There were two A 35-70 lenses -- the first, the constant f/4 version,
has the great macro performance reputation. It's a little larger and
perhaps a bit more solidly built than the later f/3.5-4.5 version,
which was amazingly compact (and a one-touch zoom, I believe). Is the
barrel distortion at the 35mm end a weakness of both versions?
Joe
I've never used an A 35-70, but I have handled some. They are not
as well built as the others I've used, and had quite a plasticky
feel. In general it felt to me like a grade below the A 35-105.
But - and this matters - it is much smaller and seemed a lot
easier to handle, as well as being more discreet
Agreed. Definitely not as well built in its feel as the other
lenses mentioned here, but it does seem at least adequate. Quite a
good lens, optically (except for a little too much barrel distortion
at 35mm) and a surprisingly nice "macro" function (better than most
so-called "macro zooms"). It does make (thanks partly to its good
macro function, as well as its light weight) a pretty good traveling
lens (despite its somewhat limited range.
