Re Moose's comment about close focus, I have added the Tamron 35-80 SP to
his table; from that you can see that the Tamron 35-80 SP has very good
close focus at 80mm focal length, with a macro ratio of 1:2.5. Size and
weight are almost identical to the Zuiko 35-70 3.6. I would still choose
the Zuiko myself for most photography; the good hood and the non-rotating
front element are big plusses for me. However, I usually choose Moose's
favourite, the Tamron asp 35-105/2.8, for the extra reach and 2.8 constant
aperture.
Another lens that many people like is the Tokina ATX 28-85/3.5-4.5, with
close focus (see Gary Reese' tests). I also have a Tokina ATX 35-70/2.8,
which stylewise seems to be in family with the Tokina ATX 80-200/2.8.
Roger Key
Moose wrote:
.....
As to other alternatives, I really like the Tamron asp 35-105/2.8. Fast,
sharp, reaches longer than the 35-80/2.8, is the same size and weight
and is much cheaper. Although the Tamron focuses a little closer, i.e.
higher magnification due to the longer fl, neither lens focuses close
enough for my tastes. Well, actually none of these lenses focus close
enough for my taste. And the 2 that focus the closest do so at 35mm,
giving little working distance and sometimes less than ideal perspective.
There are some big physical differences between these lens that might
also be significant to you:
Zuiko Zuiko Zuiko Zuiko Tamron SP Tamron SP
f3.5-4.5 f2.8 f3.6 f4 f2.8 f2.8-3.8
35-70 35-80 35-70 35-70 35-105 35-80
Length Min 51 99 74 71 98 76
Diameter 62 69 67 69 76 64
Weight 190 650 400 385 650 386
Filter size 49mm 62mm 55mm 55mm 67mm 62mm
Close focus 0.45m 0.6m 0.8m 0.75m 1.0m 0.27m
Max. Macro 1:6 1:8.6 1:10.4 1:10 1:7.3 1:2.5
.....
Moose
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