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Reviews 1 - 5 (9 Reviews Total)
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Submitted by
jph
a IntermediateDate Reviewed: January 24, 2011
Strengths: Sharpness corner to corner from wide open to where diffraction sets in... AND throughout the zoom range. Very low CA, good flare control, great contrast and color.Weaknesses: E60 filter size.Bottom Line: I had borrowed this lens way back (film days) when I had a Leica R4. At that time, I only used it for one day, but it left a good impression. So when I was looking for a compact high quality zoom for my 5DII, I thought of this lens and the Contax 35-70. I liked the fact that the Leica was not a push pull type of zoom, but I could not find any professional reviews on the internet. The Contax had quite a following over on Fredmiranda.com, so as far as image quality, the risk was low. I ended up buying the Leica for my solution for a light weight, high quality, mid zoom, for mostly landscape.
I’m using the Conrus adapter and it can focus to infinity. When I slapped it on my camera, and took a few quick test shots, I was amazed how sharp it was. After using it for a few months, I am happy to say, that it was the right choice. There is one issue. The (e60) filter size. I wanted to use a neutral density filter, and needed to get a step up ring. The problem with a step up ring is when zooming, the lens moves in then out past the front of the barrel. The step up ring does not clear this. So you kind of have to know in advance if you are shooting wide or tele. You also have to remove the lens shade. Kind of a hassle.
So why would I put up with this? High image quality in a compact package. Fantastic contrast, sharpness, color, flare control and very low CA ( I have never corrected an image yet with this lens).
So I just keep the ND filter on the step up ring. Set the lens in the range (wide-tele) I will be using it. Screw off the lens shade and replace it with the step up ring with the filter already on it.
For landscape it’s perfect. In most systems, you have to get a fast, expensive zoom to approach this kind of quality. They tend to be very large. I don’t need the speed, or the AF or the added weight. So this is a good solution for me.
Duration Product Used: 21+ years
Purchased At: Sammys
Similar Products Used: Canon 24-70L, Canon 24-105L, Nikon 28-70, 2.8
Type of photography: Outdoor
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a IntermediateDate Reviewed: January 24, 2011
Strengths: Great contrast, micro contrast, sharpness, color all through the zoom and f stop range. This may be the only mid range zoom I ever had that exhibits these qualities.
Very low CA.Weaknesses: Front filter thread.Bottom Line: What I was looking for was a mid range zoom, that wasn't too large and heavy, that would be used primarily for landscape photography. I was planning on a Contax 35-70, but was concerned about the push pull zoom. So I looked at the Leica. There's not a lot to find on the web as far as testing for this lens. I was a little surprised at just how good the lens was. It seemed every bit as sharp as my old 35 Sumicron that I used to have. Also, it seems to be just a little sharper at the extremes than in the middle, which is rare for a zoom. It also seems to be sharp (corner to corner) right from f/4 up to where diffraction sets in at around f/11. The build quality is fantastic also. One other note, I have not had to correct for CA in any images taken with this lens--even with images as large as 17x25".
Now the bad. E60 filter thread. The main filter I would be using for this lens is a ND filter. I did find an adapter that allows me to go from E60 to 62mm filter size. The problem is I have to remove the shade, decide which end of the zoom I'm going to use (wide or tele), then put it on. The step up filter ring doesn't clear the front of the barrel when zooming from wide to tele or vise versa. The front element retracts then extends when zooming.
Duration Product Used: 21+ years
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At: Sammys
Similar Products Used: Canon 24-70L, Canon 24-105L, Nikon 28-70 f2.8
Type of photography: Outdoor
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Nopawach Gajajiva
a ExpertDate Reviewed: November 25, 2003
Strengths: very wel\l\ design...bui\lt l\ike a tank.overa\ll\ sharpness is good.Macro is very usful\l\ from time to time.Weaknesses: hard to find E60 and the screw in hoodBottom Line: This is one of those amazing thing in photographic equipment(from my point of view)you can real\l\y feel\ it right out of it's l\eather case it came with.put it on my r8 and never take it off.the zoom and the focusing ring is so smooth....\lets say very smooth....much better than my ol\d 28-70 AFS....i l\ove the contrast of this l\ens....comes with a \litt\le bl\ueish in the col\oration....very wel\l\ buil\t.... i just l\ove the \lens
Duration Product Used: 6-10 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At: Thailand
Similar Products Used: 28-70 AFS.
35-70 2.8.
28-85 3.5-4.5.
24-85 3.5-4.5
Type of photography: Other
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
young_bobo
a Casual
from San JoseDate Reviewed: October 7, 2002
Strengths: great contrast. I don't really feel the strenth in shapness, but it is sharp. the contrast is very good.Weaknesses: the lens hood. It is strange. I like the lens hood, but it makes exchange filters difficult.Bottom Line: It is a great lens, well built. optic quality is excellent, excellent contrast. The narrow lens hood and rotate front elements make it hard to use a polarizer, but the lens gives nice blue sky. Do not bother by the lens hood issue or it is made in Japan if you plan to own it. It is a nice lens to have it.
Duration Product Used: 11-20 years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At: ebay
Similar Products Used: Nikon 35-70 F2.8 AF
Nikon 28-70 F2.8 AFS
Contax 28-70 F3.5-4.5 MM
Type of photography: People
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
jaguardave
a Expert
from North VancouverDate Reviewed: August 8, 2002
Strengths: Excellent results at all openings, easy to use, as far as Leica lenses go, affordable.Weaknesses: Could use a retractable lens shade rather than the screw on it comes with.Bottom Line: When I can only carry one lens, this is the one I select. It is so versatile and easy to handle, though as mentioned in earlier reviews, polarizing filters are tough to operate with the lens hood attached. A retractable lens hood would make this lens perfect. The close focus capability is a wonderful addition as well. Because of the quality of the images this lens produces I have not invested in a standard lens for my Leica system. This was the first Leica lens I bought when I first started building out a Leica system and I have never regretted the decision.
Duration Product Used: 21+ years
Similar Products Used: My first zoom.
Type of photography: Fine Art
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