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An under-appreciated bargain.

Started May 5, 2015 | User reviews thread
papillon_65
OP papillon_65 Forum Pro • Posts: 27,030
Re: My 14mm mk1 is made in Japan

Henry Richardson wrote:

papillon_65 wrote:

Yes I have read that, and though there may be no difference in design and optical elements the mk II I have is like a different lens to the first one I had. The mk II I have is made in Japan, I have no idea where the first one was made but there is a significant difference in the optical quality so maybe quality control has improved. I still liked the first one for it's size and convenience so I'm delighted with my newer version.

I have the first version that I bought new in 2012 for $160 (I think it was one of those separated from a kit). Mine says Made in Japan on it.

I like mine, but I don't use it that much. I have never done any testing so I can't say how good it is, but seems okay. I never test, just too boring for me, but if I had a peon who worked for free or peanuts who would get multiple copies of each lens, do careful testing, and then cherry pick the best one for me then I would happily use his services. Until then I just buy, use, and only if I see some obvious problem do I follow up. That is rare though.

I just check my lenses in real world use, I don't care much for test shots against swatches, they don't tell you an awful lot about a lens. Some lenses are great are close distances and awful at infinity. My personal test of what's a good lens is one that can do both, the 14mm can.

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