I have several Zeiss primes and the Zeiss 100-300 zoom, I am absolutely satisfy with their performance. However, I am now considering a wide to mid tele Zeiss zoom to improve my equippment versatility in some situtations (e.g. overseas travel with only one len, photography for indoor parties with flash, etc). There are several choices in this range including the new 28-70f3.5-4.5(325g), 35-70f3.4(475g), 28-85f3.3-4(735g), 35-135f3.5-4.5(735g), they come with different ranges, filter sizes, weights and of course prices. Does anyone has any experience with these lenses and whcih one do you recommend? Thank you!

-- Eric Ung (ung@chevalier.net), November 25, 1998

Answers

To answer my own question, I just bought the new 28-70 zoom after I played around with the other choices in the local camera shop. Although I don`t know its quality as I haven`t made any print from it yet, it is obvious the new zoom has the best body build among others, both in terms of its two touch design and lighter weight. It is also interesting that the len has its shortest physical length at the focal length of 50mm, that means it is longer(only slightly) at its 28mm and 70mm ends in contrast to the rest which the physical length are proportionally increase from the wide ends to the tele ends. As I also own the Zeiss 100-300mm, I found this property is really an advantage.

-- Eric Ung (ung@chevalier.net), November 28, 1998.

Hi Eric,

I own a Aria /w a 50/1.4. I would be interested to know your opinion about this lenses comparing to other zeiss ... thanks.

-- Fabrice Bodet (beud@hotmail.com), March 18, 1999.