[LRflex] Re: Leica R lens 28-70mm zoom ?
- From: "Jimmy Reuter" <jimmyreuter@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: leicareflex@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2007 08:06:34 -0600
Please delete me from the mailing list.
Thanks,
James Reuter
On 11/30/07, Ed Willoughby <ed_willoughby@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> I had the same question a few months ago. Here is what I found on Google.
>
> Hope this helps. Ed.
>
> Older Zooms There are a number of short 28 or 35-70mm R zooms available,
> which one is the "best"?
> Short answer - the #11277 "Vario-Elmar-R 35mm-70mm ƒ4.0".
> Long answer…
> The *Vario-Elmar-R 28-70mm ƒ3.5-4.5 lenses* (the #11364 and earlier
> #11265) are Sigma built and don't have an amazing reputation for mechanical
> or optical performance. (See Dr Joseph Yao's remarks below.)
> The Minolta-sourced *Vario-Elmar-R 35-70mm ƒ3.5* (#11244) had problems
> with vignetting when used with filters and the lens head rotated when
> focused, making it a pain to use with polarizing filters. The updated
> version of this lens, the Solms produced #11244, fixed a lot of the
> mechanical problems but it is still remains a older-style Minolta lens with
> a minimum focusing distance of only 1m.
> The Vario-Elmarit-R 35-70mm ƒ2.8 ASPH <http://nemeng.com/leica/018c.shtml>is
> of course
> *the* performance champ, but as discussed elsewhere in this FAQ they have
> become impossible to buy and are super-expensive collectors items.
> Which leaves by process of elimination the *#11277 Solms-designed /
> Kyocera manufactured 35-70mm ƒ4.0*. A bit slow (ƒ2.8 would be better), but
> it focuses down to 60cm for macro work and features robust mechanical
> construction with an ASPH element.
> In July 2002, Lisa
> Fiel<http://nemeng.com/leica/srcs/whoswho.php?id=fieS3IL>sent me a note
> asking for details on which of the short zooms was better for
> high quality work. At the time I wasn't up to speed on this topic so I
> referred her to noted R-Zoom dealer and collector, Dr Joseph
> Yao<http://nemeng.com/leica/srcs/whoswho.php?id=josYAO1>.
>
> The following is an edited copy of the reply he sent Ms Fiel (reproduced
> with permission):
>
> There have been two versions of Leica R 28-70/3.5-4.5 zoom lens. In the
> early '90s, Leica borrowed a Sigma-designed 28-70/3.5-4.5 and had Sigma
> build it in Japan, to Leica standard, we were told. Optically it was not bad
> but mechanically it was not much better than a regular Sigma lens. A few
> years ago, the same lens was re-designed mechanically (but remained the same
> optically) and production was transferred to Kyocera, also in Japan. The
> build and mechanics of this lens improved substantially, but optically, I
> have to say the 35-70/4.0, launched in 1997, is much better. Both the latest
> 28-70/3.5-4.5 and 35-70/4.0 share the same mount and build, only the
> optics are different. The latter is a true Leica-designed lens, both
> optically and mechanically. The 28-70/3.5-4.5 is a Sigma-designed lens,
> optically.
>
> If you have the option, I would get he 35-70/4.0 instead. Let's see if
> your dealer can exchange it for you.
>
> There is a comprehensive review of this lens by Erwin
> Puts<http://nemeng.com/leica/srcs/whoswho.php?id=PT7Zerw>at:
>
> <imx.nl/photosite/leica/rseries/testr/ve43570.html<http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/rseries/testr/ve43570.html>>
>
>
> As a Leica importer, dealer, user and collector, I have to admit the
> Kyocera QC is probably better than that of Leica Germany. While the latest
> 28-70/3.5-4.5 is a good lens mechanically, I feel the optics could be
> better, especially at its price. […] FWIW, I export a lot of Leica to a
> number of NYC dealers.
>
> A day later, Dr Yao
> <http://nemeng.com/leica/srcs/whoswho.php?id=josYAO1>added:
>
> The current VE 35-70/4.0 ROM (11277) has constant aperture of ƒ4.0,
> whereas the VE 28-70/3.5-4.5 offers ƒ3.5 at 28mm, but down to ƒ4.5 at
> 70mm. IMHO, constant aperture is an important feature.
>
> With ƒ4.0, you lose half a stop compared to ƒ3.5 at the shorter end, but
> you do gain in terms of optical quality. The VE 28-70/3.5-4.5 is a good
> lens, but the VE 35-70/4.0 is better still!
>
> In summary:
>
> *11265* VE 28-70/3.5-4.5
> Launched in 1990, discontinued in 1997 Sigma designed optics, Sigma
> designed mechanics, built by Sigma, with some Leica input
>
> *11364* VE 28-70/3.5-4.5 ROM
> Launched in 1997, current model Sigma designed optics, Leica designed
> mechanics, built by Kyocera (i.e. Optically same as 11265)
>
> *11277* VE 35-70/4.0 ROM
> Launched in 1997, current model Leica optics, Leica designed mechanics,
> built by Kyocera
>
> Mechanically and cosmetically, both 11364 and 11277 are identical. I offer
> the current 28-70/3.5-4.5 (11364) and 35-70/4.0 ROM (11277) at US$799
> each.
>
>
>
> *Steve Barbour <kididdoc@xxxxxxx>* wrote:
>
> Does anyone know this lens, and it's quality especially compared to
> the 35-70 R zoom?
>
>
> thanks, Steve
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