35mm Shift Lens Group Test

Nikon 35mm f2.8 PC v Olympus 35mm f2.8 Shift v Contax Zeiss 35mm f2.8 PC

 

Resolution & Drawing Style: Zones A/B (centre frame) at f8

Nikon 35mm PC Nikkor at f8centre)	Olympus 35mm Shift at f8 (centre)	Contax PC Distagon at 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.

Resolution & Drawing Style: Zone C (single frame corner, 17-23mm from frame centre) at f8

Nikon 35mm PC Nikkor at f8 (Zone C)	Olympus 35mm Shift at f8 (Zone C)	Contax PC Distagon at 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.

Resolution & Drawing Style: Zone D (fully shifted corner: 29mm from frame centre) at f8

Nikon 35mm PC Nikkor at f8 (Zone D)	Olympus 35mm Shift at f8 (Zone D)	Contax PC Distagon at 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.