Hi All,
Someone on the 80-200 Contax thread commented that perhaps the Angenieux 70-210 3.5 was a better alternative to the Zeiss/Leica equivalents and it got me thinking, seeing as my favourite lens on a 16mm cine kit I used to use was an Angenieux zoom. I'd be interested in any samples and comments about the Angenieux lenses, but especially the 70-210, because I have a heap of difficulty using my 70-200 f4 IS without feeling very self-conscious in certain environments. I'm probably making a trip to Europe, China and probably Pakistan at the end of the year, and I just think a nice old looking lens with great optics might be a better option.
But please, talk about and post pictures from any Angenieux lenses.
One of my friend got 70-210/3.5 and 180/2.3 APO. He is satisfied with their result. However, angenieux lenses are not famous for its sharpness, but bokeh and color. If you are looking for pin sharp lens like EF135/2, angenieux is definitely not your choice. Most of angenieux 135 lenses look plastic, except 45-90/2.8 R-mount which is solid build with good performance. I've seen photos from 70-210/3.5, and I don't think it can match the performance against EF70-200's. Angenieux discontinued 135 lenses long time ago, they may not have sufficient parts if you need repair service. The really bad thing about 70-210/3.5 is that one of the lens group tend to be hazy easily. The real cause, from what I've heard, is the cement in doublets. Once the cement truned foggy, the lens is dead and no spare parts available to fix it.
I also had experience with Angenieux zooms on 16mm cine cameras, believe that is where Angenieux lenses made their reputation for excellent lenses. Cannot comment on the 70-210, but do have one of the last 35mm Angenieux lenses made, the 28-70mm in EOS mount.
Like the other Angenieux lenses made for 35mm (still) format it is rather large and heavy for the focal lengths covered by today's standards. Reasonably sharp and contrasty with good color, but really no match for a good Zeiss or Leica prime lens.
Hate to say it, but you would probably be just as well off using your 70-200 f4 IS as buying an Angenieux, prices are somewhat inflated due to the Cult status of the lenses and the physical size of the lens would make you feel just as self conscious as using your existing lens.
