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Keywords: Soligor 35-70 f:2_5-3_5 CD Macro

Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro

This Soligor M42-mount lens came as part of a kit from the auction site. The bid was for a Vivitar Series 1, 90/f:2.5, so this was a bonus lens. It is being used on my Pentax K110D, with the Pentax branded M42 adapter. This allows Aperture Priority with stop-down metering. The metering scheme with this lens in place is "center weighted" only.

I have created images from the lens to see if I wanted to keep it or not. I prefer primes, but this Soligor was surprisingly pleasant.

The workmanship seems very nice, with a shiny black surface and clean inscribed markings. The focus ring is smooth - almost TOO smooth as it takes only a light pressure to turn the ring. However, it does stay in place. It is only about a quarter-turn from closest focus to infinity. The Macro ring is difficult to engage, and is pretty stiff, but still smooth enough once you get it started. The f:stops click nicely; there are no half-stops.

My impression of the images, is that they have a little bit of a green cast compared to the Vivitar. Also, the bokeh, while pleasant, does not compare to the bokeh from the Vivitar. But, that does not mean that is not good by any means. Additionally, compared to the Vivitar, there is a touch less sharpness, especially at the corners. I saw no vignetting when taking these sample images.

My overall impression is that this lens is a "keeper" for me. The zoom range will be very handy for a lightweight lens when on strenuous hikes where ounces count. This is a walk-around lens that should be fine for general use. I would call it "Recommended" as compared to the Vivitar at "Highly Recommended".

For the price point (approx $30-$45 judging from a history of recent sales), it is a good bargain.
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4320
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4320

Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro

Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 1238
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4321
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4321

Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro

Date: 03/01/2008
Views: 1344
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4303
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Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 1111
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4304
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4304
Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 1040
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4305
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4305
Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 1072
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4306
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4306
Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 1054
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4307
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4307

Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5, crop from full frame, unsharpened

Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 882
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4308
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4308

Soligor 35-70, f:2.5-3.5, at f:16, reduced to web size, sharpened

Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 869
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4309
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4309
Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 906
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4310
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4310
Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 1045
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4311
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4311
Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 991
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4312
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4312
Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 897
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4313
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4313
Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 826
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4314
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4314
Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 963
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4315
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4315
Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 924
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4316
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4316
Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 872
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4317
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4317
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Views: 941
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4318
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4318
Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 1002
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4319
Soligor 35-70 f:2.5-3.5 C/D Macro-4319
Date: 03/02/2008
Views: 1179
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