Lens Test: 35/1.4G vs 28-70G

My thoughts:
At the same apertures, the 35/1.4G is slightly sharper than the 28-70G, and has better contrast and micro-resolution. Not as significant difference as the 28/2 RS vs the 28-70G however.

I was more shocked at the softness of the 35G at 1.4. I even did the test twice thinking i made a focusing error. Very soft. To be fair though, one only uses 1.4 aperture at low light levels or for extreme bokeh, and i don't think the softness is so apparent in those situations. Pity though.

So far it seems to me from my many lens tests that the
photodo tests are somewhat reliable. 28/2 is sharper than the 35/1.4. However, they give the 28-70G a 3.7 and the 28-135 a 3.6 and i think there's a bigger difference than 0.1. So maybe their ordering of sharpest to softest lenses is accurate, but the actual ranking number they give is debatable? It's a good rough guide.

Still like the 35/1.4 for it's 1.4 aperture (am blown away by it) and it smaller size and closer min focusing distance vs the 28-70G. I'm also understanding people's preference for the 35mm view vs the 28mm view.

Will try a bokeh test with these 2 lenses next.

Nice tests.
Like the 35/2.8 bokeh most but the zoom isn't far after, needed some time to see the diff. actually liked both better at 2.8 than the 35/1.4 that looks... well, like round circles instead of creamy fading.
I think I would choose the zoom if I should buy any of them.

Edited by Cekari - 19 November 2006 at 09:05

Cekari wrote: Nic I think I would choose the zoom if I should buy any of them.

Ha... why would you choose the zoom? more flexibility? hmmm... i was at a party last night and at 1.4 aperture my shutter was at 1/60, but at 2.8 it was only at 1/20. I was able to take shots my 28-70G just couldn't handle.

God, i hope i don't end up getting a 85G... and the thing is that i could've got a brand new one from an ebay seller in the same city as me... and forgot about it :( Went for cheap too cause the seller had no history!!!!!!!

Edited by sixty9 - 19 November 2006 at 15:23

ab012, I think you are right on about the strong AA filter on 7/5D; or stronger sharpening from the a100.

Sixty9, a good job comparing the 2 lens.

35 f1.4 is my all time favorite Minolta lens.
28-70 was my most used lens... in the film days; hope to use more of it next year... :-)