I just got an excellent deal for the Minolta MD-III 35-70mm f/3.5 MACRO, a lens I've been wanting for at least a year and while I'm waiting for it to arrive I thought I'd check TH-cam for reviews. This is how I found this video and I'm glad I did. Great work, yet again. I especially loved the intro. Greetings from Romania.
Hey, thanks for this review! after watching your video I came across one of these lenses in OM mount, it was really cheap so I got it to experiment. Initially it was too soft and hazy, but after cleaning all the elements it showed that it is a very capable lens, and it looks really cool too! I did a side-by-side comparison with my beloved Nikkor 35-70 2.8 on my Fuji, and as expected the Nikkor is much better at f2.8, and a bit better at f4. The Sigma is much lighter (250g lighter! it balances perfectly with my X-T20, unlike the Nikkor), it is sharp enough for my 24MP camera and the colors are very nice, but it flares A LOT. All in all, I think that I will be using it quite a bit!
Great job! Loved the test video and shots. I was looking at this lens since I dropped and destroyed my Panasonic kit lens recently. 😁 Did you try this moving? I do hiking videos mainly and I'm curious how it will do without stabilization. My other vintage lenses aren't stabilized, but I need a cheap zoom for the trail. This one seemed reasonable.
I basically usa a tripod only in the studio, and I used to shoot travel videos so, yeah, I understand your needs ;) It will perform just as any other lens without stabilization, if your camera has a stabilized sensor it's alright. Still, I would not recommend it to you. I quickly checked your channel and a 35-70 would be too limited for you, especially on a m4/3 sensor with that 2 times crop. Honestly, I'd go for some modern zoom, in fact that's the reason why I spent 500-something euros on my 18-105 f4. There aren't many wide angle vintage lenses and anything wider than 24mm will cost a fortune. But you have your action cam, I see... so a 70-140 equivalent might not be a bad choice. I'm sorry, I can't give you a definitive answer...
Great video Marco. You have a great variety of shots compared to other lens reviewers. I like the close up b-roll clips, they are a nice addition to the story. Were those zoomed in photos taken at 35mm and then the same at 70mm or a crop to show details? I think it would be great to do a 1 or 2 shot comparison between this kind of lens and a modern kit lens to show the difference in quality. Just for a few seconds, nothing crazy. If I was just adapting (not shooting film) and that certain vintage lens did not have much character to it then I would be tempted to bring a modern AF lens. Unless the IQ is noticeably better. -Alberto
Yes, the cropping was just to show details. I do try to test every lens for at least a few weeks in different light conditions, although for obvious reasons I'm missing a couple portraits, this time. I'm also trying to find the right amount of samples, 30ish seems to be ok, what you think? In past reviews I had close to 50 shots/clips but sometimes it felt a little too much when watching the final video. Anyway, you're right, I should insert a couple comparison shots with modern lenses, even if I actually only own four XD thanks for the idea!
Yeah, I was kinda surprised too! The camera is the usual Sony a6500, b-rolls were shot on the Pentacon 50mm 1.8 I reviewed a couple months ago and the Fujian 35mm 1.7 with extension rings (links in description 😉)
There are actually a number of good, quality 35-70mm zooms out there. But the only (worthwhile) one that I've used was the Nikkor 35-70mm f2,8, later also made in a D variant. Quick ebuy search revealed to me that it's quite cheap these days, 100-300 euros. Yes, I say cheap, course if focus is achieved, that lens was a stellar performer. I guess limited focal range is not so hot these days. The only drawback of that lens was kinda fiddly manual focussing ring, what was actually quite common for the first generation of autofocus lenses...
I am very picky about vintage zooms, but yes, I agree that there are more good 35-70 than, say, 70-200. About the price, well, everyone has a different budget and a different perception of cost. To me 100-300€ is expensive, but I see others that consider a 500€ lens cheap...
Very nice review! I have to compliment on your "exposures" or dealing with light if you prefer, besides a very good taste on composition. I feel I was there, too ;) Your place seems familiar to me, where are you from, Marco? Btw, I had a metal Master version for over 20 years and I love it. Cheers, Marcelo
Video request: One ought to do a side by side comparison of the Sigma Standard Zoom and the Sigma Master Zoom. Both have the same speed and focal flexibility. No one has a comparison or commentary about the two.
Olympus is one of the brands I would like to explore, even if they're not the easiest to come around or cheapest to buy, but I'm keeping my eyes open! 😉
i buy this lens but is it the master zoom for 1,50€ now i think i have a good deal :D to my question i need a adapter for my sony emount for this lens do you know wich one i need?
Depends on which mount your lens is, but yes, you need an adapter. If you can't recognize the mount there are many groups on Facebook and reddit that can help you with that, just post a picture there and somebody will help you figure out the mount 😉
@@MarcoAries Thank you so much! One more quick question - does the front element rotate - I have a matte box and most vintage zooms rotate making it impossible to use?
Actually yes, it does rotate and extend, so not really suited for matte boxes. I don't use one, so I never thought about that, but I'll keep that in mind for the next reviews, thanks!
The one I have shown has a Konica AR mount, so it can't be adapted to cameras with EF mount. You would have to find one with a focal flange distance greater than EF, there's a handy Wikipedia page with all the flange distances for all mounts 😉
Hi! I found a lense like this but I don't know if it will work with my Canon 60D. Is it possible to use this lense with my camera? If yes, what sould I do?
I don't believe it was produced for any mount that can be adapted to Canon EF. Many if not most vintage lenses cannot be adapted to current Canon DSLRs. When in doubt, you can check the flange distance, there is a wikipedia page with every brand and mount. If the flange distance of the lens is shorter than Canon EF mount, than it can't be adapted 😉
Well, if the lens has a Canon FD mount it should work without issues, otherwise it won't go on! If you are not sure just compare it with any other Canon FD lens you have. If it's the right mount but still doesn't work, that might be a bigger issue. Try checking if the screws in the mount are loose, but I'm not an expert in repairing lenses... Hope you get it to work!
Most brands have their own way to attach their lenses to the bodies, known as "mount". The Canon ae1 uses a Canon FD mount, so you can't use Nikon lenses on it, for example. Sigma made, and still makes, lenses with mounts for many different systems, my copy has a Konica AR mount. If your AE1 came with a Canon FD lens you can compare the backs and see if they match, if not just google an image 😉 If they are different, it just won't attach to the body, so don't force it.
Hey, recendly found an old vintage camera from my grandpa and it has a canon FD 50 mm aswell as the Sigma 35-70mm Zoom Master, now I wonder what is the difference between the Zoom master and the standard zoom? Also does any body know if I can get Adapter rings for Ef-m mount? don't really like these big bulky adapters.. thaught maybe I can just buy a few of these smaller rings and screw them directly to the lense.. unfortunately I cant find any of these for the eos m50 (ef-m).. also not for my m42 lenses :/
Mater and Standard are just different series; the Master should have better optics and construction. As for the adapters, both K&F concept and Fotodioxpro have adapters for your M50. Adapters are just the size they need to be to achieve the correct flange distance, meaning the distance between the lens and the film or sensor ;)
@@MarcoAries wow, thank you for the quick answer! Very helpful. Ah, okay so i see.. then the small adapterrings like Canon fd to ef has, is not possible then i suppose :/ well at least i can use the lense i guess xd. Then have a nice day lad :)!
@@MarcoAries little update now, that adapter arrived today, works as good as the one i have for m42's. But unfortunately the aperture as well as the Zoom function (like zooming in? idk if i missed something but i seem to only be able to adjust focus) appears to be broken.. wich is a bummer.. i mean the lens it self makes great and sharp pictures, no doubt.. but is there a way i could go about fixing this? Have no experience with opening up lenses whatsoever.. so that would be my last, if not, no option. Ah also for that zoom thing, am i missing something or where am i supposed to turn xD rlly confuses me.. Hope i don't teak up too much of your time, if you read this. Hope you have a relaxing day lad :)!
ok wow i am just dumb xdddd didnt understand, but the aperture is controlled directly on the adapter.. well that's good to know😂.. oof, sry for the spam.. still the zoom thing is a mistery for me.. or are the 35~70mm just reffering to the field of few? like for focus? old tech man 😅
This is with the sigma 35-70 zoom master? FD mount, right? From a quick search, it might be a push/pull zoom, meaning that the focusing barrel should rotate to control focus, but also move back and forth to zoom. Might be that. As for the aperture, being an FD mount, the adapter should have an open/lock ring; mount the lens when that's on open, then turn the ring to closed/lock, that should activate the aperture. I have a video about using FD adapters, it might help visualize it better. Let me know!
I just got an excellent deal for the Minolta MD-III 35-70mm f/3.5 MACRO, a lens I've been wanting for at least a year and while I'm waiting for it to arrive I thought I'd check TH-cam for reviews.
This is how I found this video and I'm glad I did. Great work, yet again. I especially loved the intro.
Greetings from Romania.
Thank you! I'm looking forward for your review of the Minolta, then! 😉
I have the Konica 35 to 70 macro zoom and I know why they call it the plastic fantastic .
Good video. Well done.
I bought something that looks almost like this but it's branded Osawa MC and has a Minolta MC mount.
Thanks! I'm not familiar with the brand Osawa, but many third party lenses were the exact same, just with a different name ;)
Hey, thanks for this review! after watching your video I came across one of these lenses in OM mount, it was really cheap so I got it to experiment. Initially it was too soft and hazy, but after cleaning all the elements it showed that it is a very capable lens, and it looks really cool too! I did a side-by-side comparison with my beloved Nikkor 35-70 2.8 on my Fuji, and as expected the Nikkor is much better at f2.8, and a bit better at f4. The Sigma is much lighter (250g lighter! it balances perfectly with my X-T20, unlike the Nikkor), it is sharp enough for my 24MP camera and the colors are very nice, but it flares A LOT. All in all, I think that I will be using it quite a bit!
That's great to hear! I'm glad you are enjoying your time with it!
Great job! Loved the test video and shots. I was looking at this lens since I dropped and destroyed my Panasonic kit lens recently. 😁 Did you try this moving? I do hiking videos mainly and I'm curious how it will do without stabilization. My other vintage lenses aren't stabilized, but I need a cheap zoom for the trail. This one seemed reasonable.
I basically usa a tripod only in the studio, and I used to shoot travel videos so, yeah, I understand your needs ;) It will perform just as any other lens without stabilization, if your camera has a stabilized sensor it's alright. Still, I would not recommend it to you. I quickly checked your channel and a 35-70 would be too limited for you, especially on a m4/3 sensor with that 2 times crop. Honestly, I'd go for some modern zoom, in fact that's the reason why I spent 500-something euros on my 18-105 f4. There aren't many wide angle vintage lenses and anything wider than 24mm will cost a fortune. But you have your action cam, I see... so a 70-140 equivalent might not be a bad choice. I'm sorry, I can't give you a definitive answer...
Great video Marco. You have a great variety of shots compared to other lens reviewers. I like the close up b-roll clips, they are a nice addition to the story. Were those zoomed in photos taken at 35mm and then the same at 70mm or a crop to show details? I think it would be great to do a 1 or 2 shot comparison between this kind of lens and a modern kit lens to show the difference in quality. Just for a few seconds, nothing crazy. If I was just adapting (not shooting film) and that certain vintage lens did not have much character to it then I would be tempted to bring a modern AF lens. Unless the IQ is noticeably better. -Alberto
Yes, the cropping was just to show details. I do try to test every lens for at least a few weeks in different light conditions, although for obvious reasons I'm missing a couple portraits, this time. I'm also trying to find the right amount of samples, 30ish seems to be ok, what you think? In past reviews I had close to 50 shots/clips but sometimes it felt a little too much when watching the final video.
Anyway, you're right, I should insert a couple comparison shots with modern lenses, even if I actually only own four XD thanks for the idea!
nice shots, didnt know u could get great images with it...and that video, u use what cam and lens ?!
Yeah, I was kinda surprised too! The camera is the usual Sony a6500, b-rolls were shot on the Pentacon 50mm 1.8 I reviewed a couple months ago and the Fujian 35mm 1.7 with extension rings (links in description 😉)
There are actually a number of good, quality 35-70mm zooms out there. But the only (worthwhile) one that I've used was the Nikkor 35-70mm f2,8, later also made in a D variant. Quick ebuy search revealed to me that it's quite cheap these days, 100-300 euros. Yes, I say cheap, course if focus is achieved, that lens was a stellar performer. I guess limited focal range is not so hot these days. The only drawback of that lens was kinda fiddly manual focussing ring, what was actually quite common for the first generation of autofocus lenses...
I am very picky about vintage zooms, but yes, I agree that there are more good 35-70 than, say, 70-200.
About the price, well, everyone has a different budget and a different perception of cost. To me 100-300€ is expensive, but I see others that consider a 500€ lens cheap...
Very nice review! I have to compliment on your "exposures" or dealing with light if you prefer, besides a very good taste on composition. I feel I was there, too ;)
Your place seems familiar to me,
where are you from, Marco?
Btw, I had a metal Master version for over 20 years and I love it.
Cheers,
Marcelo
Thanks! I live in Italy
Video request:
One ought to do a side by side comparison of the Sigma Standard Zoom and the Sigma Master Zoom. Both have the same speed and focal flexibility.
No one has a comparison or commentary about the two.
If I can fin the Master, sure, I will!
@@MarcoAries
eBay has got lots. ;)
@@MarcoAries
Do you still use this lens?
Not really, no, the only zoom lens I use is my trusty Sony 18-105 f4
amazing, thanks
Thank you for watching!
Ib suggest you to try the Olympus OM Zuiko 28-48mm f4
Olympus is one of the brands I would like to explore, even if they're not the easiest to come around or cheapest to buy, but I'm keeping my eyes open! 😉
i buy this lens but is it the master zoom for 1,50€ now i think i have a good deal :D to my question i need a adapter for my sony emount for this lens do you know wich one i need?
Depends on which mount your lens is, but yes, you need an adapter. If you can't recognize the mount there are many groups on Facebook and reddit that can help you with that, just post a picture there and somebody will help you figure out the mount 😉
@@MarcoAries thank you
👍🏻
Just bought one together with two other lenses, for a nice price!
Nice! What are the other two?
@@MarcoAries a minolta rokkor 50mm 1.7 and 75-200 ( big one) vintage lens - everything together with a Minolta gfx vintage camera for 50 euro
Good find! Let me know if you like the Minolta 50! ;)
@@MarcoAries i already have a Pentax smc 50mm 1.7 and a Helios 58mm 44 2. But the other zoomlenses are very welcome
Ah, the Pentax is very nice, I really like mine!
Thanks for posting! Would you mind telling me what the focus throw is on it - 90 degrees, 180 degree, 210, etc?
Sure, it's just slightly more than 180°
@@MarcoAries Thank you so much! One more quick question - does the front element rotate - I have a matte box and most vintage zooms rotate making it impossible to use?
Actually yes, it does rotate and extend, so not really suited for matte boxes. I don't use one, so I never thought about that, but I'll keep that in mind for the next reviews, thanks!
@@MarcoAries Thanks! Went down the rabbit hole last night trying to find one - not easy!!
What mount adapter i need to fit IT in Canon 750D and 6D?
The one I have shown has a Konica AR mount, so it can't be adapted to cameras with EF mount. You would have to find one with a focal flange distance greater than EF, there's a handy Wikipedia page with all the flange distances for all mounts 😉
Hi! I found a lense like this but I don't know if it will work with my Canon 60D. Is it possible to use this lense with my camera? If yes, what sould I do?
I don't believe it was produced for any mount that can be adapted to Canon EF. Many if not most vintage lenses cannot be adapted to current Canon DSLRs. When in doubt, you can check the flange distance, there is a wikipedia page with every brand and mount. If the flange distance of the lens is shorter than Canon EF mount, than it can't be adapted 😉
@@MarcoAries To my knowledge the only SLR lens that can not be adopted to Canon EOS mount is, ironically, a lens in Canon FD mount...
There's plenty, actually. All those that have a flange distance shorter than Canon EF. Konica AR , for example 😉
i have this lens and a canon ae 1 body, it's hard to put on. please what can I do?
Well, if the lens has a Canon FD mount it should work without issues, otherwise it won't go on! If you are not sure just compare it with any other Canon FD lens you have. If it's the right mount but still doesn't work, that might be a bigger issue. Try checking if the screws in the mount are loose, but I'm not an expert in repairing lenses... Hope you get it to work!
@@MarcoAries I just got the camera so I don't know what you mean by Canon FD mount. Please can you explain?
Most brands have their own way to attach their lenses to the bodies, known as "mount". The Canon ae1 uses a Canon FD mount, so you can't use Nikon lenses on it, for example. Sigma made, and still makes, lenses with mounts for many different systems, my copy has a Konica AR mount. If your AE1 came with a Canon FD lens you can compare the backs and see if they match, if not just google an image 😉 If they are different, it just won't attach to the body, so don't force it.
Hey, recendly found an old vintage camera from my grandpa and it has a canon FD 50 mm aswell as the Sigma 35-70mm Zoom Master, now I wonder what is the difference between the Zoom master and the standard zoom? Also does any body know if I can get Adapter rings for Ef-m mount? don't really like these big bulky adapters.. thaught maybe I can just buy a few of these smaller rings and screw them directly to the lense.. unfortunately I cant find any of these for the eos m50 (ef-m).. also not for my m42 lenses :/
Mater and Standard are just different series; the Master should have better optics and construction. As for the adapters, both K&F concept and Fotodioxpro have adapters for your M50. Adapters are just the size they need to be to achieve the correct flange distance, meaning the distance between the lens and the film or sensor ;)
@@MarcoAries wow, thank you for the quick answer! Very helpful. Ah, okay so i see.. then the small adapterrings like Canon fd to ef has, is not possible then i suppose :/ well at least i can use the lense i guess xd. Then have a nice day lad :)!
@@MarcoAries little update now, that adapter arrived today, works as good as the one i have for m42's. But unfortunately the aperture as well as the Zoom function (like zooming in? idk if i missed something but i seem to only be able to adjust focus) appears to be broken.. wich is a bummer.. i mean the lens it self makes great and sharp pictures, no doubt.. but is there a way i could go about fixing this? Have no experience with opening up lenses whatsoever.. so that would be my last, if not, no option. Ah also for that zoom thing, am i missing something or where am i supposed to turn xD rlly confuses me..
Hope i don't teak up too much of your time, if you read this. Hope you have a relaxing day lad :)!
ok wow i am just dumb xdddd didnt understand, but the aperture is controlled directly on the adapter.. well that's good to know😂.. oof, sry for the spam.. still the zoom thing is a mistery for me.. or are the 35~70mm just reffering to the field of few? like for focus? old tech man 😅
This is with the sigma 35-70 zoom master? FD mount, right?
From a quick search, it might be a push/pull zoom, meaning that the focusing barrel should rotate to control focus, but also move back and forth to zoom. Might be that.
As for the aperture, being an FD mount, the adapter should have an open/lock ring; mount the lens when that's on open, then turn the ring to closed/lock, that should activate the aperture. I have a video about using FD adapters, it might help visualize it better.
Let me know!
Like 20 👍