35-70

Lens construction:	8 elements in 7 groups
Focus distance:	0.35 m to infinity
Angle of View:	62° - 34° 20'
Max. reproduction ratio:	1:4.4
Aperture scale:	f/3.3 to f/22
Attachment size:	52 mm
Diaphgram blades:	7
Lens hood:	HN-2
Dimensions:	70.5 mm (dia.) x 69 mm (length)
Weight:	275 g

In 1984 Nikon introduced the AI-S 35-70/3.3-4.5, a standard zoom addressed to the mass-market, which is still produced. The performance of this two-ring zoom is surprisingly good when stopped down (at f/5.6-f/11). In 1986, the same year the F-501 (N2020) was introduced, the same lens was offered in an AF-version fitted with a rather slim, plasticky focusing ring which was not very convenient for manual operation. In order to overcome this ergonomic limit, in 1989 the lens was fitted with a modified barrel, characterized by a broader rubber-coated focusing ring (N version).

This lens has a useful close-up setting at 70 mm, thus allowing a 1:4.4 reproduction ratio. Thanks to its modest design (8 elements in 7 groups), this zoom is among the best ones for its low flare and ghosting levels. The rotating front end is a little annoying when a polariser is used and barrel distorsion is visible at wide-angle setting (35 mm). In this respect, the AF 35-70/2.8 is much better. This zoom mounts the same screw-in lens hood (HN-2) as my AI-S 28/2.8. I love to use this zoom for landscapes, as well as for portraits (set at 70 mm).

The answer is YES! definitely! As Bjørn Rørslett suggests in his website, this lens performs very well when coupled to the Nikon 4T close-up lens and reversed using a BR2A ring (see picture below). I tried this combo and I can confirm its very good performance at high magnifications.

With this set-up, magnifications in the 0.4-2.4 X range are obtained. The two images below show tulip's stamens & pistil; the pictures were taken at magnifications around 1X and 2X on the film, respectively.


1 X	2 X

With extension tubes, the magnification can be even increased. The picture below shows a Longhorn beetle (Rosalia alpina); magnification is around 3X.

Therefore, if you wish to take macro pictures at magnifications larger than 1X, take this zoom, a 4T lens and a BR2A reversing ring and enjoy this cheap but surprisingly good combination!