Resolution (f8)
Zones A/B (centre frame) at f8
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Nikon 35mm PC Nikkorat f8centre) |
Olympus 35mm Shiftat f8 (centre) |
Contax PC Distagonat f8 (centre) |
4.5 points
|
4.75 points
|
4.75 points
|
Although the gap is narrowing predictably, the Distagon retains a clear advantage in resolving power, followed in order of ability by the Olympus and Nikon.
Zone C at f8
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Nikon 35mm PC Nikkorat f8 (Zone C) |
Olympus 35mm Shiftat f8 (Zone C) |
Contax PC Distagonat f8 (Zone C) |
4.5 points
|
4.75 points
|
4.75 points
|
The Zuiko isn’t quite clear of its Zone C blues, but its closer to the pace than it was at wider apertures. Needless to say, when used unshifted we’re looking at a very high level of performance here, which isn’t too tall an order for a 35mm prime.
Zone D at f8
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Nikon 35mm PC Nikkorat f8 (Zone D) |
Olympus 35mm Shiftat f8 (Zone D) |
Contax PC Distagonat f8 (Zone D) |
4.5 points
|
4.75 points
|
4.75 points
|
The all-conquering PC-Distagon is now seriously challenged by the Olympus shift. By f8, the Zuiko’s evenness of rendition makes it almost as attractive as the Zeiss, whose corners appear to be slightly softer than the centre. In this company, the Nikon makes a very poor fist of Zone D: you’d be unwise to shift this lens more than about 5mm if f8 is where you need to be.