier....
crony by unoh7, on Flickr
That's on the R back in 2013 right before I returned it for the plain A7. Of course that could not do the cron justice outside the central frame either. No mods then. So this lens and the ZM18 are the only reason I went to Leica, when the M9 prices had just fallen enough to reach. I must be the only person to buy one IN SPITE of the rangefinder
Now I think Lloyd said the 28 Lux is as good on the Kolari as the M240, which many M wides are not quite. Maybe one of those would be sexier yet, but I doubt I will find out for quite some time.
Had I betrayed my precious RF collection and gone full sony, no doubt I would get a GM2470. TYG it was not a temptation in 2013: i might be trolling those Leicaphiles instead of being one
I can still hear the collective "MEH" when the 2470/4 Zeiss got out in the wild in December 2013 Jan 04, 2017 at 10:59 PM
p.28 #13Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
On the (740 gram) Leica 28-90/2.8-4.5, this is a good example of an over-stretched zoom. Leica probably figured most users wanted a fine 60mm-90mm range for people photography, and would enjoy the other character qualities at shorter FLs. Looking at the MTF, the lens is positively schizophrenic - full of curvature and quite dreadful mid-aperture performance at 28mm-50mm, only to transform from a frog into a princess at ~60mm.
Here are a few CY 28/2.8 images struggling like salmon heading upstream against the a900 filter pack; on the later Sonys processed in modern s/w, it's very nice indeed. Hopefully gives some idea what old style optical correction can achieve in a humble 28/2.8. CZ designed in a lot of linear curvature, hence the wrap around effect.
Here are a few CY 28/2.8 images struggling like salmon heading upstream against the a900 filter pack; on the later Sonys processed in modern s/w, it's very nice indeed. Hopefully gives some idea what old style optical correction can achieve in a humble 28/2.8. CZ designed in a lot of linear curvature, hence the wrap around effect.
Jan 05, 2017 at 06:40 PM
p.28 #14Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Oh man, freeze + winds + snow just set in and I got to go fetch that 35-70 from the post office.
Anyway, let me share some of my 28 2.8 too.
Most are taken with apertures of 2.8-5.6, I do find myself taking plenty pictures and videos by f4.
DSC05853 by dani81176, on Flickr
DSC05851 by dani81176, on Flickr
DSC05872 by dani81176, on Flickr
Anyway, let me share some of my 28 2.8 too.
Most are taken with apertures of 2.8-5.6, I do find myself taking plenty pictures and videos by f4.
DSC05853 by dani81176, on FlickrDSC05851 by dani81176, on FlickrDSC05872 by dani81176, on FlickrJan 06, 2017 at 12:28 AM
p.28 #15Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
I will go to the office and then to my dogs and will take some first test shoots in the snow and then will be back to share my first experience/impressions.
Just a side note; this may only be related to my own copies of the 28 2.8 and 50 1.7 but, the 28 is SHARP wide open and the 50 seems to be sharp if you really really nail the focus. At f 4-5.6, it kills, puts most modern 50mm glass I had in hand to shame.
Just a side note; this may only be related to my own copies of the 28 2.8 and 50 1.7 but, the 28 is SHARP wide open and the 50 seems to be sharp if you really really nail the focus. At f 4-5.6, it kills, puts most modern 50mm glass I had in hand to shame.
Jan 06, 2017 at 12:31 AM
p.28 #16Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
philip_pj, I did enjoy watching them videos you shared, they only confirm to me how cinematic they are, thanks for that!
This is my first video test when I got the 28, this is one of my dogs, I had the cam on tripod shooting while I made him stare at me so I can get a decent shot. He absolutely hated it, hehe.. Anyway, I applied a cinematic crop just for kicks.
https://youtu.be/Y_E9gaPZ1DI
This is my first video test when I got the 28, this is one of my dogs, I had the cam on tripod shooting while I made him stare at me so I can get a decent shot. He absolutely hated it, hehe.. Anyway, I applied a cinematic crop just for kicks.
https://youtu.be/Y_E9gaPZ1DI
Jan 06, 2017 at 12:58 AM
p.28 #17Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
That handsome hound looks like it could open a can of whupass if needed, I bet bad dudes give it a wide berth. It looks like a lot of fun - video - but I just never got into it, figured if I did I would not do much else. Looks very good for your creativity. cheers.
Jan 06, 2017 at 01:08 AM
p.28 #18Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Ordered a mint condition 35-70 on eBay tonight. California-based seller who agreed to ship it to NYC for me to collect when I arrive there next week, since it wouldn't get to Australia on time for my trip. Looking forward to putting it through it's paces in Death Valley and Yosemite later this month.
Jan 06, 2017 at 06:31 AM
p.28 #19Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Okey.....
So I wanted to test out my freshly received copy of the 35-70 BUT, it looks like the mount is slightly, very slightly different to that on my other c/y glass; this one has some sort of a dent that won't let the lens make perfect comtact with the camera mount. Can you folk please direct me to maybe a different adapter? One you're using with no problems, I guess. Many thanks in advance!
So I wanted to test out my freshly received copy of the 35-70 BUT, it looks like the mount is slightly, very slightly different to that on my other c/y glass; this one has some sort of a dent that won't let the lens make perfect comtact with the camera mount. Can you folk please direct me to maybe a different adapter? One you're using with no problems, I guess. Many thanks in advance!
Jan 06, 2017 at 09:17 AM
p.28 #20Contax 35-70 vs 24-70 GM? Ultimate landscape lens?
Problem solved, I contacted a friend here who's a pro on legacy glass field, advice was actually to break that little dent. Zoom now fits properly.
Jan 06, 2017 at 09:26 AM