Pål,
If you call the A* 135/1.8, A* 300/2.8 and A* 85/1.4 average then I guess
that you could presume the A 35/2.8 to be mediocre. I do not, and you must
agree, think that the Pentax "Star" lenses are average. They belong in the
highest order of optical quality.
Did you understand my disagreement with you? I actually did agree with you
that the "Star" lenses had been damned with faint praise, and never did
contend that the A35/2.8 is their equal. Being less than excellent does not
instantly denote mediocrity, there is a vast gulf between the two levels.
Are you possibly confusing "mediocre" (moderate to inferior in quality,
ordinary) with "median" (a method of defining averages) because of the two
words' superficial resemblance?
BTW "by todays standards" practically all of the greatest lenses in the
history of photography would be mediocre, yet practically all of
photography's greatest pictures were shot with yesteryear's "mediocre"
lenses. That is one reason why revisionist history is a repugnant
concept. And then to compare the humble A35/2.8 to yet another "Star" lens
(FA* 28-70/2.8) is a gross mismatch because "Star" lenses are a class above
those lacking the star. Or was it an opportunity to drop the name of yet
another Stellar lens that you possess?
(See: Subject: Macro flash bracket
"Anyone with tips on a lightweight flash bracket for use on my FA* 200/4
macro?
Pål",
as if someone as knowledgable and resourceful as yourself, who apparently
has all the answers, needs our opinion. A Dolly Dixer if ever I heard or
read one!)
Whatever your opinion of lens tests is, one thing is true about them. A
lens CANNOT deliver better results than it should because of human error,
because resolution can only be lost by poor handling, not increased. If you
truly believe that (in Yoshi's figures that I posted) the A35/2.8 delivered
its absolute best while EVERY OTHER lens suffered from some kind of testing
error, then there is nothing more to say except,
"There is none so blind as he who will not see".
Regards,
Anthony Farr
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pål Jensen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Anthony wrote:
"The A 35/2.8 (if it is at least equal to the M35/2.8) is neither the best
nor the worst lens amongst Pentax lenses. This would make it an AVERAGE
performer. An average Pentax lens is pretty good when measured against any
other brand IMO :)"
REPLY:
Well, I did put this lens in a context; compared to the A* 135/1.8, A*
300/2.8 and A* 85/1.4 the A 35/2.8 is a mediocre lens. You may call it a
average performer compared to contemporary primes; I've heard that its
better than similar vintage Nikkor 35mm lenses. Anyhow, by todays standards
its a mediocre performer in my opinion. Eg. at 35mm the FA* 28-70/2.8 gives
better result at all apertures.
It's certainly not a bad performer. Some of my best photographs have been
shot with the A 35/2.8.
Pål
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