OK, Winsor puts the f4 is ahead of the f3.5-4.5. Donald reverses that
order and likes his f3.5-4.5 for image quality and convenience. Tom
likes the f3.5-4.5 better because it is smaller and lighter.
Another factor no yet mentioned is hand and finger size of the user. In
Gary's tests, he said of the f3.5-4.5 "but short distance from focal
length ring to aperture ring". I have relatively long slender fingers
and find the f3.5-4.5 quite comfortable to handle. I seem to recall
someone with large blunt fingers saying they found it hard to use.
The difference in size and weight is quite substantial; 190 vs. 385 g,
51 vs. 71 mm long and 62 vs. 69 mm dia. Also interesting that, like the
f3.5-4.8 Cosina made 35-70, the f4 is a 7 element design, while the
f3.5-4.5 is 9 element and the f3.6 is 10. Doesn't necessarily mean
anything, but more elements can allow better correction of aberrations.
Also, cloe focus on the f3.5-4.5 is better, at .45m than the f4, at
.75m, and that's important to me.
I have a couple of extra f3.5-4.5s in E+ condition if anybody wants one
for $90. Hood, Oly caps extra. US shipping is $3.85, elsewhere, whatever
it costs. No questions money back less all shipping if you just don't
like it for some reason within 30 days. If there is something wrong with
it and you return it within 30 days, I'll refund everything. Reply offline.
Jeff Keller wrote:
The f3.5/4.5 is harder to predict. One went recently quite cheap - it's
plastic right?
I suppose much of the outer part is plastic, but looks much like other
Zuikos. Doesn't have the plasticky look and feel of many 3rd party lenses.
You could probably get a yaBe one (in claimed E condition)
for about $100 and if quite patient perhaps $80. I saw one first hand
unfortunately, that had a cracked focusing barrel. Although plastic, the
tiny size gives it a nice character. If IRRC the hood is the same as the
rubber one for the 50/1.8, 50/1.4, 35/2.8.
Correct. And it reverses over the lens like the hood for the f3.6, both
protecting the body and staying out of the way when not in use.
The f3.6 was my main lens for many years. I've been very happy with it. With
a LOT of patience you could probably get one with a price as low as $125.
The hood can be reversed over the lens protecting much of the body. Seems
like many/most users loose the hood though. I find that since it is so easy
to carry the hood with the lens, I use the hood all the time.
Never lost the hood and agree with everything you say about the f/3.6.
It was also my main lens for many years. An excellent lens with unique
hood that is actually of some use at longer end. On the other hand,
since I got the f3.5-4.5 and the 35-105/3.5-4.5, I almost never use the
f3.6. For small I use one and for bigger, I prefer the extra reach of
the 35-105.
Moose
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