| Latest Review Posted | Miranda MC Macro 24mm F2.8
The Miranda 24mm f/2.8 is a great value in wide angle primes. It is well-constructed of all-metal, smooth focusing and has large + clear DOF markings. Mine is a PK-A version with a 52mm filter thread, 5 rounded aperture blades and a black satin finish. The aperture ring is narrow and close to the camera body when mounted, but with the 'A' setting this isn't a problem. The focusing action is short (it is a 24mm, after all), slightly heavy without being stiff, and about 1/2 turn from close-focus to infinity. It is nearly identical in size, weight and diameter to a Pentax A 28mm f/2.8.
Performance is nothing short of amazing. Clear, sharp and truly beautiful color rendition, as good as any of my short focal length A or M series PK's. I also own a Sigma 24mm f/2.8 and find the Miranda delivers more clarity and sharpness overall.
'Macro' is an overused term, but at (roughly) 8" close-focusing it can do a respectable job on flowers and small subjects. Bokeh is decent wide open, slightly nervous stopped down, the curved blades must help here.
Vertical distortion is no worse than the Sigma Super-wide and might be slightly better. In any event it is easily corrected with LR or other PP programs.
Flare resistance is good, perhaps not equal to smc coating but not far behind. A generic 52mm WA hood helps quite a bit.
At about $100 USD, it is half the price of most 24mm manual focus primes and can compare results with any I've seen. If you find one, buy it! They are rare but do come ... |
