Senior Member Registered: July, 2010 Location: Bay Area Posts: 267 | | Review Date: October 13, 2010 | Not Recommended | Price: $50.00
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | Close focus, build, looks great | | Cons: | Infinity focus | |
I have the Tokina version and experience the same problem as the reviewer above. Inifinity focus is not good. This really is only good for close ups. Actually, it takes very good close ups. The close focusing, build, looks and speed would make this a go-to lens for me but due to the infinity focus issue, I leave it at home. Unfortunately I paid $50 for mine (in mint condition, but a loss none the less).
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Site Supporter Registered: February, 2008 Location: Hawkesbury Posts: 1,896 | | Review Date: December 20, 2008 | Recommended | Price: $15.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | Sharp and optically excellent. Compact and solid construction. | | Cons: | Slight barrel distortion will annoy some, as will unfashionable five blade iris. Long range focus problem. | |
Early days with this lens but my test shots on K20D have been very pleasing.
In comparison with DA18-55 at 28 mm the Kalimar 28/2.8 is sharper, less vignetting, slightly cooler colour balance, superior contrast, smoother bokeh both behind and in front of focus and negligible CA.
DA18-55 is almost rectilinear at 28 mm where as the Kalimar is barrel distorted, but I didn't notice until I shot a square tile floor.
The only time I see any softness is at the edges when wide open and perhaps a little at f22.
Exposure seems to be good at all apertures on K20D with all metering methods.
The five leaf iris seems to make small ten point stars on bright points which may annoy some people but could be used to good effect.
My copy is not focusing correctly at ∞ with the K20D. I have to stop down to get sharp detail on objects more than about 12 metres away. This will limit the usefulness of the lens. A pity as its mid range performance is excellent.
The front lens element is somewhat exposed and could do with a hood.
Harsh lighting seems to be handled OK with negligible colour fringing once stopped down to f4 or smaller.
The "MACRO" designation is a bit of a joke, as it barely even qualifies as close focus.
As this lens is not from a well known brand, it is unlikely to ever be expensive.
Serial No.9072638.
An example at f4.
An example wide open. (Note: three second exposure)
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