Quantaray 19-35mm f3.5-4.5 Wide Angle Zoom

The Quantaray AF 19-35mm f3.5-4.5 lens is the exact same lens as the Tokina version. I believe most of the 19-35mm f3.5-4.5, such as those from Vivitar, Tamron, Cosina, etc, are all based on the Cosina design.

This is one of the cheapest and earliest AF ultra wide angle zooms available in many mounts. Due to the large number of them available, the price very reasonable. Of cause, the price depends on what name is on the lens. If you buy the Tamron version, you maybe paying 3 times more than the Quantaray version.

The Good:

• Optically, the lens is quite sharp, even the edges are quite respectable on full frame.
  
• Focus is pretty quick for a non-USM lens.
  
• The build quality is better than most cheap lenses. Has metal mount.
• Filter does not rotate when focusing
• Internal Zoom (sort of)
  

The Bad:

• Minimum focus distance is not very close at 0.4 meters. Most ultra wide angles can focus as close as 0.25 meters
• Noisy focusing (compared to USM)
• Distortion at the wide end
• Front element not extends a bit while zooming, although not protruding pass the filter ring. This creates a gap between the front element and the lens barrel. A filter should be used to minimize the chance of dust getting into the lens.

I am a little surprised that the lens is optically quite good, for such a wide angle and cheap price. But, alas, one can't have cheap price and stellar performance on all departments. If you can live with the distortion, it's a good choice.


King of Beers -- 5D & Quantaray 19-35mm f3.5-4.5 @ f7.1. Larger Size.


Self Portrait -- 5D & Quantaray 19-35mm f3.5-4.5 @ f6.3. Larger Size.


Vitamin Water -- 5D & Quantaray 19-35mm f3.5-4.5. Larger Size.


Construction -- 5D & Quantaray 19-35mm f3.5-4.5. Larger Size.