This lens behaves like the 200mm f/4 Zuiko (multi-coated) in that it has a
performance fall off immediately upon stopping down. Camera shake (like in
the 200mm) is doubtful here since the lens is short and stable a top a heavy
Bogen tripod with a quick release plate (I used mirror lockup and the
self-timer). It's seems to suffer from focus shift, unless someone else has
a good explanation.
135mm f/2.8 Zuiko (multi-coated)
Vignetting = A-
Distortion = none
Aperture Center Corner
f/2.8 B B-
f/4 B- B-
f/5.6 C+ B-
f/8 B- B
f/11 B+ B+
f/16 B+ A-
f/22 B B+
Notes: Moderately high contrast at expense of resolving power throughout
aperture range, with impressively high contrast wide open; possible focus
shift accounts for lower grades when stopped down 2 to 3 stops.
The contrast at full aperture really took me by surprise. But when I looked
for details in the low contrast subject matter, it just wasn't there. I
consider these results an endorsement of it's frequently cited use as a
portrait lens at full aperture. But for detailed landscapes, I give the nod
to the 135mm f/4.5 Macro Zuiko. Routinely carrying the latter in a typical
walkabout outfit is another matter.
Gary Reese
Las Vegas, NV
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