The OM 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Auto-Zoom Lens is a versatile zoom lens designed for Olympus OM series film cameras. Released in 1974 by Olympus Corporation, this lens quickly gained popularity among professional photographers and enthusiasts alike.
**Key Features and Specifications**
The OM 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Auto-Zoom Lens boasts an impressive range of focal lengths, allowing photographers to capture a wide variety of scenes with ease. It offers a zoom range from 35mm to 105mm, making it suitable for both wide-angle and telephoto photography. This versatility makes it an excellent lens for landscape, portrait, and general-purpose photography.
The lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 at 35mm, gradually closing to f/4.5 at 105mm. While not the fastest lens available, it still performs exceptionally well in various lighting conditions. The lens incorporates high-quality optics, including multiple lens elements arranged in several groups, to deliver sharp and contrast-rich images.
**Build Quality and Handling**
The OM 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Auto-Zoom Lens features a robust construction. The lens barrel is made of durable metal, ensuring its longevity even with regular use. With a weight of approximately 440 grams, it strikes a good balance between portability and durability.
The lens incorporates an integrated lens hood, which helps reduce flare and improves image quality in bright or backlit situations. Focusing is smooth and precise, thanks to the well-engineered focusing ring. The lens also features a dedicated zoom ring, allowing users to quickly adjust focal lengths as needed.
**Image Quality and Performance**
The OM 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Auto-Zoom Lens delivers excellent image quality across its zoom range. The lens produces sharp and detailed images with vibrant colors and good contrast. It minimizes chromatic aberration and distortion, resulting in accurate and true-to-life representations of the scene.
The lens performs admirably in low-light conditions, thanks to the wide aperture at the shorter focal lengths. However, as the lens is zoomed in, the maximum aperture reduces, requiring adequate light or the use of a tripod to maintain sharpness and prevent camera shake.
**Availability and Pricing**
The OM 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Auto-Zoom Lens is readily available in the used market. Prices vary depending on the lens condition, age, and seller. As of writing this post, a good condition lens can be found for around $200 to $300. It’s important to research and purchase from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity and quality.
**Conclusion**
The OM 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Auto-Zoom Lens remains a popular choice among photographers seeking a versatile zoom lens for their Olympus OM series film cameras. With its impressive focal length range, solid build quality, and excellent image performance, it continues to be a reliable tool for capturing stunning photographs. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this lens is definitely worth considering for your camera kit.
