Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/06/06
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I prefer the first version of the 3.5/35-70 (with E60 filter). This is the one designed and made by Minolta Japan. The lens has a retractable hood, is thus only marginaly larger than a standard lens, is reasonably fast (in between the current 4/35-70 and 2.8/35-70 apo-aspherical) and, very important for owners of an SL/SL2, comes with three cams. At its time it certainly was one of the best performing zoom lenses and I doubt that since then optical designers spend noticeable efford on improving optical performance of standard zoom lenses, rather than speed, zoom range and cost (with the exception of the latest Leica zooms, of course). The only disadvantage is its poor close focussing capability (1m). After Minolta discontinued the lens arround 1990, an "optically and mechanically" improved version was then made in Solms. I however do not believe that Leica actually changed the optical design. So the "improvement" is limited to a sort of cage that provides a non-rotating, larger filter thread (E67) which makes the use of a polariser more convenient, but at the cost of more bulk and a higher second-hand price. With respect to the 2.8/35-70's not so exciting zoom range and speed, I have great difficulties to justify its hefty price, weight and bulk, even though you get impeccable optical performance wide open (what you should not expect from Japanese "pro" zooms). I use a zoom for convenience, so weight and bulk is a factor! I particular with the srew-in hood, even the 4/35-70 is relatively bulky. Installing SL/SL2 cams would cost extra money and eventually may reduce its resale value. Hans-Peter