Hi David,

That was very kind of you to get back to me so quickly; very much appreciated, and I won't forget it. I did find the perspective articles that you wrote, and read them quickly, and will definitely re-read them at the earliest opportunity. (I'm in the middle of attending a seminar on film scanning and digital printing through tonight- the alternator on my car stopped working on the 25 mile trip back from Phil. at 9 PM last night, and by the time AAA got me home it was 1:15 AM.)

I hope I'm not being redundant, but was hoping you could give me your opinion on whether the 28mm manual focus AIS version would offer any discernible advantage, compared to the 28-70 3.5-4.5D? I've read several reviews that have mentioned it's quality, particularly in regards to distortion. I hear you 100% in regards to all of the wide-angles (excluding the ones that you mentioned, of course) possesing distortion, I suppose what I'm trying to determine is whether they differ to any visible, noticeable degree. I have been very pleased with the present lens, but as I mentioned, I've never really viewed anything else in comparison. I try to use the best technique, and films, and more than one photographer upon viewing a print has suspected that I've used medium format equipment. My only (albeit, inexperienced) complaint is the quite visible distortion when a horizon line is in the image. I wondered also, if the fixed focal length AIS would offer any other optical advantages for fine art photography that may become apparent in the print? I have a chance to purchase the MF 28mm AIS for a fraction of the new price, and it supposedly is in mint- shape.

If there is any chance that you might like a print, please give me your mailing address. I'll likely finally purchase an Epson 2200 upon completion of this workshop. Thank you!!

Hi--

Thanks for the comments. The 28mm f2.8 AIS (only) is a fine lens, quite sharp short the

far corners at f2.8, with the far corners (and rest) improving with stopping down to

about f8-11 (the AI-AIS 28mm f3.5 is about as good, with better corners and slightly

worse edges), but it (both) has some "moustache" distortion, and neither (by a tad) is

as good around f5.6 as the 28mm f2 and 28mm f4PC. Though corner/edge sharpness of the

28-70 f3.5-4.5 isn't quite as good as any of the above at wider stops, its contrast/brilliance

is excellent, and results are excellent by mid stops. With it, moving the horizon away

from the frame edge, or zooming somewhat longer, should help...

David Ruether

d_ruether@hotmail.com

http://www.David-Ruether-Photography.com