Quantaray Review - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated

According provided by Quantaray-NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated lens huge thanks to Dmitry Khomutov.

Quantaray Review - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated

Quantaray Review - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated

Quantaray - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated (Lens made in Japan) - an old autofocus film zoom lens produced for different mounts. This review presents a version for Nikon cameras, as evidenced by the letters 'NF' in the lens name (Nikon 'F' mount). This is an almost complete copy of the Sigma Zoom Master 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated lens, the only small difference is the rubber insert of the zoom ring. Most likely, the Quantaray 35-70 / 3.5-4.5 AF was manufactured at Sigma factories but sold under the 'Quantaray' brand.

Quantaray - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated

Quantaray - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated

The Quantaray 35-70 / 3.5-4.5 AF is very small and compact, uses 52mm filters, has rubberized zoom and aperture rings, and weighs just over 300 grams. There are some complaints about the assembly - the lens trunk has a noticeable backlash.

F / 4.5 half a foot lighter than the more common F / 5.6 value for full-time full-time zooms, such as Nikon AF Nikkor 35-80mm 1: 4-5.6D. But the zoom ratio of the Quantaray 35-70 / 3.5-4.5 AF is very small, the focal length changes by a maximum of 2 times (70/35 = 2X). When using a lens on Nikon DX cameras, it EGF will be 53-105 mm, which is not very convenient if you use the lens for its intended purpose - as a 'standard zoom'.

Quantaray - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated

Quantaray - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated

Auto focus is very fast. The minimum focusing distance is 50 cm. During autofocus, when the focusing motor moves the ring to one of its extreme positions, a strong clanking sound is heard. During focusing, the front lens rotates and extends forward along with the lens barrel. When the focal length is changed, the lens trunk lengthens, but the front lens does not rotate. In addition, the thin, metal focusing ring is also inconvenient. Focus ring rotates 120 degrees.

The body has DOF ​​marks for F / 16 and F / 11, as well as IR shift marks for the extreme zoom positions. There is also a focus distance scale in meters and feet. The diaphragm consists of only 6 petals, which, in certain positions, have small notches at the junction of the petals.

It's funny that the longest lens trunk is available at 35 mm focal length, and at 70 mm the lens has the shortest dimensions, the opposite is true - when the focal length decreases, the lens trunk extends forward. Also, I really did not like that the zoom ring is sometimes very tight and jerky. This seemingly trifle has a very negative effect on the overall impression of the lens.

Quantaray - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated

Quantaray - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated

Autofocus with Quantaray Lens - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated available only when using him on cameras with built-in motor focusing. An exact and complete list of Nikon CZKs that support auto focus with 'AF' lenses can be found in the 'Auto focus on Nikon cameras'.

The lens has an aperture control ring. So that he starts working normally on modern Nikon cameras, you need to set the value F / 32 using the aperture control ring on the lens itself and fix it with a special lever, which is located to the right of the aperture marks. After such manipulation, it will be possible to control the aperture directly from the camera, for more details in the section about Non-G Lenses.

For Nikon cameras, the lens is an analog FX, AF, Non-d, Non-g lens. Please note that Quantaray - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated does not transmit focus distance values into the camera, which may give errors in exposure when shooting with flash in TTL auto modes.

Here link to the archive with the originals - 372 MB, 26 photos in .NEF format (RAW) from the camera  D700 (FX).

Quantaray - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated

Quantaray - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated

List of all Nikon FX 35-XXX autofocus lenses:

  1. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-70 mm 1: 2.8 (MKI)
  2. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-70 mm 1: 2.8D (MKII)
  3. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-70 mm 1: 3.3-4.5 (MKI)
  4. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-70 mm 1: 3.3-4.5 (MKII)
  5. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-80 mm 1: 4-5.6D (MKI)
  6. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-80 mm 1: 4-5.6D (MKII)
  7. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-105 mm 1: 3.5-4.5 (MKI)
  8. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-105 mm 1: 3.5-4.5 (MKII)
  9. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-105 mm 1: 3.5-4.5 D (MKIII)
  10. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-135 mm 1: 3.5-4.5 (MKI)
  11. Nikon AF Nikkor 35-135 mm 1: 3.5-4.5 (MKII)

The catalog of modern universal lenses for Nikon can be look at this link.


Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Despite its multi-coating (the inscription 'Multi-Coated' in the name of the lens), the lens seriously suffers from backlighting and does not like side and back light. Also, the sample from this review has very poor image quality at 70mm@F/4.5, while suffering from strong chromatic aberrations and weak sharpness. At 35 mm, the situation is slightly better. To 'bring the lens to life', it is enough to close the aperture. When working with the lens, I was only pleased with the slight vignetting :). In any case, even with a lens as simple as this one, you can always squeeze a good shot.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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12 Comments, on the topic: Quantaray Review - NF AF 1: 3.5-4.5 f = 35-70mm Multi-Coated

  • AM

    Thanks for your review. There are also three very similar lenses from Minolta - all 35-70, with approximately the same construction and the same features when zooming. Apparently, in those distant times, 35-70 were very much in demand - they filmed it in 35 format.
    PS: My Minolta 35-70 f / 4 (baby-lens) also has a switch to 70 mm pseudo-macro, though for some reason without AF.

  • Nexcol

    Let's say Minolta MD 24-35mm F3.5 (Rokkor and not Rokkor) (Aka Leica) is a legendary lens with outstanding picture quality. Comrade, no need to generalize ...

    • Nexcol

      Beguiled-Minolta 35-70 of course ...

      • Alexander

        I apologize for the offtopic, but! , Nexcol, you can link to the pictures from Minolta D 35-70mm f3,5-4,5 ... at one time I used minolta af zoom 35 - 70 mm f3,5 -4,5 on the Minolta DYNAX 300si - not “much” impressed.

  • Sergei

    At least the lens was cleaned of dust before being sent for review.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      It sounds ridiculous, but it is not so easy to wipe it off from dust, there the diaphragm ring is covered with some kind of sticky rubber, with which it just won’t be removed.

      • Sergei

        I have rubber bands on the F100 and the back plastic cover also became sticky, cleaned, but not completely, with alcohol.

        • Arkady Shapoval

          Well, Radozhiva is not a lens cleaning service :)

        • anonym

          The same song. On the bat.blok Chinese sticky gum steel, rubbed with alcohol and all the buzz.

  • Yuriy75

    Judging by the first photo, diligent owners erased the multi-enlightenment.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Well no. Moreover, MS is applied to internal lenses.

  • smargelov

    Hello.

    A friend, having learned that I am actively reading this site, rummaged in his pantry, and found there Quantary 70-210mm f4: 5.6 (like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quantaray-70-210mm-F4-5-6-Canon-FD-Lens-SN-1094567-/311309234896?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item487b79f2d0 )

    Has anyone encountered this lens? What can you tell about it? Is it worth any attention at all?

    I have a Lumix DMC G6 (crop, respectively - 2). What adapter do I need to order for this lens on my camera (micro 4/3)?

    I apologize in advance if I am writing in the wrong direction.

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