New Member Registered: June, 2017 Posts: 15 | | Review Date: December 24, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $14.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Build, Optics, Use on M4/3 | | Cons: | none for the price | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
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I have the "Clubman" branded version. It is well built, smooth with a long focus throw and half-stop clicks on the aperture ring that makes it easy to use on modern digital bodies.
On micro 4/3 this becomes a close focus 55mm equivalent that is sharp and free of major distortion unless you focus close (then some barrel distortion that can be corrected in processing).
I use a telephoto equivalent metal lens hood on micro 4/3 - and find flare well controlled and contrast improved. This makes it sufficiently different from the "kit" zoom lenses of Micro 4/3 to be worth space in the kit bag.
On micro 4/3 It is great for 3/4 portraits and for "near macro" images - eg flowers, eyes, fingers, toes.
Focus is easy to get right at F2.8. At smaller apertures the "focus Assist" functions of digital cameras helps.
Bokeh is excellent wide open...surprising for a "wide angle".
On a 35mm film camera (I have 2 x P'30s) it is just another 28mm wide-angle - but good value nonetheless.
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New Member Registered: May, 2017 Posts: 2 | | Review Date: May 3, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $25.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Pretty sharp, nice colours, not heavy | | Cons: | needs a hood for landscapes | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: Sony Nex 6
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My copy has an M42 mount and plastic lens cap marked 'Photax Super Paragon'.
It's a pretty good macro lens for the money. Also good as a reversed prime. Decent and sharp when focussed correctly. Isn't too bad for landscapes but does need a hood as it loves to flare. The multicoating gives lovely colours for shots.
This is one of those bargain lenses that if you can get it cheap then it's worth owning.
Build quality is decent and it's not very heavy. Feels good in the hand.
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Senior Member Registered: July, 2009 Location: London Posts: 212
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 12, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $15.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Build optics operation | | Cons: | bigger than a Pentax equivalent | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 8
Value: 10
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My version is branded as 'Clubman', but there is no doubt it is the same lens. I have no evidence of who made it; but if by the way the front lens is fitted, then I suspect Tokina, but this is only a loose suspicion. Considering it's age, the mechanics and optics are ageing very well. For performance it is yet another competent 28mm, no significant distortions, CA, softening at the edges. The f number can be set 2.8 to 22 with half stops all the way to f16. The focusing down to 0.2m.
The focus ring operates in the reverse to a Pentax, I also compared it to shots taken with my Pentax M 28mm ver 1. I could not tell the difference. This lens is about 15% bigger than the Pentax.
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