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[OM] Re: another 135mm, focal length no one likes

Subject: [OM] Re: another 135mm, focal length no one likes
From: AG Schnozz <agschnozz@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 10:11:57 -0800 (PST)
> Why do I have several 135mm lenses, when it is one focal
> length I seldom
> ever use? Anyone else have this kind of trouble?

I received a fine 135/3.5 in the mail one day from the purveyer
of fine Olympus items.  He seemed to think that my collection of
silvernosed lenses wasn't complete until I had this in it.

Well, I've got to say that I was pleasantly suprised. 135mm
falls right between 100mm and 200mm in magnification. No it
isn't 150mm, but 135mm.  Go figure.

Anyway, since mine is a 3.5, it has the 49mm filter ring size
and is fully compatable with the lens accessories for all of my
Zuikos except the 200/4. It's compact, light and is reasonably
sharp. The bokeh isn't as nice as the 100/2.8 (what is?), but
stopped down and used on a tripod, the lens is exceptional. If
I'm out backpacking and not wanting to carry the 200/4, I'll
pack the 135/3.5.

This focal length is too long for most portraiture and too short
for most telephoto uses.  Very odd, inbetween focal length. 
However, I've found that the focal length is great in urban
settings when I need to isolate something but still retain a
decent working distance.  Nearly perfect for photographing
automobiles as it keeps perspective distortion down without
compressing the scene.

Another time where I definitely use this focal length (however
not as much anymore thanks to digital), is for event photography
when I need to photograph somebody at the podium.  Shooting from
near the front I get a decent 1/2-length shot with good
isolation.  The 100mm gives me a full-lenth shot but the
background is a bit more expansive.  (these shots are nearly
always flash exposed--stroboframe mounted, ISO 400 and F5.6).

I use mostly zoom lenses now for event photography (IS-3,
digital A1) because of the convenience, but prefer the look of
the fixed focal-length lenses more.  Hardly any distortion and a
bit more 3D effect. Also, I've noticed that the backgrounds tend
to not only be smoother, but warmer.  Strange...

Now, if you ask about 35mm, I'll tell you that my 35/2.8 is
parked on the front of my OM-2S the majority of the time.

28mm?  Never met a 28mm that I liked.  Absolutely worthless in
my book.  I got a 24mm and never looked back. (actually, I'm on
my second one since the first wore out)

50mm is also kinda in the worthless category for me too.  I'd
rather use 35mm focal length.  I have a 50/3.5 which I keep with
me because it's an awefully sharp lens and it close focuses
extremely well.  But it's a flare monster.

AG-Schnozz


                
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