which 24mm 2.8 Fd or Zuiko?

[gurudave]

The title says it all ..... for the nex 5N and also the 7 ..... which would you recommend?

The Canon Fd 24mm 2.8 or the Olympus OM 24 2.8

....... or of course any other suggestions (that won't give the bank manager a total heart attack!)

Cheers Guys

 

[Alupang]

The title says it all ..... for the nex 5N and also the 7 ..... which would you recommend?

The Canon Fd 24mm 2.8 or the Olympus OM 24 2.8

Hard question to answer I'm interested in reading the replies. If it was 35mm or 50mm I would say FDn (new FD) all the way.

But I think 24mm f2.8 is where Zuiko OM may have Canon matched optically. I can tell you absolutely that the Canon FDn 28mm f2.8 suffers from bad bushing design (rubber bushings simply deteriorate over time resulting in 1mm focus play) just like the FDn 24mm f2, FDn 28mm f2 and FDn 35mm f2. I know because I own or owned multiple copies of all of these lenses and every single one had focus play.

So for this reason plus the OM Zuiko is smaller--I would purchase the OM 24mm over the Canon FDn. But the Zuiko will cost about twice as much as the FDn--I think it's worth it myself.

 

[KM Legacy]

I'm not really clear on what you mean by "focus play." I hope you don't mean that the lens' optical axis wobbles away from perpendicular to the sensor; that would certainly affect resolution. Resolution would also be affected if the spacing of the floating elements got altered from that intended by design. Do you just mean that you can move the focus ring a little before the lens starts to move in or out?

 

[boardsy]

The title says it all ..... for the nex 5N and also the 7 ..... which would you recommend?

The Canon Fd 24mm 2.8 or the Olympus OM 24 2.8

Hard question to answer I'm interested in reading the replies. If it was 35mm or 50mm I would say FDn (new FD) all the way.

But I think 24mm f2.8 is where Zuiko OM may have Canon matched optically. I can tell you absolutely that the Canon FDn 28mm f2.8 suffers from bad bushing design (rubber bushings simply deteriorate over time resulting in 1mm focus play) just like the FDn 24mm f2, FDn 28mm f2 and FDn 35mm f2. I know because I own or owned multiple copies of all of these lenses and every single one had focus play.

So for this reason plus the OM Zuiko is smaller--I would purchase the OM 24mm over the Canon FDn. But the Zuiko will cost about twice as much as the FDn--I think it's worth it myself.

My FDn 28/2.8 has no bushings problem - maybe the rubber hasn't deteriorated (yet). Even after all this beer I could focus it ;-):





Alan

 

[Alupang]

The title says it all ..... for the nex 5N and also the 7 ..... which would you recommend?

The Canon Fd 24mm 2.8 or the Olympus OM 24 2.8

Hard question to answer I'm interested in reading the replies. If it was 35mm or 50mm I would say FDn (new FD) all the way.

But I think 24mm f2.8 is where Zuiko OM may have Canon matched optically. I can tell you absolutely that the Canon FDn 28mm f2.8 suffers from bad bushing design (rubber bushings simply deteriorate over time resulting in 1mm focus play) just like the FDn 24mm f2, FDn 28mm f2 and FDn 35mm f2. I know because I own or owned multiple copies of all of these lenses and every single one had focus play.

My FDn 28/2.8 has no bushings problem - maybe the rubber hasn't deteriorated (yet). Even after all this beer I could focus it ;-):

And that's exactly the reason why I did not include the FDn 28mm f2.8 on my list above--the FDn 28mm 2.8 and the FDn 35mm f2.8 (as well as other FDn I own) do not have the self destructing bushing design problem like the specific lenses on my list. Also a big reason why I own 2 copies of this great lens. For under $50 (I got 1 for $21 free ship), it pretty much matches optical performance of my $1100 Zeiss ZM 25/2.8 on my Nex C3.

 

[Alupang]

I'm not really clear on what you mean by "focus play." I hope you don't mean that the lens' optical axis wobbles away from perpendicular to the sensor; that would certainly affect resolution. Resolution would also be affected if the spacing of the floating elements got altered from that intended by design. Do you just mean that you can move the focus ring a little before the lens starts to move in or out?

Yes exactly that. That is, very little focus ring play before glass movement is initiated. Does not effect image quality 1 speck but it annoys me. I still own 1 copy of the FDn 35mm f2 and I think you already know how much I like this lens. My copy is almost brand new mint condition and still has the bad bushings--I read and agree that the bushings simply deteriorate over the decades. Poor design for the long haul I guess. The cheaper FDn 28 f2.8 and 35mm f2.8 do not have these fancy bushings (I'm guessing the bushings, when intact, make the focus feel smoother).

Note that none of my other "big money" FDn have the bushing problem: 50mm f1.2, 50mm f1.2L, 100mm f2, 300mm f4L, 300mm f2.8L, etc. No problems here.

So recently I purchased the much hyped older FD 35mm f2 SSC concave Thorium and it's looks to be awesome but stay tuned for final test conclusions. So, feeling like I'm on a roll here, I also purchased a mint FD 28mm f2 SSC but I'm sad to report that the FDn 28mm f2.8 stomps it at every aperture. It seems like, at least to me, no other 28mm (I'm hoping some Leica guy will step up with good Nex tests that prove otherwise) can beat the FDn 28mm f2.8 on the Nex. And given its price, that is good news.

 

[ttan98]

The title says it all ..... for the nex 5N and also the 7 ..... which would you recommend?

The Canon Fd 24mm 2.8 or the Olympus OM 24 2.8

Hard question to answer I'm interested in reading the replies. If it was 35mm or 50mm I would say FDn (new FD) all the way.

But I think 24mm f2.8 is where Zuiko OM may have Canon matched optically. I can tell you absolutely that the Canon FDn 28mm f2.8 suffers from bad bushing design (rubber bushings simply deteriorate over time resulting in 1mm focus play) just like the FDn 24mm f2, FDn 28mm f2 and FDn 35mm f2. I know because I own or owned multiple copies of all of these lenses and every single one had focus play.

My FDn 28/2.8 has no bushings problem - maybe the rubber hasn't deteriorated (yet). Even after all this beer I could focus it ;-):

And that's exactly the reason why I did not include the FDn 28mm f2.8 on my list above--the FDn 28mm 2.8 and the FDn 35mm f2.8 (as well as other FDn I own) do not have the self destructing bushing design problem like the specific lenses on my list. Also a big reason why I own 2 copies of this great lens. For under $50 (I got 1 for $21 free ship), it pretty much matches optical performance of my $1100 Zeiss ZM 25/2.8 on my Nex C3.

Hi,

I own both Oly OM 28/f2.8 and Canon FD 28/f2.8, I found at f4.0 and smaller, the FD is sharper and colour more vibrant. At f2.8 the Oly wins in terms of sharpness, the FD's image is softer

 

[diy_lens]

I have no preference for any particular lens mount and I take them on at a case-by-case basis. The Zuiko has great reviews as does the Sigma Super Wide I mentioned. The Zuiko will obviously cost more as it is a brand name but this will help in resale value as well. The Sigma and Cosina brands are also worth looking at as it is a well-known fact that those two, as well as Tamron and Tokina, make lenses for the major brands. So, sometimes, you will see that a 24/2.8 will have the same optical configuration between Cosina and Canon, that's because they are in fact the same lens.

Something to consider is the adapters required for each lens. If you have lenses in FD, MD, OM, and F-mounts then you will need an adapter for each. Or, you can choose to go with one and make it a little easier. I myself, choose a lens, then buy the correct adapter, and keep it on the lens so that way I don't have to swap mount around all the time and I just need one type of end-cap.

Any ways, I was recently shopping for a 24mm/2.8 and I was deciding between a Zuiko and a Sigma. I went with a Sigma as they can be readily had for under $80 with shipping. Sometimes, if you are lucky, closer to $60. The Zuiko's at the time I was looking were readily over $120 or so and I did not even know if I wanted this focal length so I went with the Sigma. Plus, this focal length is covered by my SEL18200 so it was not a "priority" focal length.

One cool thing about the after-market brands is that a Sigma Super Wide II 24/2.8 is the same lens in any mount. The only difference is the mount so you can search and find a broader array of auctions to look at.

If you are on a budget, Sigma Super Wide II, not on a budget, Zuiko.

--

Arthur Dent hoped and prayed there wasn't an afterlife. Then, realizing the contradiction, he merely hoped there wasn't an afterlife.

• Douglas Adams, In Literature/Douglas Adams

 

[Documensony]

I still own 1 copy of the FDn 35mm f2 and I think you already know how much I like this lens. My copy is almost brand new mint condition and still has the bad bushings--I read and agree that the bushings simply deteriorate over the decades. Poor design for the long haul I guess. The cheaper FDn 28 f2.8 and 35mm f2.8 do not have these fancy bushings

Back to 24mm's

There was a very interesting 24mm World Cup based on rigouros testing and being executed by the 16:9 -website a few years back:

http://www.16-9.net/lens_tests/24mmcup/index.html
http://www.16-9.net/lens_tests/24mmcup/index.html
http://www.16-9.net/lens_tests/24mmcup/index.html
http://www.16-9.net/lens_tests/24mmcup/final/24mm_final1.html

These 12 lenses were chosen for the contest:

Group A: 24mm Zoom Lenses

Nikon 17-35mm f2.8
Sigma 12-24mm f4.5-5.6
Leica 21-35mm

Group B: 24mm Fast Lenses
Nikon 24mm f2
Sigma 24mm f1.8 EX
Pentax 24mm f2 FA
Canon 24mm f.4 L

Group C: 24mm Regular Lenses

Canon 24mm f2.8

Yashica 24mm f2.8
Sigma 24mm f2.8

Olympus 24mm f2.8

The Canon 24/1.4 won the race overall, but the Olympus 24/2.8 did best in its class and remarkably overall. From the conclusion:

The Olympus is astoundingly good at f5.6-8 at distance, and produced the highest resolution captures of anything shot thus far at 24mm. [...] We should also mention that the stellar little Olympus 24mm thrashed every other lens it encountered in the group stages of the 24mm World Cup, can be bought used for less than a decent filter for the 24L, and fits in the palm of your hand with room to spare. It's a gem.

In its group (C), this is how the four lenses scored - maximum being 36 points :

30 points: Olympus 24mm f2.8
21 points: Sigma 24mm f2.8
20 points: Canon 24mm f2.8
18 points: Yashica 24mm f2.8

Interesting stuff, eh?

--
-----------------------
Documensony
'Spontaneity is enabled by rigorous practice'

 

[boardsy]

The title says it all ..... for the nex 5N and also the 7 ..... which would you recommend?

The Canon Fd 24mm 2.8 or the Olympus OM 24 2.8

Hard question to answer I'm interested in reading the replies. If it was 35mm or 50mm I would say FDn (new FD) all the way.

But I think 24mm f2.8 is where Zuiko OM may have Canon matched optically. I can tell you absolutely that the Canon FDn 28mm f2.8 suffers from bad bushing design (rubber bushings simply deteriorate over time resulting in 1mm focus play) just like the FDn 24mm f2, FDn 28mm f2 and FDn 35mm f2. I know because I own or owned multiple copies of all of these lenses and every single one had focus play.

My FDn 28/2.8 has no bushings problem - maybe the rubber hasn't deteriorated (yet). Even after all this beer I could focus it ;-):

And that's exactly the reason why I did not include the FDn 28mm f2.8 on my list above--the FDn 28mm 2.8 and the FDn 35mm f2.8 (as well as other FDn I own) do not have the self destructing bushing design problem like the specific lenses on my list. Also a big reason why I own 2 copies of this great lens. For under $50 (I got 1 for $21 free ship), it pretty much matches optical performance of my $1100 Zeiss ZM 25/2.8 on my Nex C3.

Sorry to continue the 28mm derailment, but for clarity, you did include the fdn 28 2.8 in your original "bushings" statement above, which is why i interjected in the first place - presumably you meant 24 2.8. No worries. I have a pretty good (Komine) Vivitar 28 f2 md mount that would be interesting to test against the fdn 28 2.8. Argh! DPR won't let me scroll down through my gallery on my smartphone, so i can't post a vivitar pic right now.

Another time & thread.
Alan

 

[LarryPhoto]

I have the Sigma 24mm 2.8 on my Nex-5n, great lens, while I prefer my Nikon 28 AIS 2.8, this Sigma is no slouch.

 

[pabloman]

Hello,

from my experience with

Canon 24/2, Vivitar 24/2, Oly 24/2.8, Oly 28/2.8, Ultron 28/1.9

I would summarize it this way:

I kept the

VC Ultron 28/1.9 L39 mount as it is quite sharp wide-open and also better CA resistant, also gathers the most light from each scene and makes quite 3D-ish pics.

and second I kept the Zuiko 28/2.8 MC Japan version as FOR THE MONEY, it was the best deal of them all. Also it is the SHARPEST wide-angle WIDE-OPEN, with great contrast, details even in the corners!!!

It was probably just my samples's case, but the "legendary" 24/2.8 Zuiko didn't impress me. The Vivitar was soft and hazy compared to the crystal-clear Oly 28 and the Canon was another dissapointment after having had for a week the other canon legend 35/2 SSC Thorium, which also failed my expectations.

So, finally so much for my wide glass memories... And one more thing, as I always tried it on the cropped NEX sensor, I found however still, that 24mm FL doesn't "do" it for me. It is just too wide, too flat, boring, 3D separation-LESS. As a normal or a wide FL, I like the 28 and 35mm MUCH MORE...

 

[youngG]

Can't offer much input, but I've always been interested in FD and Zuiko lenses, so thanks for starting this thread.

But don't believe any guy who says "Canon FD > Zuiko" when it comes to judging a lens lineup as a whole. The 70s saw many, many camera companies make VERY good cameras and lenses. Each company/mount has their gems. Don't believe any Canikon "fanboy" who tries to apply today's (flawed) logic to the equipment of yesterday.

Outside of Olympus and Canon, I'd also consider the Minolta Rokkor 24mm 2.8.
http://www.rokkorfiles.com/24mm.html

I can vouch for the quality of Rokkors (own the 28, 45 and 50 myself), they are excellent. While I've only used Rokkors and Takumars (Pentax), many people considered Minolta Rokkors just as good as any SLR offering from that era.

Have fun!

 

[pabloman]

My input on this...

again, only from my experience...

I have kept the Rokkor 58/1.2 rubber grip MC version. That is one great lens!

I had the Rokkor 28/2.8 as well as the famous & "sharp" 50/1.7 MD lenses. Yet, they were only the poorer relatives of the great 1.2 Rokkor. Yes, they had nice colors, dreamy bokeh, but they couldn't match the sharpness and the contrast of the 28/2.8 and 50/1.8 Zuiko lenses. I must add, that I searched and tested the latest, least used and excellent status Minolta MD lenses from the "cheaper" models. However, they didn't stand a chance against the also budgetty Zuikos.

I had tested the same lenses from Konica. I also read great things about them that sounded like: "the konicas are sharper, the minoltas have nicer bokeh" but NO WAY... the Konica 28/2.8 and 50/1.7 again, couldn't match the latest version OM Zuiko lenses. :>

I can't tell you if this is so in general, as these were only a few tests, but I for myself found my favorite lens maker... Eventhough, I only now have those budget lenses from them... As still, the Rokkor 58/1.2 is still better than any 50ish lens from any maker. Just as I adore my 35/1.2 Nokton or the great 25/0.95 for m4/3.

Anyway, the OM mount Zuikos are in my opinion great legacy lenses, that still grow in price, even more than the numerous canikon legacy stock and so make themselves to a real no-brainer. Wonderful metal-glass jewels of high build quality and stylish design!

 

[gurudave]

WOW ...... thanks guys.

Well impressed .... what a response ........ looks like it might be the oly then ..... good quality and small in stature (bit like the missus then) .....

 

[Alupang]

Sorry to continue the 28mm derailment, but for clarity, you did include the fdn 28 2.8 in your original "bushings" statement above, which is why i interjected in the first place - presumably you meant 24 2.8.

Yeah you are right--I meant the FDn 24mm f2.8. Typo; sorry for the confusion I created. Anyhow, I wouldn't really call this a derailment as I was just trying to point a bushing problem in the OP's lens selection.

 

[Alupang]

Yes good stuff indeed; I read that before. Too bad the FDn 24mm f2 wasn't in the test lineup as I would bet it would have been #1.

Regardless...the OM 24mm f2.8 is one heck of a lens. I want one.

 

[captura]

Please also consider the Kiron Kino and the Sigma 24mm FD lenses. Both have good reputations.

 

[Alupang]

Interesting thanks. My SSC Thorium is performing very well though--maybe you got a bad copy? I'm in the middle of doing a 35mm shootout (center and corner tests at about 15 feet) with the SSC f2 Thorium, FDn 35mm f2, FDn 35mm f2.8 and my Zeiss ZM 35mm f2.8 C Biogon.

The OM 28mm f2.8...I have read a bad review (somewhere; forgot) but I bet your copy is as good as you say. I might just have to give this lens a try.

 

[pabloman]

For sure do.

But watch for the latest just "Japan" marked version, that does not have "Zuiko-G" type marking.

And the 50/1.8 I wholeheartedly recommend is "Made in Japan" marked.

I sure agree, that I should try some of those nFD versions from Canon, too :>