JC Penny 28mm f/2.8 MC. If you’re looking to purchase this lens I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. It helps me if you purchase it through one of these links here in this review. When you purchase through these links it financially enables me to devote time to develop this site further. Thanks for the help! -Todd

Barrel
Metal.

Weight
7.9 oz (223g)

Focus Ring
Rubber on Metal.

Close Focus
1.2 feet (0.36 meters).

Filter Threads
52mm, Metal.

Aperture Ring
Metal.

Diaphragm
6 blades stopping down to f/22.

Mount
Mine came in Nikon Metal Mount.

Made in
Korea

 

 

Sharpness
f/2.8: Fairly soft with lower contrast with a fair bit of coma very high levels of spherical aberration.
f/3.5: Still fairly soft with better contrast with less coma very high levels of spherical aberration.
f/4: Sharper a bit with better contrast but still quite a bit of spherical aberration.
f/8: Sharp but you can still see a little spherical aberration and now diffusion is starting to set in.

Vignetting
There is quite a bit of vignetting at f/2.8 which really doesn’t leave until f/8.

Distortion
Quite a bit of Barrel Distortion.

Recommendations
On MF Camera
Optics:         ★
Mechanics:   ★ ★ ★ ★
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★ ★
Usefulness:  ★ ★
Availability:  ★
Overall:        ★ ★

On AF Camera
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★
Overall:         ★ ★
Out of 5

Not only is this lens a bit soft, but it has so much spherical aberration that it takes a fair bit of stopping down before it finally sharpens up and is clear. If you plan on shooting it around f/8 then the lens performs very well, but I would not go looking for this lens to shoot at larger apertures.

There is nothing I can really brag about with this lens. If you find one for cheap then it’s fun to play with and has pretty nice color and contrast, but that’s about it!

 

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My hopes are to take the time to continue developing this website with more test photo based reviews. If you are ever interested in purchasing this lens or other photography equipment please do so through these links here in this review. I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. This helps support my family and allows me to take more time for the site. The best part is this site is free for you and I link good deals I find!

Sometimes these links will actually give you better deals then typical retail prices! I personally buy from the links I have listed whether looking for new gear or fun old stuff. I can personally attest to their good & safe service from years of experience. Thanks again to you, our readers, for supporting us! -Todd