The Yashica ML 2.8/24mm was introduced in 1976, just one year after the first six Yashica lenses for the CY bayonet mount. It is a pretty classical 2.8/24mm with a basic layout similar to the Minolta MC and MD-I 2.8/24mm as well as to the first computation of the Konica Hexanon AR 2.8/24mm and the original Canon FD 2.8/24mm, and there are also lots of similarities to the original Nikkor-N 2.8/24mm. Unlike the Nikkor / Canon / Minolta lenses, the Yashica doesn't have floating elements, thus limiting its performance at close range.

YASHICA ML 28mm 1:2.8(9 lenses / 8 elements)   (1976)

The Yashica ML has, just like most Yashica ML primes, a very well made lens barrel. The filter size is slightly unusual at 62mm, but otherwise the lens is really nice to use. Focusing from infinity to the MFD of 03.m / 1 ft requires 180° turn of the focusing ring. The latter has the classical Yashica / Zeiss styl focusing grip. Unlike the Zeiss lenses, however, the focusing grip of of the ML 2.8/24mm is made from metal (no rubber grip!). While such a finish certainly is durable and long-lasting, the rubber grips of the Zeiss equivalents feel a bit better indeed. That said, also the aperture ring is made completely from metal (no cheap plastic as with the Canon nFD / Minolta MD-III / Nikkor AIS lenses), and easy to use. All the lettering (engravings) is done really nicely. 

The optical performance of the lens broadly is comparable to other 2.8/24mm lenses from pre-1975. While at f2.8 and f5.6 the Canon FD 2.8/24mm as well as the Zeiss Distagon 2.8/25mm have a slightly better corner performance, all these lenses must be stopped down to f11 for a consistant performance across the entire 24x36mm frame. That said, some newer computations such as the Canon new FD 2.8/24mm, the Minolta MD-II/MD-III 2.8/24mm and the Sigma Super Wide II 2.8/24mm do perform quite a bit better than the Yashica ML.

Talks about strong flare and little CAs, and need ORIGINAL lens hood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oyr0LsnKt1Q