Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF. Review from the reader Radozhiva

Overview Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF (Nikon F mount) specifically for Radozhiva, prepared Alexey Ovoshchnikov.

Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF


Hello, dear reader, wonderful site Radozhiva! I prepared a review of a very rare French lens Angenieux (version for Nikon cameras). I bought this rarity recently, but already as it should, I got acquainted with it. This is an old professional fast reportable zoom lens, the full name of Angenieux 28-70 mm f2.6.

Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

In advertising, the manufacturer proudly stated that the lens is the fastest lens in the world in its class. Indeed, you can not argue with this, even in 2018, lenses of this type remained at the level of aperture F2.8. And the hero of the review was published in 1990.

Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

I looked through a bit of information from the French forums, because my opinion and my experience is not enough to describe this rare lens well. Opinions are not unambiguous, but nevertheless the lens is praised for the picture and optical qualities, which is very important. The lens is compared with Nikkor AF-S 28-70 mm F2.8 and Nikkor AF 28-105 mm F 3,5-4,5. In my opinion, a comparison with the first is more correct. In my photographs, you can evaluate both resolution and color reproduction yourself.

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

The portrait comes out just one hundred amazingly. Reporting personnel are also very encouraging. Photos from this lens often do not want to be processed at all. Everything is very balanced in the form in which the camera is fixed by default. This saves hours of your processing time. The scenery on Angenieux can be shot with great success!

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

The owners also write that the lens is simply amazing on film. I do not shoot on film and I just agree with this opinion. The lens is criticized for its noisy autofocus. Yes, the lens buzzes loudly, clinks and hits the focusing limiters. Of course, the lens focuses by means of a screwdriver drive on both Nikon and Minolta / Sony cameras. This is especially noticeable in difficult shooting conditions, when focusing is not so easy the first time. They will not always be able to shoot quietly. The lens has too large MDF by modern standards and it is very inconvenient for them to shoot macro. A large portrait is also not his element. However, I really like the way the full-length portrait and group portraits turn out.

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Prices and popularity

They are still interested in the lens, despite its age and unusualness, it is well bought and sold. You can see the prices on e-bay and draw your own conclusions. It is difficult to find out this very normal price considering the rarity factor of this model and the good quality of the optics. Personally, I bought this lens with my hands on the secondary market at a very modest price (much lower than average). I bought it in Paris and here it is rare, but still, you can find it at a normal price. However, in excellent condition, and even with a native case they want about a thousand euros for it.

A little about the aperture and the features of its use on modern digital cameras

By itself, the difference between f 2.6 and f 2.8 is very small and the camera will not even offer you a choice between these values. Current digital camera standards assume that f2.8 comes before f2,5 and the camera simply doesn't offer f2,6. With an Angenieux lens, you can use f 2.6 by setting the aperture in the camera to f2.8. The aperture remains fully open, and you get f2.6. After f2.6 comes f3.2, then f 3,5, and so on, just like with modern lenses.

I used this lens paired with Nikon D600 that is, we see the picture in full frame as intended by the developer and without any crop. The lens always behaves completely adequately, and there are no glitches and errors in working with the camera. Exposure metering always suits me, autofocus works well, the aperture works correctly and closes to the set value. However, I want to note that with Nikon D90 the lens was lost by the camera a couple of times in a hundred frames, and the aperture value disappeared on the monochrome display (tested on two different D90) Himself D90 I have a practical new one and have never behaved this way with any lens. Was treated by removing and reinstalling the lens. But I wouldn't buy this lens without a full frame. I am very glad that I got a version with a bayonet mount specifically for Nikon. Maybe someone has such a lens but under the Sony Minolta mount and will tell their impressions?

Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Specifications:

  • Optical design: 13 elements in 11 groups
  • Focal lengths: 28mm - 70mm at full frame and 42mm - 115mm at APS-C
  • Minimum Aperture f / 22
  • Maximum aperture f / 2, 6
  • Number of aperture blades: 8
  • Minimum focusing distance: 65 cm
  • Autofocus drive: AF type lens (screwdriver drive. No motor in the lens)
  • Thread Diameter: 77 mm
  • Weight: 705 gram
  • Internal Focus (IF)
  • Started production: 1990 (discontinued)

Now consider in more detail

Constructive and ergonomic

The lens is a little less than 30 years old and therefore is very different from everything that is now sold in stores. The appearance of the lens is rather plain. The design is outdated. The lens has a metal mount. The build is good. The zoom ring rotates evenly and fairly easily. Nothing loosens from age. The lens is made of quality materials. The elastic bands are tough, but still comfortable and have not lost their appearance in so many years. The lens does not protrude when zooming, it is a professional lens with internal focusing.

Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Auto focus

The internal focusing method is used. You can use any color filter without any complications. The lens does not have a built-in focusing motor. There is no focus switch on the lens itself. You need to switch on the camera. Focusing is fast (everything is at a high level here), but noisy due to the screwdriver drive and when yawing in difficult conditions, the lens claps loudly when it hits the stops! For me, this criterion indicates that it is better not to drive the lens and not torment with difficult shooting conditions. Of course, this is archaism and a flaw of its time ... the focusing of the lens is accurate. I used a lens on my camera  Nikon D600 and on two D90.

The focus ring is comfortable and rotates very easily, focusing by hand is quite comfortable. There are distance indications in meters and feet on the lens body. The lens does not support manual focus control when autofocus is on.

Image quality

Everything is fine here except for some nuances. Download full resolution photos and enjoy! Of course, there is significant vignetting on the open aperture, and a drop in sharpness in the corners, but it doesn’t upset me much. Corners can always be pulled up in the editor. Here I bring photos without processing. You can see how vignetting decreases with a change in focal length.

Chromatic aberrations and distortion

HA there are places that can spoil the picture, but they don’t strike the eye much. About how strong they are, judge by the photos. HA cannot edit automatically in the camera or in the editor, the lens is rare, old and there is no profile for it. Distortion is clearly visible at wide angle. You can get rid of these disadvantages using popular software.

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Sharpness

Good and excellent sharpness. There are some shortcomings. Corners sag at wide angles along with vignetting. The edges sag just a little. I can assume that the sharpness numbers float depending on the focal length. The spread in sharpness is not critical but noticeable when viewed at 100% scale. When fully open, the picture is expectedly softer, corresponding optical artifacts appear in the form of soapy outlines. But this does not cause much indignation. Excellent sharpness with open or 3.5 depends on focal length and focusing distance. I want to note that with this lens the micro autofocus adjustment on my Nikon D600.

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Example on Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Back light

There is another story ... I really liked the picture in the backlight. The contrast does not fall so much that it spoils the picture. The backlit picture gets its charm. See photo 5 (carousel and horses) Now I do not have portraits shot against the sun on this lens. I will try to supplement the review with fresh photos.

Boke

Very happy and has its own character. The blur is reminiscent of the first fast AF Nikkor lenses.

Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF

Personal experience

In a short time of use, I gained a pleasant impression of this lens. I can not recommend it for purchase because of the rarity and consequently high price. However, if we consider this device inside the class of 28-70 f2,8 lenses, then we can safely declare the competitiveness of this lens even in 2018. Since you have read to the end, it means that you were not mistaken in the review and perhaps became even more interested. I hope my review has helped you improve your understanding of the fastest reportage in the world.

Originals on this link.

UPDATED

Originals at this link.

Attention!

An important point. I now have a lot of lenses and cameras, different brands and different years on hand. I would like to do some reviews and have prepared a bunch of material for this. But I don’t know, however, where to start. I propose voting in the comments. Here link to the site with a list of lenses. If you have a desire to read a review for a lens that is not on my list, write the model anyway! Suddenly he will interest me!

The review was prepared by Alexey Ovoshchnikov.

You will find more reviews from readers of Radozhiva here.

Add a comment: DmitryK

 

 

Comments: 117, on the topic: Angenieux Zoom F.28-70 1: 2.6 AF. Review from the reader Radozhiva

  • Alexander

    Angenieux has long been known for professional movie camera optics. They also produced lenses for the Exakta. A friend of mine (deceased) had a similar lens for Canon, who was delighted with him.

  • faiza

    bonjour, j'ai un objectif angenieux 28 70 mm focale 2.6. C 'était à mon compagnon dcd aujourd'hui hui, je l'ai mis en vente au bon coin, et à ma surprise beaucoup de personnes se ruent sut l'annonce, je l'ai mis à 750 euros. Je viens de tomber sur votre article qui me fais hésiter à m'en séparer du coup. J'ai aussi fait de la photo mais mon niveau était bien moins inférieur que celui de mon compagnon.

    • Aymeric

      Bonjour.
      Avez vous toujours votre zomm Angénieux?
      Je suis tres interessé par l'acheter si vous souhaitez toujours le vendre.
      Thank you

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