According provided by lens MC SOLIGOR C / D ZOOM + MACRO 35-70MM 1: 2.5-3.5 many thanks to Alexei Shashov.
MC SOLIGOR C / D ZOOM + MACRO 35-70MM 1: 2.5-3.5
In short
MC Soligor 35-70 / 2.5-3.5 is an old universal (standard in terms of focal lengths) manual focus lens, specifically, the version from the review was developed for Nikon film cameras, but there were lens options for other popular mounts of that time.
The MC Soligor 35-70 / 2.5-3.5 uses the PUSH-PULL (trombone / piston) design. For his age - not bad. Attracts pretty high aperture, high-quality assembly and the possibility of some macro photography.
MC SOLIGOR C / D ZOOM + MACRO 35-70MM 1: 2.5-3.5
Main technical specifications MC SOLIGOR C / D ZOOM + MACRO 35-70MM 1: 2.5-3.5
| Review Instance Name | Near the front lens of the MC SOLIGOR C / D ZOOM + MACRO 35-70MM 1: 2.5-3.5 ø58 No.9851200. Bayonet side: N / AI-S. On the case: JAPAN |
| Basic properties |
|
| Front Filter Diameter | 58 mm, metal thread for filters |
| Focal length | 35-70 mm (EGF for Nikon DX 52.5-105mm cameras) |
| Zoom ratio | 2 x |
| Designed by | for film cameras, there are options for different mounts |
| Number of aperture blades | 6 slightly rounded petals |
| Tags |
|
| Diaphragm | F / 2.5-F / 3.5 to F / 22, controlled by the iris control ring. There are marks for F / 2.5, 4, 5.6, 8, 16, 22. The ring rotates with clicks. There is no intermediate value between F / 2.45 and F / 4 |
| MDF | 0.7 m in normal mode, about 0.3 m in macro mode, maximum magnification ratio 1: 4 |
| The weight | 480 grams (measured) |
| Optical design | Optical design 7 elements in 7 groups |
| Lens hood | Must screw into the front filter thread |
| Manufacturer country | Japan, produced by Kobori (?) |
| Period | 1985 (?) |
| Price | About $ 100 per second |
This version of the MC Soligor 35-70 / 2.5-3.5 is an AI lens and can be easily installed to any modern Nikon DSLR camera.
Aperture F / 2.5 at the wide end is a kind of record for its time, and in general the lens is very similar to the variants of 'real' fast lenses of the 35-70 / 2.8 class. I am sure that at one time many could only dream of a zoom lens with a relative aperture of 1: 2.5-3.5 (and this is not even 1: 3.5-4.5).
There is a similar SOLIGOR MC ZOOM-AUTO F2.5 / 3.5 f = 35-70mm, which, in fact, is a completely different lens, both in control and in optical capabilities.
MC SOLIGOR C / D ZOOM + MACRO 35-70MM 1: 2.5-3.5
Assembly, control, focus
Lens body made very high quality. The piston ring is rubberized, the diaphragm ring is ordinary, metal.
During focal length changes, the rear lens of the lens moves forward / backward (the front moves, but does not rotate). When the focal length changes, the length of the lens changes significantly, and you can observe the unusual behavior of the lens trunk - it moves in a wave-like fashion (visually, the piston moves in one direction, and the trunk moves in one direction or the other). The maximum lens length is available at 45 mm focal length and focusing at MDF and at 35 mm focal length and focusing at 0.7 m.
One ring is responsible for focusing and changing the focal length. To change the focal length, you should pull or push the piston ring, to focus, rotate it. These movements can be done simultaneously, which allows you to very quickly control the lens. MC Soligor 35-70 / 2.5-3.5 uses'reversible PUSH-PULL'- the maximum value of the focal length is available when the piston ring is closest to the camera mount. The lens does not change the focal length under the weight of its own piston.
The focus ring of the MC Soligor 35-70 / 2.5-3.5 rotates approximately 90 degrees in normal mode and another 90 degrees in macro mode. During focusing, the front lens rotates and extends forward.
Maximum magnification ratio 1: 4 (available at 70mm). If you set the focal length to 35 mm and try to rotate the focusing ring towards 'MACRO', this will automatically displace the piston up to 45 mm. Also, if you set MDF at a focal length of 70 mm, and then try to move the piston and set a focal length of 35 mm, then this will not work, since the piston will simply rest against 45 mm. Quite an unusual and simple solution for working in macro mode, but this is the first time I see such execution.
On the case there is a focus distance scale and a mark for working in the infrared spectrum.
The MC Soligor 35-70 / 2.5-3.5 has a pronounced 'Focus Breathing' effect (changes in viewing angle during focusing). During focusing towards MDF, viewing angle increases.
MC SOLIGOR C / D ZOOM + MACRO 35-70MM 1: 2.5-3.5
Sample Photos
Pictures from Nikon D700. Convert original RAW files with the original Nikon ViewNX-i utility without making any additional adjustments.
You can download source photos in RAW format c at this link.
MC SOLIGOR C / D ZOOM + MACRO 35-70MM 1: 2.5-3.5
My experience
I had very little time to drive this lens. MC Soligor 35-70 / 2.5-3.5 surprised us with quite acceptable sharpness at 35mm and f / 2.5 in the center of the frame. Otherwise, this is a classic representative of the 'old school'.
The lens owner uses it in everyday work for subject shooting, which I was extremely surprised, because even with a ratio of 1: 4 it is not always convenient to shoot small objects.
MC SOLIGOR C / D ZOOM + MACRO 35-70MM 1: 2.5-3.5
Results
The MC Soligor 35-70 / 2.5-3.5 is a manual PUSH-PULL lens (piston-controlled focal length). Its high aperture (F / 2.5 by 35 mm!) And the ability to shoot with a 1: 4 magnification allows you to use it as a practical tool to this day. I did not have the opportunity to familiarize myself with the lens in detail, but still it left only pleasant impressions.
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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
“Change the focal length, the rear lens is movable” Arkady, and the front? moves too, right?
There, the lens unit usually moves inward.
Fixed
I confess, I would never have thought that the old zoom from Soligor (or Kobori?) could be good for anything, but the photographs above suggest otherwise. Apparently, in this lens - like a professional zoom (based on its aperture ratio) - the company tried its best ...
Optics from "Soligor" - blast those junk. Trochi for the radianski virobi.
The main problem of "Soligor" is the middle quality of the internal surfaces of the internal surfaces, assets and education of the internal surfaces.
Vzagal brand "Soligor" - zbirna solyanka, yak is not a vile virobnytva, but replaces the mechanics and style of the other virobniks.
I thought it was dust on my monitor))
I have a similar Soligor, but 28-105 / 3,5-4,5 C / D series
I must say that he gives the highest quality picture at the short end.
Practically not inferior to high-quality wide-angle fixes.
Its long end is optically noticeably more modest, the contrast is smaller, etc.
Apparently this model has a wide end more interesting.
Good review sorry few photos! interesting bokeh and good sharpness are already worth something. But $ 100 is a bit much for him.
I would say a bit too much.
it is very rare, hence the price. You will not find it in Ukraine, unless the owner of this copy sells it.
Why do I need a review without examples? What is the meaning of this graphomania?
In fact, examples, albeit in limited numbers, are present. Someone may not need a review specifically, but in general, under this review, users of this lens can at least respond and describe their experience, etc. Also, certain features of the lens are described, which, for example, are difficult or impossible to find in other sources, and also shows the view of the lens itself. You can still find many reasons.