Author Topic: Nikon 35-70mm f/3.5 Ai, 72mm  (Read 2223 times)

Fons Baerken

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Nikon 35-70mm f/3.5 Ai, 72mm
« on: September 07, 2015, 22:18:38 »
The post on the 36-72mm/3.5 E makes me think of this old timer much difference i wonder?

on Df @70mm f/3.5



f/16


Bjørn Rørslett

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Re: Nikon 35-70mm f/3.5 Ai, 72mm
« Reply #1 on: September 07, 2015, 22:45:24 »
The first version of the 35-70 f/3.5 (72mm threads) was intended as a 'pro' lens and much effort was directed towards ensuring it had constant lens 'speed' along the zooming range,  high sharpness and very low geometric distortion. Unfortunately, that meant a design with a large front element and with the limited efficiency of the coatings of the time, a propensity for flare. Many find the focusing and zooming rings to be too loose and lacking of precision as well.

I always liked this lens, despite the long near distance. It certainly has its share of the "rounded" and pleasant rendition so typical for the best lenses of its time.