Zeiss 35mm F/1.4 Distagon ZE

[ddong]

Really? It's available already? Anybody here got it?

[Spaniard]

It's will be in Singapore shore next week. I already pre-order mine.

[J-B]

Yes it's slowly getting available.

[dolina]

It's on BH now. Thinking whether to get this or wait for the 35/1.4L II then make the determination. The current 35/1.4L was marketed in December 1998.

[magicianhisoka]

It's will be in Singapore shore next week. I already pre-order mine.

looking forward to seeing samples then :)

[canito]

http://www.popflash.com/zeiss-lenses/zeiss-35mm-f/1.4-ze-distagon-t-canon-ef-mount-usa-new/

[litlefiter]

CANT WAIT TO SEE THE GREAT PICS!

[p360]

Just ordered mine from B & H. Can’t wait..!! :)

[banpreso]

subscribed

[Bensch81]

In germany its available:D

[nikesupremedunk]

awaiting pictures!

[p360]

Alright guys. Here are a couple of test shots. Only WB was adjusted in PS. No other PP done.

@ f/1.4:

http://pratyush360.com/img/s3/v23/p588331566-4.jpg

And this one is @ f/1.6:

http://pratyush360.com/img/s1/v19/p875218642-4.jpg

It looks a bit soft wide open. And quickly sharpens up at f/1.6.

Any thoughts?

[banpreso]

^^ congrats! yah looks pretty dreamy wide open, and f1.6 is very respectible still

[p360]

^^ Is it a good copy? Should it be sharper wide open? What do you think?

[ddong]

For this price, it should be sharper than 35L. If not, I'd like to have 35L because it has AF.

Somebody, hopefully can do side by side comparison between 35L and Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZE.

[banpreso]

For this price, it should be sharper than 35L. If not, I'd like to have 35L because it has AF.

Somebody, hopefully can do side by side comparison between 35L and Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZE.
just wait for photozone

[p360]

Somebody, hopefully can do side by side comparison between 35L and Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZE.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtc0jI9yBqM

[p360]

Ok. I just got my second copy delivered, this one from popflash photo.

Just a quick testing, all with indoor light. Not exactly identical framing, but looks very sharp to me. So far, I am very happy.

Your thoughts?

@ f/1.4:

http://pratyush360.com/img/s1/v20/p978908714-3.jpg

@ f/2:

http://pratyush360.com/img/s3/v25/p812262675-3.jpg

@ f/2.8:

http://pratyush360.com/img/s5/v4/p859519179-3.jpg

[J-B]

That looks fine pratman! Seems much better than that first copy you got

[p360]

Different subject: No PP was done here either.

@ f/1.4:

http://pratyush360.com/img/s1/v20/p1043696567-4.jpg

@ f/2.8:

http://pratyush360.com/img/s8/v10/p879205923-4.jpg

[p360]

That looks fine pratman! Seems much better than that first copy you got

Totally agree. Thank you, J-B.

[dolina]

I shall wait for the 35/1.4L II to come out before deciding on where to go with.

[hillavoider]

Please post more examples with bokeh and different light, it seems you are the first, thanks

[p360]

^ You’ll have to wait a few days for that. :)

I plan on using this lens heavily on a photo shoot this Saturday.

[hillavoider]

okay thanks

[p360]

Something really quick: Mounted on my 5D II.

http://pratyush360.com/img/s3/v26/p889112611-3.jpg

http://pratyush360.com/img/s1/v20/p1009104180-3.jpg

[dolina]

That's one sexy looking lens. :) All metal! RARR!

[rwong2k]

can't wait to see more photos frm this lens!

[argentum]

Wow, nice Pratman.

Btw do you encounter some problems about uneven sharpness in left and right, as Diglloyd found?

[p360]

Wow, nice Pratman.

Btw do you encounter some problems about uneven sharpness in left and right, as Diglloyd found?


Thank you. :)

I haven’t shot much with it yet, other than a few quick test shots. So, let me put it through a workout before I know anything and can answer your question. I am hoping I can do that this weekend.

[Ricku]

I shall wait for the 35/1.4L II to come out before deciding on where to go with.
Has Canon said anything about a 35/1.4L II?

I sure haven't heard anything.

[W1ck3D]

Has Canon said anything about a 35/1.4L II?

I sure haven't heard anything.

http://www.canonrumors.com/2011/04/canon-ef-35-f1-4l-ii-cr2/

Again, they are rumors...

[p360]

The first two are @ f/1.4:

http://pratyush360.com/img/s10/v17/p598945839-3.jpg

http://pratyush360.com/img/s1/v22/p809520684-3.jpg

These next two are @ f/1.6:

http://pratyush360.com/img/s3/v26/p553464590-3.jpg

http://pratyush360.com/img/s1/v21/p565582417-3.jpg

Initial impression: At wide open aperture, it appears sharper than 35L. Simply, WONDERFUL..!!

[p360]

And these two are @ f/2:

http://pratyush360.com/img/s1/v20/p821296089-4.jpg

http://pratyush360.com/img/s3/v26/p726165463-4.jpg

[p360]

This was @ f/1.8:

http://pratyush360.com/img/s3/v23/p583001195-4.jpg

[p360]

Another one @ f/1.4:

http://pratyush360.com/img/s10/v16/p82472392-4.jpg

[napster90]

Excellent picture pratman :D
If I won't plan to travel around Europe this Fall, I would definitely get this instead of my 35/2 :(

[p360]

^ Thanks, Napster.

I am planning a summer family trip to Europe in June myself; CANNOT wait.

[jdizzle]

So, is it worth buying this over the f2 ZE?

[J-B]

So, is it worth buying this over the f2 ZE?

I don't own the 1.4, but from what I've seen and heard so far: yes... IF

- You want that much nicer bokeh
- You don't mind the size and weight
- You don't mind the heftier price tag

[jdizzle]

I don't own the 1.4, but from what I've seen and heard so far: yes... IF

- You want that much nicer bokeh
- You don't mind the size and weight
- You don't mind the heftier price tag
Yeah. I own the Zeiss 35 f2 ZM in the Leica mount and love it. I'll decide sooner or later. Thanks! :)

[p360]

A few more from the past weekend: again, all handheld.

First two are @ f/1.8:

http://pratyush360.com/img/v22/p1012740162-4.jpg

http://pratyush360.com/img/v25/p764618250-4.jpg

This one was @ f/8:

http://pratyush360.com/img/v12/p955697562-4.jpg

[jdizzle]

^^Ok! I made up my mind! The 35 f1.4 it is! :)

[napster90]

^^Ok! I made up my mind! The 35 f1.4 it is! :)
Post some pictures upon its arrival ;) I will be watching this thread to force myself to work my ass off to make enough $ to get a FF with the 35/1.4 ZE ;)

[jdizzle]

Post some pictures upon its arrival ;) I will be watching this thread to force myself to work my ass off to make enough $ to get a FF with the 35/1.4 ZE ;)
Hehe! :)

[eskimojo]

Nice shots with the 5D MKII. I am considering this lens -- any thoughts on pairing it with a 60D?

[Silverfox1]

A few more from the past weekend: again, all handheld.

First two are @ f/1.8:

http://pratyush360.com/img/v22/p1012740162-4.jpg

http://pratyush360.com/img/v25/p764618250-4.jpg

This one was @ f/8:

http://pratyush360.com/img/v12/p955697562-4.jpg


prat, how did you get the camera inside a casino ? They wont allow that in any of the Louisiana gambling Hotels i frequent ! Not on the gambling floors anyways. :p

My 82 yr. old Mother hit a jack-pot last year and i wanted to go get my rig to take a pic inside on the floor and they wouldnt allow it. Instead they took the pic with a cheap little P&S ! :lol:

I have not been in over a month and now you got me itching to go blow some money ! :lol:

Regards, ;)

[Silverfox1]

Nice shots with the 5D MKII. I am considering this lens -- any thoughts on pairing it with a 60D?

I recently got the 21 ZE and the benefits with the 5D MKII versus the 60D does IMO justify the lens purchase more so. I own both the 5D MKII & 60D

But they work great on the cropper also. It just gives you more perspectives when having both format bodies.

Regards, ;)

[sekcyjny]

Pratman - Lloyd Chambers write that 35 1.4 is very difficult to focus, especially at f1.4 to f2.0 (even with LV) - what is Yours experience?

[p360]

prat, how did you get the camera inside a casino ?



That was not at a casino. We were actually celebrating my younger son’s birthday at Dave & Buster’s. :D

[p360]

Pratman - Lloyd Chambers write that 35 1.4 is very difficult to focus, especially at f1.4 to f2.0 (even with LV) - what is Yours experience?


I’d say, it’s a little difficult to focus at those apertures, but not terribly so. After a few miss, you’ll start hitting the focus right on.

I have not tried LV yet with this lens.

[sekcyjny]

thanks for answer :)

[p360]

http://pratyush360.com/img/v17/p6413198-4.jpg

[Silverfox1]

^^^^

When you get the time can you post some outdoor scenic shots of some depth staggered subject matter focused on the front object to show the rendering effect this lens has ?

Darn you prat, you got me itching for this 35 now ! :p

I just bought the Sigma 50/f1.4 and already have the 21/f2.8 ZE & 70-200MKII so this 35/f1.4 ZE would just about seal the deal for me on lens needs with the 5D MKII.

Regards, Ron ;)

[jdizzle]

^^^^

When you get the time can you post some outdoor scenic shots of some depth staggered subject matter focused on the front object to show the rendering effect this lens has ?

Darn you prat, you got me itching for this 35 now ! :p

I just bought the Sigma 50/f1.4 and already have the 21/f2.8 ZE & 70-200MKII so this 35/f1.4 ZE would just about seal the deal for me on lens needs with the 5D MKII.

Regards, Ron ;)
You would think any lens would stop you from needing. ;)

[Scapevision]

^^^^

When you get the time can you post some outdoor scenic shots of some depth staggered subject matter focused on the front object to show the rendering effect this lens has ?

Darn you prat, you got me itching for this 35 now ! :p

I just bought the Sigma 50/f1.4 and already have the 21/f2.8 ZE & 70-200MKII so this 35/f1.4 ZE would just about seal the deal for me on lens needs with the 5D MKII.

Regards, Ron ;)

Then you discover the 85 and then over 200 and so on and so on :D

[p360]

When you get the time can you post some outdoor scenic shots of some depth staggered subject matter focused on the front object to show the rendering effect this lens has ?

Regards, Ron ;)

:D will do, Ron.

[p360]

This is not what you requested, Ron, I know. But, still:

I am loving the rendering of this 35/1.4.

http://pratyush360.com/img/v21/p294669929-4.jpg

[airvincent]

Ummm interesting lens !

[Dexinthecity]

man....is it hard to focus with zeiss lenses?

[jdizzle]

man....is it hard to focus with zeiss lenses?
Not really. You can buy a precision focusing screen or use Live View. :)

[Dexinthecity]

Not really. You can buy a precision focusing screen or use Live View. :)

I've never heard of this, so the LCD screen is replaced?

[jdizzle]

I've never heard of this, so the LCD screen is replaced?
Not the LCD. It's the focusing screen that's replaced. Something like this for the 5D II.:)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/590458-REG/Canon_3357B001_Eg_S_Super_Precision_Matte.html

[p360]

This is what he would need for his 60D:

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_170929_-1

[Silverfox1]

Some of the folks suggest the below for the 60D also:

http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/item--Canon-40D-50D-60D-Focusing-Screen--prod_40D.html

I also have the 60D for a cropper but have not changed the screen with any of these versions.

I still use the stock standard on the 5D MKII and dont seem to have a problem.

I quess i dont know what i might be missing but i dont seem to have any focusing issues. :p

Regards,;)

[p360]

http://pratyush360.com/img/v13/p1022144277-4.jpg

[p360]

One more from a photo walk the other day:

http://pratyush360.com/img/v24/p2931405-5.jpg

[p360]

This lens need a little more love:

f/1.4 -

http://pratyush360.com/img/v26/p898953273-4.jpg

[eskimojo]

So I decided to buy this lens for my 60D as a low light video lens. I went to test it out last night and these are straight out of the camera without any PP.

Both shot hand held at f/1.4:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/5776553715_12258a9bf3_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5777102386_81896a6015_z.jpg

Edit: embedded pictures

[sekcyjny]

f2.0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2142/5782356005_d18f4bdd2b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62277313@N06/5782356005/)

f1.4
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/5782354633_a2f336d87c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62277313@N06/5782354633/)

f1.4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/5782355041_4146f83153.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62277313@N06/5782355041/)

[treblekicker]

I've been very interested in this lens for a while, and went to check it out in person at a local camera shop.

I took some test shots, and was quite happy with the sharpness, even wide open.

What I didn't expect was the crazy colour fringing/issues. I've not seen anything like this on any other lens I've owned or tried (and while that's not as many as some on this board, it consists of a good chunk of Canon's non-Big White line up, as well as a selection of third party lenses).

Have a look at the attached file and see what I was talking about for yourself. Pay particular attention to the out of focus arm in the crop... the colour cast is dramatically different than in reality. There's also noticeable colour cast across different areas of the shirt in the crop.

[jdizzle]

^I wonder if the Zeiss 35 f2 has this issue.

[p360]

Hmmm., I will have to look closely when I use mine. I haven’t noticed anything yet.

[jdizzle]

Hmmm., I will have to look closely when I use mine. I haven’t noticed anything yet.
Please do. I would like to know as well. Thanks! :)

[ohaha]

Ordered this lens. I'll let you guys know how it stacks against my 35L next week.

[Silverfox1]

The BG OOF blur on the womans left wrist is of no concern but the color variance is with your copy. Unless im missing something wasnt the focus on the shoulder or the back of the mans shirt ?

[treblekicker]

^I wonder if the Zeiss 35 f2 has this issue.

I have used the 35/2 for a week, constituting a couple of hundred shots, and I didn't see anything similar at all. In fact, the 35/2 is what really interested me in this one (as you might have guessed by my posts here, I tend to like fast primes :) )

Hmmm., I will have to look closely when I use mine. I haven’t noticed anything yet.

Please do. I would like to know as well. Thanks! :)

Yeah, I'd be interested to see if it has the same issues... unfortunately, the shop only had one in stock, so it could very well just be a dud. I actually kinda hope it was just a dud, though my wallet might feel differently! :)

It was a big turn off for a purchase though. I'm not a super stickler for sharpness... I do routinely view at 100%, but know that sharpness is only one element in a successful image, and is relatively easy to fix. Colour is much different however, and I'm not sure how one would fix this problem in post if it was a quality inherent in the lens when shot wide open, where I tend to shoot most often.

I don't want to sound like I was totally ragging on it, the build fit and finish was even nicer than the 35/2, with a much larger focusing ring and what felt a long throw. Sharpness was great, with what seemed like the typical Zeiss colours except for what I mentioned in my original post. I didn't have a chance to really test extensively (I took about 30 shots total from wide open to f4 on a variety of people and other targets), so I'm quite interested to hear the experiences of those who own the lens and use it regularly!

[jdizzle]

I have used the 35/2 for a week, constituting a couple of hundred shots, and I didn't see anything similar at all. In fact, the 35/2 is what really interested me in this one (as you might have guessed by my posts here, I tend to like fast primes :) )





Yeah, I'd be interested to see if it has the same issues... unfortunately, the shop only had one in stock, so it could very well just be a dud. I actually kinda hope it was just a dud, though my wallet might feel differently! :)

It was a big turn off for a purchase though. I'm not a super stickler for sharpness... I do routinely view at 100%, but know that sharpness is only one element in a successful image, and is relatively easy to fix. Colour is much different however, and I'm not sure how one would fix this problem in post if it was a quality inherent in the lens when shot wide open, where I tend to shoot most often.

I don't want to sound like I was totally ragging on it, the build fit and finish was even nicer than the 35/2, with a much larger focusing ring and what felt a long throw. Sharpness was great, with what seemed like the typical Zeiss colours except for what I mentioned in my original post. I didn't have a chance to really test extensively (I took about 30 shots total from wide open to f4 on a variety of people and other targets), so I'm quite interested to hear the experiences of those who own the lens and use it regularly!
Thanks for your feedback. Thing is I rarely shoot indoors that require a fast aperture of 1.4. I tend to shoot above f 1.6-f 2.8. So, does that mean I need 1.4? Idk. :)

[sekcyjny]

all @ 1.4
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/5782353531_384df8e882.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62277313@N06/5782353531/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2211/5782352465_a6cff8e8ec.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62277313@N06/5782352465/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/5782350499_4a0d9267c7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62277313@N06/5782350499/)

[p360]

^^ Very nice, indeed..!!

[sekcyjny]

thanks :)

[sekcyjny]

@ f1.4
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5782349861_00edbd5268.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62277313@N06/5782349861/)

@ f2
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/5782903108_1a8af0ce63.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62277313@N06/5782903108/)

@f1.4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2648/5782904828_8ba793eec3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62277313@N06/5782904828/)

@f1.4
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5782351993_ebf48cfa89.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62277313@N06/5782351993/)

[CheshireCat]

What I didn't expect was the crazy colour fringing/issues. I've not seen anything like this on any other lens I've owned or tried (and while that's not as many as some on this board, it consists of a good chunk of Canon's non-Big White line up, as well as a selection of third party lenses).

That is LoCA, and it is very common in wide aperture lenses. The 35L also has it and it is particularly noticeable in high contrast areas.
In front of the plane of focus, you will see purple fringing. Behind the plane of focus, you will see green fringing (as in this case).

Stopping down will greatly reduce LoCA, and this is the reason why it is not very noticeable with smaller aperture primes.

To avoid LoCA you need a real apochromatic (APO) lens, which means exotic and expensive glass (actually, the 35 ZE is expensive, but not APO).
I have never tested a 35 ZE though, so I cannot say if the copy you tested is within specs.

[jdizzle]

That is LoCA, and it is very common in wide aperture lenses. The 35L also has it and it is particularly noticeable in high contrast areas.
In front of the plane of focus, you will see purple fringing. Behind the plane of focus, you will see green fringing (as in this case).

Stopping down will greatly reduce LoCA, and this is the reason why it is not very noticeable with smaller aperture primes.

To avoid LoCA you need a real apochromatic (APO) lens, which means exotic and expensive glass (actually, the 35 ZE is expensive, but not APO).
I have never tested a 35 ZE though, so I cannot say if the copy you tested is within specs.
The Leica 35 Summilux ASPH doesn't have any LoCA. :)

[p360]

The Leica 35 Summilux ASPH doesn't have any LoCA. :)


But it flares a lot wide open. Or so I’ve heard. :)

[jdizzle]

But it flares a lot wide open. Or so I’ve heard. :)

Don't beleive the internet.

[p360]

Don't beleive the internet.

LOL bw!

[JHutch]

I'll post some pictures taken with this in a little while.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/5802762308_d597ec6c67_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39648228@N02/5802762308/)

[pats2000]

I'll post some pictures taken with this in a little while.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/5802762308_d597ec6c67_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39648228@N02/5802762308/)

wow.. it certainly looks huge!

[JHutch]

wow.. it certainly looks huge!

It's a pretty hefty lens, that's for sure.

[jdizzle]

I'll post some pictures taken with this in a little while.


Nic! Where did you order yours from?

[JHutch]

Nic! Where did you order yours from?

I actually borrowed it for the weekend from my job. I would love to own this setup but I'm content with my D700 for the time being.

[jdizzle]

I actually borrowed it for the weekend from my job. I would love to own this setup but I'm content with my D700 for the time being.
I don't blame ya for keeping the Nikon.;) The AF is outstanding!

[ohaha]

Mine arrives tomorrow :)

edit: and that looks terrifyingly large for a manual focus standard focal length prime.

[ohaha]

Here's some sample images:

With a bit of post-processing, and I really mean a lot less than you might expect. If you like contrast and vibrant colors, then this lens is for you. All are at f/1.4, no lens profile applied in RAW.

.1http://mohara.smugmug.com/photos/i-XgnDcx2/0/M/i-XgnDcx2-M.jpg
.2http://mohara.smugmug.com/photos/i-R7KhR5h/0/M/i-R7KhR5h-M.jpg
.3http://mohara.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZBNMwKc/0/M/i-ZBNMwKc-M.jpg
.4http://mohara.smugmug.com/photos/i-MfXZM9H/0/M/i-MfXZM9H-M.jpg

EDIT: My only qualm so far has been a bit of play in the mount. The focus throw is smooth and long but still requires enough tugging that you sometimes feel the play.

[BlueTsunami]

The tonality (or the way the contrast melds together) in shot 3 is to die for. And I really dig the bokeh from this lens. Crap. The lens I wanted that would break the 1K barrier was the Z 28/2 but I really like what I've been seeing from this behemoth.

[ohaha]

I look at it this way:

You do make sacrifices, as others have discussed many times already. And it really turns out that it's a fair trade off - you just have to choose which road you want to go down. I couldn't recommend the lens to everyone. Versus a 35L, you lose auto-focus, you gain a ton of weight, you gain size, plus I don't think it's quite as attractive a lens as the 35L when mounted, though of course it's built 10x better.

But for all this you gain 1) the color 2) the micro-contrast 3) and the bokeh. I seriously see myself having to do very little post-processing with this lens. It's like they stuffed the color reproduction and bokeh from the 300 2.8 L that I used to use regularly and put it in a standard prime. It's simply amazing to open the RAW's from my 5D II.

I could see myself bowing down and worshiping this lens if I came from a standard length zoom having not owned a 35L or Summicron. But compared to the 35L it's just an evolution, not a revolution. Would I buy it again though? Hell yeah.

When I ordered mine there was only one listed as available through Amazon. It came from a small shop out in CA. Availability has seemed to be strange.

Focusing isn't all that difficult with the EG-S precision matte screen. I might just be used to manually focusing as both my other cameras are. It's nice to remove the 5D's biggest weakness (its auto-focus) from the equation.

If I could give ratings to each lens:

35L -
Build - 80%
Optics - 80%
Functionality - 95%

Zeiss -
Build - 95%
Optics - 92.5%
Functionality - 70%

[sekcyjny]

f1.4
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5782906944_016a5679b8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62277313@N06/5782906944/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5782354231_d7966592c8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62277313@N06/5782354231/)

[ohaha]

Some more, all at 1.4 I believe:
1)http://mohara.smugmug.com/photos/i-z83v2zJ/0/M/i-z83v2zJ-M.jpg
2)http://mohara.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZCKThm9/0/M/i-ZCKThm9-M.jpg
3)http://mohara.smugmug.com/photos/i-Nhrz3fT/0/M/i-Nhrz3fT-M.jpg
4)http://mohara.smugmug.com/photos/i-sJKGgbf/0/M/i-sJKGgbf-M.jpg
5)http://mohara.smugmug.com/photos/i-gSBn4qN/0/M/i-gSBn4qN-M.jpg

[CheshireCat]

I could see myself bowing down and worshiping this lens if I came from a standard length zoom having not owned a 35L or Summicron. But compared to the 35L it's just an evolution, not a revolution. Would I buy it again though? Hell yeah.


Thanks for the mini-review.
How would you compare this lens to the Summicron-R ?
Problem with my Summicron is it cannot reach infinity (should try a different adapter) and I really wonder if i should replace it with a Distagon 1.4 or 2.

[p360]

http://pratyush360.com/img/v23/p213017646-4.jpg

[Dredd123]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5926312162_47de67d61a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/56222838@N07/5926312162/)
Photo17 - Brescia (http://www.flickr.com/photos/56222838@N07/5926312162/) by david.walsh5 (http://www.flickr.com/people/56222838@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5925781531_a793f17fae_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/56222838@N07/5925781531/)
Photo18 - Brescia (http://www.flickr.com/photos/56222838@N07/5925781531/) by david.walsh5 (http://www.flickr.com/people/56222838@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5926333434_5a0c0c057c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/56222838@N07/5926333434/)
Photo6 - Simplon Pass - Alfa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/56222838@N07/5926333434/) by david.walsh5 (http://www.flickr.com/people/56222838@N07/), on Flickr

[J-B]

Very nice David.

I got this lens today to replace my 35/2 ZE.

The weather is really bad, but here's a quick livingroom test shot at 1.4 :


http://www.jochenbongaerts.be/Other/web/i-L3LSsRq/0/X3/IMG9622-X3.jpg

[p360]

http://pratyush360.com/img/v24/p345121552-4.jpg

[mondayshift]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5925781531_a793f17fae_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/56222838@N07/5925781531/)
Photo18 - Brescia (http://www.flickr.com/photos/56222838@N07/5925781531/) by david.walsh5 (http://www.flickr.com/people/56222838@N07/), on Flickr



Amazing! WOW!

[quickben]

I'm interested to know how this lens handles CA in night scenes. I've seen shots of neon lights against a night sky taken with the 2/35 that have really quite bad CA. I'm hoping the 1.4 has better control of this, although, it stands to reason that it should be worse.

Does anybody have any examples ?

[J-B]

I'm interested to know how this lens handles CA in night scenes. I've seen shots of neon lights against a night sky taken with the 2/35 that have really quite bad CA. I'm hoping the 1.4 has better control of this, although, it stands to reason that it should be worse.

Does anybody have any examples ?

I don't have any examples, but as I have both the 1.4 and f2 right now I can say the f2 has better CA control wideopen. That's not unusual for faster lenses. Stopping the 1.4 down cleans up the CA nicely though.

Here are some shots from my first real test (all at f1.4):

http://www.jochenbongaerts.be/Other/web/i-Jbpg8Dc/0/X3/9756b-X3.jpg

http://www.jochenbongaerts.be/Other/web/i-MvZTVVc/0/X3/9776B-X3.jpg

http://www.jochenbongaerts.be/Other/web/i-rkg7QV4/0/X3/9810B-X3.jpg

http://www.jochenbongaerts.be/Other/web/i-qJRh2RV/0/X3/9807B-X3.jpg

http://www.jochenbongaerts.be/Other/web/i-ZZNJbQ7/0/X3/9777B-X3.jpg

http://www.jochenbongaerts.be/Other/web/i-qDcPB2n/0/X3/IMG9765b-X3.jpg

http://www.jochenbongaerts.be/Other/web/i-NpVh7bt/0/X3/9800B-X3.jpg

[JHutch]

I didn't realize until yesterday that Zeiss also makes a ZF.2 version of this. I just might have to pick one up now!

[Patras]

A friend of mine lent me this lens a couple of days:

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/7353/110726prueba35mm8.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/810/110726prueba35mm8.jpg/)

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/2383/110726prueba35mm25.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/42/110726prueba35mm25.jpg/)

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/9468/110726prueba35mm26.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/854/110726prueba35mm26.jpg/)

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/2812/110726prueba35mm31.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/840/110726prueba35mm31.jpg/)

[jobv2]

That was not at a casino. We were actually celebrating my younger son’s birthday at Dave & Buster’s. :D

bw!

[p360]

Verona, Italy:

http://pratyush360.com/img/v32/p437349851-4.jpg

[sekcyjny]

@1.4

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/6011105853_63c6a7bb14_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/62277313@N06/6011105853/)

[p360]

http://pratyush360.com/img/v33/p155960031-4.jpg

[JHutch]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/6011697344_0f12937579_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39648228@N02/6011697344/)

[wem]

I'm looking forward to join this group in week 38!

[p360]

One more:

http://pratyush360.com/img/v28/p888189439-4.jpg

[claudio88]

the photos posted here are truly lovely...

the butterfly shot posted by sekcyjny is ...errghh... so yummy :D

i own already 35mm f/2 Zeiss ... and the 3D look created by this lens has blown me away over n over...

but its bokeh is not as pleasing as this new beast...

However, i dont see anyone gives a comment about how the 3D looks created by this new zeiss 35mm f/1.4
and how about the classic vignette inherited from the old 35mm f/2, does this new beast also have it..?

[David Arbogast]

the photos posted here are truly lovely...

the butterfly shot posted by sekcyjny is ...errghh... so yummy :D

i own already 35mm f/2 Zeiss ... and the 3D look created by this lens has blown me away over n over...

but its bokeh is not as pleasing as this new beast...

However, i dont see anyone gives a comment about how the 3D looks created by this new zeiss 35mm f/1.4
and how about the classic vignette inherited from the old 35mm f/2, does this new beast also have it..?There is a "Group" on Flickr dedicated to this lens: http://www.flickr.com/groups/distagon35mm-hs/ A good number of very nice example shots there as well. The 1.4/35 seems to produce images that are smoother/slicker than the 2/35, but I'm seeing impressive 3d pop in many of the images. Sometimes the 3d effect is so strong, it gives the illusion that the subject has been photographed against a green screen backdrop. From what I've gleaned from reviews, this lens vignettes less than the 2/35. I also like that vignette.

[sekcyjny]

There is a "Group" on Flickr dedicated to this lens: http://www.flickr.com/groups/distagon35mm-hs/


ohh, It is good to know :)

[claudio88]

There is a "Group" on Flickr dedicated to this lens: http://www.flickr.com/groups/distagon35mm-hs/ A good number of very nice example shots there as well. The 1.4/35 seems to produce images that are smoother/slicker than the 2/35, but I'm seeing impressive 3d pop in many of the images. Sometimes the 3d effect is so strong, it gives the illusion that the subject has been photographed against a green screen backdrop. From what I've gleaned from reviews, this lens vignettes less than the 2/35. I also like that vignette.

woww.. thanks a lot. Just check it out... yupzz i agree, i does vignettes less... :(
but in return, we get really gorgeous bokeh... the color seems more saturated too..

[p360]

SOOC:

http://pratyush360.com/img/v23/p1032917329-5.jpg

http://pratyush360.com/img/v23/p826502359-5.jpg

[David Arbogast]

^I like these; especially the dramatic perspective in the last one! Were these with a CPL?

[p360]

^ Yes. Thanks.

[p360]

http://pratyush360.com/img/v31/p742565848-5.jpg

[p360]

http://pratyush360.com/img/v32/p343652637-5.jpg

[David Arbogast]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6074414831_77345c01a3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/camp_arbo/6074414831/in/photostream/lightbox/)

[buggz]

ooppss...

[David Arbogast]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6086315653_a1d7c05590_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/camp_arbo/6086315653/in/photostream/lightbox/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6046272513_cc9ba182c3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/camp_arbo/6046272513/in/photostream/lightbox/)

[jdizzle]

^Nice shots David. How about posting some images with the lens stopped down? :);) I may add this lens to with the 35 f2. :)

[David Arbogast]

^Nice shots David. How about posting some images with the lens stopped down? :);) I may add this lens to with the 35 f2. :)Thanks Julian. I'll go do some stopped-down shooting and get something posted.

[jdizzle]

Thanks Julian. I'll go do some stopped-down shooting and get something posted.
Cool! Looking forward to it. :cool:

[BlueTsunami]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6074414831_77345c01a3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/camp_arbo/6074414831/in/photostream/lightbox/)

The sharpness is ridonculous

[p360]

Watson Lake, Prescott, AZ: (I was fighting the mid-day Sun) -

http://pratyush360.com/img/v15/p1000164664-5.jpg

http://pratyush360.com/img/v31/p748530798-5.jpg

[David Arbogast]

Still looking for some quality time with this lens, but I dropped by the KC farmers market yesterday morning looking for something interesting. I didn't get much due to the dense crowds, so I just snapped some performers.

@ f/1.4:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6109577209_bd7045a6e6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/camp_arbo/6109577209/in/photostream/lightbox/)

@ f/5.6:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6110697915_72ef4d9cd7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/camp_arbo/6110697915/in/photostream/lightbox/)

[David Arbogast]

Evening at the Lee's Summit Amtrack Station:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6118825016_f973d31d2a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/camp_arbo/6118825016/in/photostream/lightbox/)

[David Arbogast]

A barbecue joint in Lee's Summit called "The Filling Station"...I guess the place gives you gas.;)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6118454041_277fcaf30e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/camp_arbo/6118454041/in/photostream/lightbox/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6118454707_5f88520e20_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/camp_arbo/6118454707/in/photostream/lightbox/)

[jdizzle]

Very nice David.

[MNUplander]

Nice David - love those old signs.

[David Arbogast]

Thanks Julian and Brett!:)

[zincozinco]

Great shots, david!

[retour]

Nice!

[David Arbogast]

Thanks so much zincozinco and retour, you're very kind!

[dolina]

Wonderful images gents. Would any of you have a photo comparing the EF35mm with the 35mm ZE?

[shadowcat]

I'm thinking about selling my canon 50 1.4 for a Zeiss 35 1.4ZE but still not sure yet.

[jdizzle]

Wonderful images gents. Would any of you have a photo comparing the EF35mm with the 35mm ZE?
I just picked up a 35 L for some gigs coming this fall. So,I can only compare the 35 ZE f2 which is no slouch imo. :)

[jdizzle]

I'm thinking about selling my canon 50 1.4 for a Zeiss 35 1.4ZE but still not sure yet.
You should give it a shot. :)

[reza187]

Wonderful images gents. Would any of you have a photo comparing the EF35mm with the 35mm ZE?

i found this one, but not so scientific
zeiss 1.4/35: http://bbs.kakaku.com/bbs/K0000263682/SortID=13437513/ImageID=996395/
canon 35L:
http://bbs.kakaku.com/bbs/K0000263682/SortID=13437513/ImageID=996396/

it is said that they were taken around MFD

[David Arbogast]

In October 2010 I rented the Canon EF 35 f/1.4L for a three-week period because, at the time, I was keenly interested in buying it. After my time with it I sent it back to Lens Rentals making the mental note that I was no longer interested in it. It's a fine lens and if you have to have AF, it is clearly the best option for Canon shooters. But, the Zeiss 35mm/1.4 has not only met my expectations, it has become my favorite lens.

The image quality produced by the 35mm/1.4 ZE always delights me, even at f/1.4. To my surprise I'm finding that I prefer shooting it at f/1.4. Wide open it is sharper and vignettes far less than the EF 35mm f/1.4L does. And the out of focus rendering is dimensional yet very smooth. The Canon has a very nicely smooth bokeh too, but it just seems more of a 2d effect by comparison. Zeiss lenses are well-regarded for a 3d effect, and I get it all the time with the 35mm/1.4 ZE.

I can't quite compare it to the 35mm/2 ZE, but I can make a few comparitive observations with the ZE 28mm/2 (has very similar rendering characteristics to the 35,mm/2 ZE from what I've seen). During my time with the 28mm/2, I took several shots and subsequently retook them again with the 35mm/1.4 ZE and I noticed that: Both produced very sharp images, but the 28mm/2 ZE revealed more/better gritty textural microcontrast, which is a really great look. But, the 35mm/1.4 delivered a smoother/richer out-of-focus rendering. I got very good color from both, but (to my eyes) even better with the 35mm/1.4. The ZE 28mm/2 images had a comparitively warmer yellowish cast to them. I've read reviews of the 21mm/2.8 ZE that show a similar warm-yellow cast (like Mac Danzig's (http://macdanzigphotography.wordpress.com/2010/02/04/zeiss-21mm-distagon-ze-review/)), so it leads me to suspect it's a common trait with other Distagons. It's not a bad thing (I really like it), but my ZE 35mm/1.4 doesn't appear to exhibit this warming characteristic.

When I ordered the Zeiss 35mm/1.4 ZE I was concerned about veiling haze at wide apertures (a concern raised by reviewers) and about size and weight. I don't know if I'm getting any veiling haze that I read about - maybe I'm just not observant enough to notice it - but all I'm getting are super clean images with some CA in the out-of-focus high-contrast edge areas. Having used the EF 35mm f/1.4L, the Zeiss 1.4/35mm delivers far more pleasing images to my eye than the Canon. The size and weight concern turned out to be non-existent for me. In fact I actually enjoy the heft of the Zeiss 1.4/35mm. Ergonomically it feels terrific on my 5d ii, and the huge barrel size just makes the focusing ring feel good in my hand. I can be pretty wimpy about weight concerns, but the 1.4/35 ZE doesn't bother me in the least.

Also, I had read in Lloyd Chamber's review that focusing the 35mm/1.4ZE is more difficult than other Zeiss lenses. Having used the lens, I don't understand that comment/concern. Focusing is easy and pleasurable on the 1.4/35mm ZE to me. I'm not saying he's wrong, and maybe some of his concerns are specific to the Nikon version he was testing. I think he started his reviews with a pre-release copy of the Canon-mount, but wrote some follow-up notes about using a production copy of the Nikon-mount. Maybe the Canon-mount somehow performs better than the Nikon-mount version. Even with the concerns that Chambers registered, he still recently wrote in his blog (http://diglloyd.com/):
Indeed, the 35/1.4 Distagon is an exceptional lens, and is now among my favorites (the 21/2.8 and 100/2 are the other two of my top 3 Zeiss favorites). And the results are not always something one can quite quantify, a point lost on most testing sites; every lens draws in a unique way, with its own signature look.

That last line in Chamber's quote is something I can identify with. The 35mm/1.4 ZE has a very unique rendering quality about it. It is personality-loaded and I happen to love it.

[jdizzle]

^^Well said David. Now go buy the 21 and 100 already!!! ;)

[David Arbogast]

^^Well said David. Now go buy the 21 and 100 already!!! ;)OK, that really did make me laugh out loud!:lol: I'm planning to sell my Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM (it's very nice, but just don't use it that much), and am seriously considering getting one of those two. I used the heck out of the 100mm/2 when I rented it in July, and it might make more sense than the 21mm given the TS-E 24 in my bag. But, on the other hand I just tend to gravitate toward wide angle lens (its the interior architect in me), so maybe I'm just better off with a wide, wider, and widest bag of lenses.