[IS050]

Just dug out my 35-80mm to try a few snaps as I haven't really looked at it since getting the thing fixed (same problem, zoom jammed from 60-80mm).

@Mike, I am glad that you have fixed yours, we both have the same issue and it seem this maybe a common problem with this lens, or we were just unlucky. Very nice pictures and thanks for sharing.

David - ouch. I've had the 35-80 since new in '85, and for 13 years did not need or want another lens. Then I needed a fast short tele, and got a Zuiko 85/2. While I have the 52bb + tube + 2x now I could easily be happy with the 35-80 for most macro shooting.

The lens is at its shortest at 50mm, and the CF feature starts to crank out the zoom as you focus closer. Mine has always had a bit of looseness but so far has continued to work well. I suppose the mechanics are fairly complicated with all the motions going on.

Unless you or a buddy is into fixing lenses, you probably are better off looking for another copy. They are cheap... the macro quality is a hidden gem, but with crop sensors 35mm just isn't all that wide.

@ Nesster, I got an estimated from a local repair shop, the cost is $95!! so instead of repair it, I found the SP90mm/f2.5 and the 2XTC for just little more money than the cost of the repair. I will consider it If I come across another copy of the 35-80mm in a good deal.

I hope I can take as nice a pictures as yours and Mike P with the SP90mm, you both have done really well with it. Was it easy for you both to shoot handheld?

Thanks
David

[Mike.P®]

@Mike, I am glad that you have fixed yours, we both have the same issue and it seem this maybe a common problem with this lens, or we were just unlucky.

As I said earlier in the thread, a small plastic ring fell out from the rear element which seemed to cause the problem, I went onto a manual focus forum and it seems to be quite common. Lucky for me it happened as soon as the lens arrived (also an Ebay purchase) so the seller refunded me and said keep the lens.
The price of it has risen substantially lately so I looked into having it fixed and was quoted £30 (around $45) and as everything else is mint on the lens I thought it was more sensible to get it looked at rather than buy another.

As for shooting handheld with the 90mm, I regularly do the same with the Bigma so a 90mm is no problem most of the time

[IS050]

As I said earlier in the thread, a small plastic ring fell out from the rear element which seemed to cause the problem, I went onto a manual focus forum and it seems to be quite common. Lucky for me it happened as soon as the lens arrived (also an Ebay purchase) so the seller refunded me and said keep the lens.
The price of it has risen substantially lately so I looked into having it fixed and was quoted £30 (around $45) and as everything else is mint on the lens I thought it was more sensible to get it looked at rather than buy another.

As for shooting handheld with the 90mm, I regularly do the same with the Bigma so a 90mm is no problem most of the time

Hi Mike, You got a good deal after all, the repair cost is much cheaper than here. I am not sure the exact problem with mine, it could be the same that a plastic ring fell out or something else. Looking at this picture I wish mine is not broken, this is just amazing.


Wow you can handheld with the Bigma!! Boy; this is embarrassing for me to not even able to steady the 90mm!

Thanks
David

[Jewelltrail]

Solisiti: That is a great shot with the 180 f2.5. I only have the 60-300sp, but will pick up more SP lenses if the right opportunity comes along--these lenses are tremendous value. Another with the 60-300:

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Last edited by Jewelltrail; 12-06-2009 at 03:15 PM.

[kuuan]

thank you VERY much solisti, ISO50, Douglas of Sweden, Mike.P and Nesster for your input and the sample photos!!
looking much forward to be using this lens,
best regards,
kuuan - andreas

[Ron Redwood]

Thanks for the comment. I found the focal length is wide enough even it is really a 36mm on the K10D. The feel and handling of the lens is great, the IQ is not bad at all. I am happy with it, as well as the 80-210mm (103A). I am thinking the next adaptall2 lends to get is the 35-80mm after seeing some nice images here.

David

The SP 36-80 2.8 has remarkable overall performance for a zoom. Used as a macro it comes close to the 90 mm in resolution..and with a 1:2 macro ratio that becomes 1:1 with the SP 2X.

The SP 60-300 is so nice I got rid of my 70-210 AF..since I never was keen on AF anyhow. Had the 25 2.5 since it was new (81?) and have wanted the 24...just missed it on ebay a few times. The SP 28-135 4.0 is pretty crisp for a wide>Tele All-round. I have pretty much any sort of mount (at least for now) except the pricey PKA. Mostly I'm using Pentax K or M42 bodies.

I also liked the Sigma YS lenses. have the M42,PK and Nikon mounts and 4 primes including the 500 mirror and 135 1.8

I'd been doing some sideline business..buying + selling and it's kind of handy how I could stick the same lens on bodies from quite a few makers.

I'd guess the 80-210 3.8 variants are probably THE biggest selling 3rd party zooms of all. Not "Great" but easily a "Best Buy". I got a 100mm Pentax Macro....on a lucky deal or I'd have paid for a Tammy 90 macro...a lens I CRAVED back in 1980. It actually costs MORE now on ebay than the new price was.

Something interesting with the 60-300SP...none of the 3 that I have had, had any zoom creep. The 80-210's tend to have a little..the Pentax 70-200's I have had...a LOT of creep. I have a 70-150 (not SP) that I have not used much. Mostly..nice and compact,about the size of my 100mm Macro or a fairly small 135.

[Ron Redwood]

With PK-a-adapter the lens behaves just like a A-series lens. So that's the reason they're so wanted...

A PK adapter can be had for$10-15....sometimes less and you might find one with a lens at $20...however....figure $50-plus for a PKA. Even if it's on a 80-210 and the seller has not mentioned PKA..SOME guy will spot it and bid it up. I came close to getting a bargain...twice. Another adaptall you just can't "steal" is the 17mm prime.
Pretty sure to go over $100 even if it's half that near the end.

The 28 2.5 is often a great buy.....look for one with adapter for about $20. Very compact,very crisp.

[Mike.P®]

Another adaptall you just can't "steal" is the 17mm prime.
Pretty sure to go over $100 even if it's half that near the end.

My 17mm cost me the equivilent of about $60 and it came boxed with case, a hood and 3 adapters (Oly, Canon and Nikon). Private sale on another forum, I was happy and so was he (I think I was happier)

[Squier]

70-210 - One of top sharpest lenses in my collection. Constant f3.5 throughout the range




70-350 - another beauty. Constant f4.5 throughout the range

[Ron Redwood]

Not familiar with a 75-350 Adaptall. Sure is a nice shot though. Constant 4.5...even at 350? Wow.

[Squier]

Thanks Ron - this is the beast

[kuuan]

thank you very much Ron for your valuable information, much appreciated!

[IS050]

My First Moon Shot

Adaptall2 80-210mm f3.8 (103A) plus #01F Flat-Field 2X Tele-Converter. I think this combo works out quiet well.

[Jewelltrail]

Wow, this thread is taking off! Lots of nice work. ISO50, those moon shots are great--yes, the 2x tele and 80-210 really gel.

The 60-300 Tammy--first two shots are at 300mm & ISO 320. The 3rd shot is at 200mm.

[Squier]

I love the wildlife shots the best - always have always will ! But that tree is just mental