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Production
-
Country
Japan
Optical
-
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Yashica ML 28mm f/2.8
Contax/Yashica (C/Y)
Overview
The Yashica ML 28mm f/2.8 completes the wide-angle options in the Yashica ML lineup. In an era when 28mm was considered truly wide, this lens gave photographers an affordable way to capture sweeping scenes and environmental portraits. It shared Yashica's philosophy of honest performance without pretense — a tool for photographers who cared more about the image than the prestige.
Verdict: A practical 28mm that does the job without drama. If you're building a C/Y kit on a budget, this fills the wide-angle slot adequately. It's not the lens that will make you gasp, but it's the lens that will always be there when you need it.
Community Insights
What people love
- Affordable ultra-wide for C/Y mount
- Lightweight and compact
- Useful 28mm perspective
- Good for landscapes and environmental portraits
- Consistent with ML family
What people dislike
- Noticeable barrel distortion
- Corner softness wide open
- f/2.8 not fast for low light
- Zeiss Distagon 28mm is dramatically better
- 6-blade aperture
Pro Tips
- Use at f/8 for landscapes — sweet spot for this lens
- Accept distortion or correct in post
- Good for environmental portraiture
- Keep the hood on — prevents flare and protects element
Sources (1)
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Yashica ML 28mm f/2.8 completes the wide-angle options in the Yashica ML lineup. In an era when 28mm was considered truly wide, this lens gave photographers an affordable way to capture sweeping scenes and environmental portraits. It shared Yashica's philosophy of honest performance without pretense — a tool for photographers who cared more about the image than the prestige.