Lens Lab
    Yashica ML Zoom 42-75mm f/ 3.5-4.5
    Yashica ML Zoom 42-75mm f/ 3.5-4.5

    Yashica ML Zoom 42-75mm f/ 3.5-4.5

    42–75mm · f/3.5–4.5

    Overview

    The Yashica ML Zoom 42-75mm f/3.5-4.5 is a lightweight kit lens with a plastic build and uneven zoom feel, but it delivers surprisingly sharp images, especially at 75mm f/4.5. Optical strengths include good contrast, warm color rendition, and smooth bokeh, while weaknesses are vignetting and flare at 42mm f/3.5, plus fringing wide open. It handles flare well at other settings and holds zoom position without creep. A user on flickr.com calls it 'great, almost as good as a Zeiss lens,' and another praises its sharpness and smooth controls. It suits photographers seeking a compact, sharp zoom for general use, though its slow aperture and 1.2m minimum focus distance limit low-light and close-up work.