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A seriously underrated lens

Started Nov 12, 2016 | User reviews thread
Rod McD Veteran Member • Posts: 8,589
Re: A seriously underrated lens

Hi,

I like it too. A lot of people criticize the fact that it only magnifies to 1:2, but that suits me and I use it with the extension tubes if I want more.  I think I like best the fact that it's an excellent 'all-rounder'.  It combines qualities that make it a good general purpose tele, portrait and close focusing lens.  Add in its small size and light weight and it gives a lot in an inexpensive, and very portable package.

I agree about the filter thread/cap size.  It's fiddly.  And there are some filters you simply can't buy in 39mm.  I've changed over to a step-up ring and either 52mm or 58mm accessories.  I don't bother with the hood - the glass is deeply recessed anyway. (BTW if you do ever decide to use a step-up ring, you can't screw them directly into the face of the lens.  It's recessed, and they hit the face of the lens when it retracts and you get a "lens error".  You have to add the ring of an old 39mm with the glass knocked out as a spacer between the lens and the step-up ring.  Then it works fine.  Just buy a new cap in the right size too and no more hassles.)

I don't find it completely CA-free.  I get a bit of PF at wide apertures in extreme situations.  I only see it in really extreme contrast situations, but it's there.  Minor though, and gone if you stop down a couple of stops.

Regards, Rod

 Rod McD's gear list:Rod McD's gear list
Fujifilm X-T4 Voigtlander 90mm F3.5 APO-Lanthar SL II Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R Fujifilm XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS +13 more
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