A good short Zoom for Oympus OM?

Shiny

Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2006
Messages
265
Location
Newcastle up
Format
Multi Format
Can anyone recommend one?

Thanks

jim
 

RH Designs

Advertiser
Advertiser
Joined
Apr 9, 2003
Messages
651
Location
Yorkshire Da
Format
Multi Format
How short is short? The Zuiko 28-48 and 35-105 zooms are both excellent IMHO, if a little bulky by today's standards. The 35-105 is my standard lens for general purpose photography.
 

Andy K

Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2004
Messages
9,420
Location
Sunny Southe
Format
Multi Format
I would forget a short zoom and get a Zuiko 100mm. Barely larger than the Zuiko 50mm and easily pocketable.
 
OP
OP

Shiny

Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2006
Messages
265
Location
Newcastle up
Format
Multi Format
28-50 or a little longer would be good. The smaller the better! I like to cary as little s possible.

I currently use a Zuiko 28, 50 & 135. I don't use the 135 very often though.
 

Paul.A

Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2007
Messages
59
Format
Medium Format
The Zuiko 35-105 is a stellar bit of kit. In fact it is the only reason why I keep my OM4 having gone to Canon.
 

Russ - SVP

Member
Joined
Mar 26, 2005
Messages
755
Location
Washington
Format
35mm
Vivitar Series 1 28-90

KK
 

thuggins

Member
Joined
Jan 12, 2008
Messages
1,144
Location
Dallas, TX
Format
Multi Format
The 35-70mm f3.5-f4.5 is considered a very good lens, and hardly any bigger than the 50mm f1.8 prime. I have been using a 35-70mm f3.6, but it is big and heavy, and ruins the balance of the camera. So recently that one has been left at home.

I have begun to think just carrying a 40mm or 50mm prime is the better overall choice. You can typically move back and forth a few steps to get the proper composition.
 

Ben Taylor

Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2003
Messages
108
Location
Norwich, UK
Format
Multi Format
I use the Tamron SP 35-80mm f2.8-3.8 as my standard lens on my OM2.

It's perhaps a little heavy by modern standards, but it's fast, sharp and has a nifty continuous focus macro.

Only slight niggle is the Adaptall mount tends to get in the way of the shutter speed ring a little, otherwise I really couldn't rate it higher. Think it cost around £25 from a seller on eBay.
 

Simon E

Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2005
Messages
89
Location
Shropshire
Format
35mm
A little late replying to this. Choices:

Olympus 35-70 f3.6 - superb two-touch lens with fixed aperture. Rare and sought-after.

Olympus 35-105 f3.5-4.5 - high quality one-touch zoom, going for peanuts on the 'bay these days.

Olympus 35-70 f3.5-4.5 - tiny two-touch zoom, suprisingly sharp a little too much barrel distortion at the wide end for me but a terrific travel lens (weight & size match 50mm primes). Don't confuse it with the inferior Cosina-made f3.5-4.8.
 

Russ - SVP

Member
Joined
Mar 26, 2005
Messages
755
Location
Washington
Format
35mm
The superb Kiron 28-105.

KK
 

oldglass

Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2008
Messages
43
Format
35mm
The Sigma 35-70mm/2.8~4 is an excellent lens.

I think it's sharper even than the Zuiko 35-105mm.
 
OP
OP

Shiny

Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2006
Messages
265
Location
Newcastle up
Format
Multi Format
Cheers, i've looked at a few and tried a couple.

I tried a Tamron 35-70 f/3.5-5.6 (only £4!), It's OK but not all that good... not realy sharp enough. I just got the Sigma 35-70 f/2.8-4 for not much more and it's looking considerably better. Although i've yet to make any big enlargements - comparing negatives on the base board, it's looking very good (certainly sharper than the Tamron and close to my prime's). Hopefuly this will be a keeper! Most of the Zuiko's are a little out of my budget.

Thanks

Jim
 

Simon E

Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2005
Messages
89
Location
Shropshire
Format
35mm
To add to my earlier post in this thread re. the 35-70 f3.5-4.5, below is a scan from A4 sized image taken with this lens (original in colour). The printed image is more than sharp enough.
 

Attachments

  • mwtreview2000.jpg
    63.4 KB · Views: 195

Allan Swindles

Member
Joined
May 10, 2004
Messages
253
Location
Wirral, Engl
Format
Multi Format
It depends what you're looking for - convenience or quality. I carry a Zuiko 28mm, 50mm, and 100mm, which incidentlally is the one that is used most, superb for isolating and concentrating on the main subject. I don't like zoom lenses. They came into being via the movie industry, which is where they belong. Moving pictures don't need to stand up to the same standards as a still picture, but then if you only print to 6/4, 5/7, what the h***.
 
OP
OP

Shiny

Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2006
Messages
265
Location
Newcastle up
Format
Multi Format
Well, after a couple more rolls it seems the Sigma can't compete either. It's very inconsistent between focal lengths although centre sharpness is quite good.

For the moment at least im back to primes. I got a slightly bigger camera bag to make it easier and changing lenses a little quicker, it'll just fit an extra body too - so i've been carrying fast and slow film. Not much bigger than a single SLR bag - i can just get two OMs and 28, 50 and 135mm lenses - and it's not too heavy (can be a problem - broken hips!). One of the good Zuiko lenses is still a future possibility though.

Jim
 

Russ - SVP

Member
Joined
Mar 26, 2005
Messages
755
Location
Washington
Format
35mm
The Kiron 70-150 f/4 zoom, is VERY good. Kiron (Kino Precision Industries) made the legendary Nikon "E" 75-150 for Nikon.

Kiron Kid
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…