Lens · zoom
Canon FD 35-70mm f/2.8-3.5
Canon · from 1973
Canon FD 35-70mm f/2.8-3.5: 10 elements in 10 groups, 8 aperture blades, 1.0m minimum focus, 58mm filter thread, 545g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: FD35-70mm f/2.8-3.5 S.S.C. (December 1973); New FD35-70mm f/2.8-3.5 (September 1979).
- Focal length
- 35-70mm
- Max aperture
- f/2.8-3.5
- Mount
- Canon FD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 10 / 10
Known for
- Travel
- Events
- General photography
- Walk-around lens
Considerations
- Variable aperture
- 1m minimum focus outside macro mode
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Pleasant but unremarkable
Rendering: Clean, versatile
Colour: Neutral
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
FD S.S.C. (breech-lock)
1973-1979
Chrome breech-lock ring
10 elements in 10 groups, macro setting to 0.3 m, 575 g
New FD
1979-1989
All-black, bayonet-style mount
10 elements in 10 groups, 545 g
Marketed December 1973 as the first short zoom starting at 35mm (Canon Camera Museum), with a macro setting to 0.3m on the breech-lock version.
Common issues
- Zoom creep
- Focus ring wear
- Dust in zoom mechanism
Buying guide
Check the zoom mechanism is smooth and test for zoom creep when pointed down.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon FD |
| Focal Length | 35-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8-3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 8 |
| Min Focus | 1m |
| Filter Size | 58mm |
| Weight | 545g |
Optical design
| Formula | other |
| Elements | 10 |
| Groups | 10 |
| Coating | SSC (Canon) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £60 - £120
- Mint
- ~£160
Indicative, no dated source.