Sunday, 25 February 2018

Unknown and unloved: Ozunon MC AF Zoom 1:3.5-4.5 28-80mm

Cost: $16 (average market price $18)


I was first convinced this was yet another rebrand from one of the common lens suppliers, but pleasantly surprised, it is an original lens from a small, little known, Japanese lens manufacturer, Ozone Optical. Surprising as most of the smaller lens manufacturer were no longer able to compete with the larger brands when the more complex auto focus lenses came to market.

This is an all metal solid lens... heavy for it's size. It feels well constructed with smooth operation. A lens that will pass the test of time. It shows nice quality and proper markings.

As the AF electronics are not compatible with Sony camera's, I have to test it manually. Due to the very small focus ring, and little friction when focusing, it was hard to get the lens in proper focus, causing more then normal loss due to lack of sharpness. A problem that might not exist when used as a proper auto focus lens.

When accurately focussed, it still shows some softness, and some color fringing in the corners that is easily corrected in Adobe Lightroom. Color is nothing special, but not terrible either. 28-80mm is a nice range for a walk-around lens, but I found the lens to be underperforming. So, with nothing special about this lens, it's no wonder Ozunon remains unknown and unloved.

Lens Specification:

Focal Length: 28-80mm
Maximum Aperture: F3.5-4.5
Minimum Aperture: F22
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: Minolta AF
Optics: ?
Blades: 6
Focussing: Auto Focus
Minimum Focus: 80cm
Filter Size: 55mm
Weight: 450g
Length: 85-95mm
Production: late 80's
Serial Number: 8802480
Made in: Japan

More information on Ozone Optical Company, Ltd.

Samples:

exif
1/50 sec - ISO400 - Handheld

1/80 sec - ISO400 - Handheld

6 sec - ISO1600 - Tripod

1/40 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/60 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/60 sec - ISO100 - Handheld - Cropped

1/100 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/60 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/30 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/60 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/160 sec - ISO400 - Handheld

1/160 sec - ISO400 - Handheld
Sources:
Camera Wiki: Ozone Optical