Smart_Photography_-_January_2016_

VERDICT

This is a not a humble run of the mill

wide-angle lens. It will not appeal to the

techies who want the latest technologies

like AF and image stabilization. Also, it is

perhaps simply beyond many due to its

price. However, this is the best lens of its

class. No questions. The super-high price

is re�lected in its exemplary performance.

For those who want the “best in the

world” wide-angle lens, look no further.

PLUS

• The best wide-angle
  lens for D-SLRs


• Finest optical quality
  you can get


• Minimal (almost
  negligible) aberrations
  or distortions.


• Super sharp even
  wide open


• Outstanding build
  quality


• Just the right
  damping when
  focussing


• Aperture ring click
  stops very positive

MINUS

• Extremely
  large and
  heavy


• No AF
  or image
  stabilization


• Hyper
  expensive

FINAL SCORE

Design and Build Quality 20/20

Key Features 16/20

Ergonomics 16/20

Performance

Autofocus 0/5

Sharpness 5/5

Distortion control 5/5

Aberrations 5/5

Darkening

of corners 5/5

Extra features 3/5

Sub-Total 23/30

Value for Money 6/10

81 %

Value for Money

This lens is priced at a whopping

Rs. 329,950/- (MRP). Yes, you have

read the number right! That is an

astonishingly high �igure for any 28mm

D-SLR lens. But Otus lenses are not

simply ‘any’ D-SLR lenses! If it is any

consolation, the other two Otus lenses

are roughly in the same ballpark.

So, is it worth it? If you are planning

to use it casually as an ordinary

wide-angle lens then this is just not

worth the money (plus of course the

weight and size). However, if you are

a very contemplative photographer

or a critical architectural / landscape

artist (or someone else who just wants

the highest quality money can buy)

then, along with a high pixel count

Focal length & coverage: 28mm, full frame

Aperture range: f/1.4 to f/16 (with ½ stop

intervals)

Lens construction: 16 elements in 13 groups

Picture angle: 75° with full frame format

Highest magni�ication: 1:6.25

Focussing Range: 30cm – ∞

Filter/attachment size: 95mm

Lens Hood: Supplied, all metal construction

Diameter x length Approximately: diam-

eter 109 mm, length 135mm (without lens caps)

Weight: Approximately 1400gms (~ 3lbs)

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

D-SLR like the Nikon D810 or Canon

5Ds, this may even be considered

as an ‘economical’ alternative to a

medium format system. In any case,

remember that a lot of care (especially

in focussing) is needed to extract the

best out of the Otus. Plus you need to

put up with the size and weight. |SP

Camera: Nikon D750

Aperture: f/5.6

Shutter Speed: 1/30sec

ISO: 1400;

Ashok Kandimalla

LENS

REVIEW

112

Smart PhotographyJanuary 2016

http://www.smartphotography.in