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Soviet zoom lens GRANIT -11 or GRANIT - 11MC
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PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 1:43 pm    Post subject: Soviet zoom lens GRANIT -11 or GRANIT - 11MC Reply with quote
First of all I would like to introduce myself.
My name is Vytas and I`m from Lithuania. I`ve recently took interest in old camera technology and cameras themselves which led to my new hobby photography.
Right now I`m thinking about buying new gear,because my Zenit E - helios 44m-4 and FED 2 industar 61L/D feel wrong somehow.
Anyway. I`ve picked a camera which I want however I haven`t decided on the lens.
I was thinking about buying a Jupiter 37A lens , I was thinking about buying Jupiter 21 but then I have stumbled on to this Russian zoom lens Granit 11. There where 2 versions of it ,the granit 11 and the MC (multi coated) version. Since buying Granit lens would be a few times cheaper then buying a 80mm 135mm and 200mm lenses I am really considering it,but I would really like some info about it. I`ve searched the net but failed to find detailed description about it, with examples of the results that this lens can offer.

So can anyone give me a detailed description of this lens,photos made with this lens, is it worth buying it,or not,what are the alternatives and etc.?

P.S. I prefer Russian lenses because they are a LOT cheaper in my country than Japanese or German lenses. ( but I`m still open for ideas Smile )

Thanks,
Vytas


PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 1:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi and welcome

what i found is that zoom lenses made me lazy, I prefer the primes as they make me move around to make better shots, plus they are normally a lot faster ( f2 or so ) as opposed to the zooms

cheers

d163


PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 2:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I´d say that You should start with prime lenses. For example Jupiter-9 85/2, Jupiter-37AM 135/3.5 and Jupiter-21 200/4 are all very good lenses, which can be bought at reasonable cost.

I don´t have the Granit/Arsat 80-200/4.5 zoom, but judging from the samples (not many, I must admit) I´ve seen, the above mentioned primes are better. The slowness of zoom lenses is also limiting, as Dude163 said. In addition, the zooms are much more complicated than primes, so there´s a greater possibility to get a copy with a decentered element or some other flaw.

If You find a very cheap Granit/Arsat, go ahead, but still buy those primes.

If somebody can prove me wrong and show some great Granit samples, please do so!


PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 7:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I agree with dude163 and Gurdie, especially about those three Jupiter lenses. Their costs for me: J9 (85/2), US$70 -- J11 (135/4), US$38 -- J21M (200/4), US$25. All are fine lenses.

In general, new zooms are better-made, and with better optics, than older zooms. Yes, exceptions exist, especially such as Vivitar Series 1 and Tokina ATX series. And yes, even old zooms without the greatest image quality may have their own unique characters and sweet spots, sometimes useful for giving a 'period' feel to images.

If an old zoom (or any lens) is inexpensive, don't hesitate. My ROT (rule of thumb): If it costs less than a sandwich or hamburger, buy it. If it costs more than a large pizza, think very hard about it. And if it costs more than an elaborate celebratory dinner with your partner (drinks included), ask us for advice. Wink


PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 9:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thanks for your advice. However it`s still quite interesting for me to know what highs can this lens achieve.


[quote="RioRico"]I agree with dude163 and Gurdie, especially about those three Jupiter lenses. Their costs for me: J9 (85/2), US$70 -- J11 (135/4), US$38 -- J21M (200/4), US$25. All are fine lenses.

I live in a country where Russian technology is our heritage but I`ve never seen prices that low. Did you get them on ebay ? With prices that low I would have never thought about buying a zoom lens in the first place Smile


PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 11:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
This is it :
http://ussrphoto.com/Wiki/default.asp?WikiCatID=28&ParentID=2&ContentID=869&Item=Granit+11+4%2E5%2F80%2D200+zoom+lens

http://translate.google.fr/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.photohistory.ru%2Findex.php%3Fpid%3D1207248188953890&sl=ru&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8

In MC version :
http://translate.google.fr/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.photohistory.ru%2Findex.php%3Fpid%3D1207248188953890&sl=ru&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8

Tests :
http://www.deep-life.ru/granit/test-1/index.htm
http://www.deep-life.ru/granit/test-2/index.htm
Sample pictures :
http://www.deep-life.ru/granit/index.htm


PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 1:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Welcome!

Russian lens are good and affordable, right choice at the beginning Wink
http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/russian_lens/?


PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thanks Oliver for your links,the samples of Granit 11 photos look awesome in the future I will definitely get myself one of these but for now I will take all of your advice and buy a prime lens. Especially if I find prices RioRico mentioned.

Thanks again Smile
Vytas


PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 8:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Drack wrote:
RioRico wrote:
Their costs for me: J9 (85/2), US$70 -- J11 (135/4), US$38 -- J21M (200/4), US$25. All are fine lenses.

I live in a country where Russian technology is our heritage but I`ve never seen prices that low. Did you get them on ebay ?

Yes, on eBay last year. Since I have them and don't desire to sell them, I haven't followed their current prices. I had thought they might cost less in Europe than here in USA, especially with lower shipping charges from FSU countries.


PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Quote:

Yes, on eBay last year. Since I have them and don't desire to sell them, I haven't followed their current prices. I had thought they might cost less in Europe than here in USA, especially with lower shipping charges from FSU countries


In my country you can get lenses like Helios 44- 2 ,44m, 44m-4, (and others like that) , Industar 61 . 61L/D , jupiter 8 37a for ~ 5-15 dol(sometimes with cameras zenit`s and etc). However lenses with further viewing distance like Jupiter 21 , TAIR 3 and so on, are first of all rare , and they cost alot.
I myself have a TAIR 3 phs and I`m selling it for ~80 dollars. It`s a very low price ( though the lens isn`t perfect) . I have never seen prices like you have mentioned. I would buy 5 for that kind of price Very Happy


PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I didn't see these prices last year either on e-bay. Crying or Very sad

What is your country, Drack ?


PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 9:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Quote:
What is your country, Drack ?


Lithuania


PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 11:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I know Gurdie pointed this out but don't forget that this lens is also labeled as the "Arsat" as many arsenal-make lenses were. A quick search with google gave me a few hits beyond what was already talked about here.


PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 2:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Drack

Welcome!

Take a stroll through the pages of bargain buys in this forum. I put up details of an amazing buy there, but he, the seller, might take an order for several primes of different types if you approach him? There may be other details also from other members.

The primes are better, but it depends on what subjects you are seeking?
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