Olympus ED 35-100 2.0

J

James Bridges

Well-known member
Has anyone tried these lenses yet. I understand they do not hold focus through zooming. Just checking on image quality with the AF100, before plopping down $2200 smackers.
Thanks for any assistance.
 
I just ordered one based on reviews that this and the 14-25 are excellent lenses. Apparently they're super sharp even wide open and F2 is the fastest zoom I know of. I received mine on Friday (with the 14-35) but the 4/3 to m4/3 adapter should be here today. I don't think they are parafocal so won't hold focus through zooming. I haven't used any photo zooms that are parafocal, though, and I think that's part of the trade-off in using still lenses.

Hopefully in a day or so I can chime in with more hands on feedback.
 
I have the 14-35 so can only comment on that. But they are supposed to be very similar. I will buy the 35-100 when it get back in stock here.
It´s very sharp, very fast, feels very solid. It does not hold focus through the zoom as it is primarily a photo lens. They do make a quite loud clicking noise when you change the iris. It certainly will be picked up by the on board mic.
I really recommend these lenses as a lot of people do. I had to get a lens very quickly as and check around the web. After reading Phil Blooms "Which lens for AF101" I was convinced.
Quite a few people seem to have them on this forum
 
I own a 35-100 Zuiko which bought for the AF101 (European version). It's a beautifiul piece of glass producing flawless images. Couple of things you need to know...
1) It does not hold focus through the zoom.
2) It's biggest drawback is that the focus ring does not return to the same focus every time when you are racking between two marks; so a focus-puller can *not* put marks on a follow-focus disc and perform repeatable pull-focuses as with cine lenses. IE a pull-focus can only be done "by eye".
3) It's a long, heavy piece of glass. So as you'd expect there's a small amount of play (wobble) where it meets the body if unsupported, so I advise using a support such as http://store.zacuto.com/1/4-20-inch-Lens-Support.html which of course means using rods too. It's useable without, but...
Update: Benjamin Eckstein (below) may well be right. I'm waiting to get delivery of the Zakuto lens support and it's rod may well be too long when used with the 35-100's tripod plate. (Hacksaw?!)
 
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I have the 35-100mm f2 and it's an awesome lens. While it doesn't hold perfect focus during a zoom, the front lens barrel neither extends nor rotates when either focusing or zooming. On the AF100, both focus and iris can be remotely controlled and the aperture changes in 1/3rd stop increments. It's way too heavy to handhold for very long, but if you can handle the size and weight, it can replace all but the fastest f1.x prime lenses.
 
FWIW, I don't think that Zacuto part will work with the 35-100, or at least I can't figure out how. I have a similar part from them, left over from my old Letus support rig, and the problem is that the only place to screw into is the tripod plate that comes on the 35-100 and that sticks down too far for this Zacuto piece to work. I would love to see how other people are supporting this lens, though. This is the part I have and I think it will work with a longer zip gear:
http://store.zacuto.com/lightweight-locking-lens-support.html

It won't screw into the lens but I'd think the support would be enough. We'll see. I already have had this part for a couple years, otherwise I wouldn't buy it just for this.
 
35-100 definitely requires rod support at all times. AF100 lens holder is only rated for 1 Kg. and that lens is at least 4lbs with that metal lens collar (removable). 14-35 weighs 2lbs which is the limit. Not sure about the adapter weight but rod support would not hurt. I think 35-100 breathes even less than the 14-35. Only drawback is the min. focus of about 1.4 meters.
Olympus makes a doubler as well as a 1.4x extender, but I haven't needed these yet, makes them a f2.8 I believe. Not sure about IQ.
 
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