Gary's lens tests only include a SC 21mm f3.5, but the
Unofficial Olympus OM Zuiko Lens Page suggests that a MC
version of this lens is the current one. Also, it seems
to be a trend that the cheaper wide angle lenses were
better in the SC versions. The 24mm f2.8 comes to mind.
Has anyone compared the SC & MC versions of the 21mm f3.5
(if the MC version exists, of course)? With the 24mm f2.8,
the distortion became worse in the MC version. I am very
curious if the waveforming and/or barrel distortion became
worse in the MC 21mm f3.5.
Pete
I don't believe there is any reason that different coatings would
introduce distortion into a lens. That is a product of lens design
and execution. If Olympus decided to redesign a lens at the same time
it switched from SC to MC it is unlikely that they would choose to
make it worse and if it is believed they are not competent to do
that, then maybe Oly is not a good choice.
The 21/3.5 is not the cheap option lens you seem to think it is. It
was part of the original OM system designed to be as good or better
than any maker's equivalent lens. The 21/2 was an amazingly fast high
quality lens which pushed the envelope for the other makers. It was
one of the Olympus show off lenses.
The question is then whether there is any advantage to MC. Since
virtually no manufacturer produces single coated lenses and touts
their advantages over MC it is a good bet that MC is an improvement.
It seems that MC would be more valuable as the possibilities for
contrast robbing flare goes up. The need would seem to increase as
the angle of the lens gets wider and the number of elements that
scatter light goes up. A super wide angle becomes a prime candidate
for MC and the one most likely to get visibly improved images by it.
There is variability in lens testing, sometimes due to the testing
methods, and sometimes due to variations in lenses being tested. At
this point lens testing is done on used lenses in different condition
and histories. People have penchants for dropping lenses, growing
fungus on them, "cleaning" off the front coating, disassembling and
reassembling them to "fix" something all the while asking advice on
how to do it. The 21/3.5 does come in MC and you may be lucky to find
one in good condition and you may not. There is an added advantage
over the SC. You can buy one new with no damage guaranteed. B&H still
has some new ones listed on their web site if you want to be sure
that you get one that has not been damaged or tampered with by an
amateur.
--
Winsor Crosby
Long Beach, California
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