Olympus OM Zuiko MC AUTO-W 28mm f2.8 - feedback requested

DigiChromeEd · Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 3462 Location: Northern Ireland

Hi

Recently in another post I have been looking for an affordable 28mm lens for landscape photography adaptable to both my Canon FF and Sony APS-C cameras. I'm embarrassed to admit it but I already own a Olympus OM 28mm f2.8 which I had forgotten about. Embarassed

The photo below was taken on my Canon EOS5DMKII, f11, ISO100 and is the full frame image. I have applied a slight levels adjustment and sharpened the RAW file as per my usual pp. Personally I think the result from this lens, especially on full frame is excellent. I was expecting some smearing of detail in the corners but, to my ageing eyes, that doesn't seem to be the case.

Your feedback would be very much appreciated. Would I have to spend a lot more money to obtain better quality than this?

stevemark · Joined: 29 Apr 2011 Posts: 3754 Location: Switzerland

timo832000 · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 544 Location: Germany / Cologne

Looks quite good. But I would advice you to test the lens at infinity because this is the setting you will usually use for capturing landscape images.

DigiChromeEd · Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 3462 Location: Northern Ireland

spleenone · Joined: 26 Dec 2009 Posts: 1130 Location: Slovakia

Apparently sharp from corner to corner with minimal color aberration, means fringing. I would have question about iso of the image, otherwise nice grain.

Maybe some scene with another lighning? Which allows to contrast for more pop up or so?

papasito · Joined: 09 Jan 2015 Posts: 1658

This 28 mm lens has the same design time than the 3rd versión of the MC 1,8/50 MM lens.

This is the first and unique versión.

rafa1981 · Joined: 15 Jul 2010 Posts: 142

On the classic Sony A7 the 28 f3.5 from Olympus is the sharpest lens corner to corner that I have tried. This 28 2.8 is pretty similar but slightly worse. A very viable lens indeed as you have found.

Both the Distagon 28 f2.8 MM and the Pentax K 28 f3.5 are better on flare control and vignetting than the Olympus 28 f3.5 at the expense of slightly worse corners and portability.

I'd keep the Olympus if you are don't find its flare control lacking. If you are considering upgrades those three are the ones to look for. Note that I didn't try the AIs 28 f2.8, just the f2.