Zeiss 21 2.8 (ZE)

[jdizzle]

Just contacted the store and they promised to send me a new copy. Fingers crossed.
I'm happy your situation gotten taken care of with the lens Jelle. :D

[jdizzle]

It's not user error :rolleyes: I have more of these random testshots.
I've used the TS-E24II for months (a technical more advanced lens) without any complaints at all.

Tell me how this could be user error... please.
So, did you even try Live View to MF instead of doing it via VF?

[Illumined]

So, did you even try Live View to MF instead of doing it via VF?
Could the curvature of the lens be the culprit to the soft left side or is there not much curvature to speak of in this way?

[Illumined]

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/7262/rabacal25fontes096.jpg

This capture and composition is just fantastic, Hugo. Damn.

[J-B]

I'm happy your situation gotten taken care of with the lens Jelle. :D

I'm not Jelle ;) Same country though...

So, did you even try Live View to MF instead of doing it via VF?

Yes, I took many testshots also with liveview. It seems like the focusplane is off. Strangest thing is it seems to perform best wideopen. Both corners evenly sharp. Stopping the lens down: left/bottom left side very soft.

... and there is that horrible flare which has nothing to do with focussing the lens.
Hopefully I have my new copy this week.

[denoir]

The first one was shot with a polarizer, hence the extreme colors.

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-48.jpg



http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-49.jpg

[jdizzle]

Could the curvature of the lens be the culprit to the soft left side or is there not much curvature to speak of in this way?
Not sure. Whatever JB is describing doesn't sound right. Good thing he was able to work out a replacement. :)

[jdizzle]

I'm not Jelle ;) Same country though...



Yes, I took many testshots also with liveview. It seems like the focusplane is off. Strangest thing is it seems to perform best wideopen. Both corners evenly sharp. Stopping the lens down: left/bottom left side very soft.

... and there is that horrible flare which has nothing to do with focussing the lens.
Hopefully I have my new copy this week.
My mistake. :oops: I hope to see some results with your new copy. :)

[jdizzle]

The first one was shot with a polarizer, hence the extreme colors.

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-48.jpg



http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-49.jpg
I really like the first one with the CPL, the colors are more vibrant. Even though some may not agree to use one with any of the Zeiss lenses.

[Illumined]

I really the first one with the CPL, the colors are more vibrant. Even though some may not agree to use one with any of the Zeiss lenses.
I agree, it looks like the output of a Singh-Ray LB Polarizer. :)

I really want this lens for environmental portraiture of talent (bands, solo artists, etc.), models and fine-art pieces. However I am receiving some feedback saying it isn't good for that when I've seen some rather exceptional examples when used in this fashion.

[jdizzle]

I agree, it looks like the output of a Singh-Ray LB Polarizer. :)

I really want this lens for environmental portraiture of talent (bands, solo artists, etc.), models and fine-art pieces. However I am receiving some feedback saying it isn't good for that when I've seen some rather exceptional examples when used in this fashion.
I think this lens can be used for anything. If you're comfortable at working quickly with MF, then go for it. :)

[jdizzle]

^Lookin' good Patrick. What are your thoughts so far?

[jdizzle]

Posting from my Memorial weekend trip to Topsail, North Carolina. I didn't have alot of time to shoot here but, I managed to get some captures.

Filter used: Singh Ray Color Combo.

http://DLImaging.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v14/p382788103-5.jpg

[Illumined]

Filter used: Singh Ray Color Combo.
http://DLImaging.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v14/p382788103-5.jpg
This is why you're my favorite. ;)

[J-B]

My mistake. :oops: I hope to see some results with your new copy. :)

No problem :)

Posting from my Memorial weekend trip to Topsail, North Carolina. I didn't have alot of time to shoot here but, I managed to get some captures.

Filter used: Singh Ray Color Combo.

http://DLImaging.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v14/p382788103-5.jpg

Nice shot!

[Maiku]

Nice shot!

+1! Gonna pick up a 5DMII soon to work my way up to Zeiss glass... :D

[jdizzle]

This is why you're my favorite. ;)

Hehe! Thanks! :)

No problem :)



Nice shot!
Thanks JB.:)

+1! Gonna pick up a 5DMII soon to work my way up to Zeiss glass... :D
Thank you Maiku. :)

[JelleVerherstraeten]

Posting from my Memorial weekend trip to Topsail, North Carolina. I didn't have alot of time to shoot here but, I managed to get some captures.

Filter used: Singh Ray Color Combo.

http://DLImaging.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v14/p382788103-5.jpg

Nice shot eric.., eh Julian :-).

[chmod]

^Lookin' good Patrick. What are your thoughts so far?

JV....well, I am not finding the lack of Auto Focus to be an issue. If anything it makes me more careful. Having said that, the characteristics of the lens are very different from my L primes when working with post processing. This was my first serious use of the lens, and when I managed to properly work the RAWs I was extremely happy. What I am seeing is a huge delta between monitors. This lens creates such rich, contrasted images I am having to re-think some of the steps I take and even how I have my monitors set up.

Overall, +1 without question. For landscape, or even portrait in the right light, this thing rocks. If I have observed anything, it tends to get slightly odd looking when shooting in low light - in my brief experience.

[denoir]

Yes, great shot Julian - very nice composition. I do think however it would have been even better without the Color Combo filter.

Luka

[jdizzle]

Nice shot eric.., eh Julian :-).
Hehe! Thanks Jelle. :)
JV....well, I am not finding the lack of Auto Focus to be an issue. If anything it makes me more careful. Having said that, the characteristics of the lens are very different from my L primes when working with post processing. This was my first serious use of the lens, and when I managed to properly work the RAWs I was extremely happy. What I am seeing is a huge delta between monitors. This lens creates such rich, contrasted images I am having to re-think some of the steps I take and even how I have my monitors set up.

Overall, +1 without question. For landscape, or even portrait in the right light, this thing rocks. If I have observed anything, it tends to get slightly odd looking when shooting in low light - in my brief experience.
I'm glad you're happy with your purchase. Please post more when you can. :)
Yes, great shot Julian - very nice composition. I do think however it would have been even better without the Color Combo filter.

Luka

Thanks Luka. The only reason for using the CPL was to reduce glare on the water. The additional color contrast came from the filter too but, since it was a bright day, I used it anyway. :) I also have a shot with the 70-200 2.8 IS II w/o a filter but, the impact isn't as great color wise. I'm not comparing the two lenses but, more of what a filter can do in this situation. :)

[Karl Johnston]

http://********/hvx3e

sooc jpeg...freaky sharpness. cropped a bit.

i shoot jpeg most of the time now because of this lens!

[jdizzle]

http://DLImaging.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v15/p703479297-5.jpg
http://DLImaging.zenfolio.com/img/s7/v8/p990219304-4.jpg

[J-B]

I received my replacement copy today.
This one seems fine :)

[Illumined]

I received my replacement copy today.
This one seems fine :)
Good to hear mate! Now get to actuating!

[J-B]

Just fooling around :) Wideangles give you funny perspectives up close.

f2.8
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4653732713_a6a9b132ec_o.jpg

[jdizzle]

^Nice JB. Looks good so far. :)

[denoir]

You should be careful J-B, I once got my lens licked that way :shock:

The "incident" happened a second after this photo was taken:

http://peltarion.eu/img/1635/1635-15.jpg

Note: Not, Zeiss 21, but Canon 16-35. Fortunately I had a polarizer on and the lens is weather sealed. The front was completely covered in horse slime :shock:

[J-B]

Haha denoir :D

I once took a closeup photo of a swan with a 35L. It tried to eat my lenshood. Had it in its beak.
Guess it was camera shy.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2706/4085892760_54cdfaa115.jpg
(35L, fraction of a second before the attack. Beak already open)

[denoir]

Hehe, swans may look pretty but they tend to have a nasty temperament. Well, to connect this to the original topic, here is are two swan shots with the Zeiss 21. It was in direct sunlight so the highlights have been slightly..um.. nuked:

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-50.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-51.jpg

As a point of interest, both shots at f/2.8, the first one with infinity focus (as the swans were further away) while the second one was a closer focus hence the more shallow DOF and the OOF background. I think the first image shows pretty well how absurdly sharp this lens is wide open, across the frame.

[jdizzle]

^Nice use of DOF with these Luka. I just don't like tilting my head on the second one. It makes my neck hurt. :);)

[denoir]

Thanks Julian. You don't have to tilt your head - just tilt the monitor ;)

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-52.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-53.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-56.jpg

-Luka

[jdizzle]

Another great set Luka. I really need to try some night shooting with this lens. Btw, I tilted my monitor and it looks alot better. ;)

[Lofty]

My next lens....no doubt.

[denoir]

Thanks Julian!

Some more of the same:
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-55.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-54.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-57.jpg

[jdizzle]

^The flare control just blows me away. Shot at f/10?

[Double Negative]

Gotta love the Zeiss stars... As for flare control; I've yet to see anything match them.

[Mast3rChi3f]

denoir amazing job!
Keep up!

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/2874/picodoareeiropasseio131.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/4585/picodoareeiropasseio095.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/4264/picodoareeiropasseio028.jpg

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/1438/picodoareeiropasseio003.jpg

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/809/picodoareeiropasseio089.jpg

[denoir]

^The flare control just blows me away. Shot at f/10?

The last ones were shot at f/8. On in the previous series was at f/16 and a couple at f/2.8.

Hugo: Thanks!

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-58.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-59.jpg

[denoir]

I just remembered that I bought a Lee filter kit at the same time I bought the Zeiss 21. I have not tried before. Here is just a test shot from my balcony using a 2 stop GND. It has been somewhat cropped.

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-60.jpg

The good:
-No drop in resolution.
-No obvious problems with flaring

The bad:
-Drop in contrast
-Starbursts are not as nice as without the filter
-Fairly pointless as soft GNDs in lightroom work as well.

I suppose there is a point in using it with 3 or more stop GNDs or ND filters . It is a massive improvement over Cokin fitlers though - they ruined the image quality and had serious problems with flaring.

[ions]

Such fantastic results with this lens. Great job folks! Maybe one day.

[ZCphoto]

I just received mine. What a hunk of glass! Took a few shots of the house and wow am I impressed with its sharpness. Now I'm really looking forward to winter shots at Yosemite this year.

[Mast3rChi3f]

Without tripod. :D

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/4668/passeiorabaal069.jpg

[Mast3rChi3f]

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6101/picodoareeiropasseio086.jpg

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/4853/picodoareeiropasseio036.jpg

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/3030/picodoareeiropasseio122.jpg

[jdizzle]

denoir amazing job!
Keep up!

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/2874/picodoareeiropasseio131.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/4585/picodoareeiropasseio095.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/4264/picodoareeiropasseio028.jpg

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/1438/picodoareeiropasseio003.jpg

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/809/picodoareeiropasseio089.jpg
Great set Hugo.

[jdizzle]

I just remembered that I bought a Lee filter kit at the same time I bought the Zeiss 21. I have not tried before. Here is just a test shot from my balcony using a 2 stop GND. It has been somewhat cropped.

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-60.jpg

The good:
-No drop in resolution.
-No obvious problems with flaring

The bad:
-Drop in contrast
-Starbursts are not as nice as without the filter
-Fairly pointless as soft GNDs in lightroom work as well.

I suppose there is a point in using it with 3 or more stop GNDs or ND filters . It is a massive improvement over Cokin fitlers though - they ruined the image quality and had serious problems with flaring.
I agree. The Cokin filters aren't worthy at all. While you can use a GND in post it, it is something I really don't like to do unless I need to. And you're right, the starburst isn't as nice if a GND was used. When I head out on my family trip in August, I'm gonna try to use this lens w/o filters. :)

[Mast3rChi3f]

Thanks jdizzle.

A pano with 6 vertical photos.

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/1286/group1rabacal25fontes12.jpg

[denoir]

Very nice. I really like that last one.

[Mast3rChi3f]

Thanks denoir.



http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4427/garajau011.jpg

[denoir]

Excellent Hugo, I love how the water and the rocks melt together..

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-64.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-65.jpg

I don't know why, but 3/4 of the shots I take with this lens are in portrait orientation..

Luka

[Mast3rChi3f]

denoir great colors!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4689397292_4224352391_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1304/4689397340_a43f9e159b_b.jpg

[swolfcg]

I just got Doc Fluty's ZE 21. The focusing ring seems a bit looser than the ZE 35, so it's a bit hard to focus, but nice colors overall and low distortion for a lens this wide on FF.

FYI, anyone wanting to barter with this person please pm for info before doing so. That's all I'll say.

Lafayette, Ca
http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww291/swolfcg/IMG_5471.jpg

[Mast3rChi3f]

Yesterday was a perfect day for this kind of photo.

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6097/fanalepontadosol198.jpg

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/2710/fanalepontadosol035.jpg

[Karl Johnston]

http://www.karljohnston.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/pinelake_15.jpg

[jdizzle]

http://www.karljohnston.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/pinelake_15.jpg
I like it Karl. Is this image SOOC? I remember you mentioned shooting straight jpeg now? Why? :)

[jdizzle]

Yesterday was a perfect day for this kind of photo.

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6097/fanalepontadosol198.jpg

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/2710/fanalepontadosol035.jpg
These are great Hugo. Keep it coming! :)

[denoir]

Great shots, Hugo and Karl!

I just got Doc Fluty's ZE 21. The focusing ring seems a bit looser than the ZE 35, so it's a bit hard to focus, but nice colors overall and low distortion for a lens this wide on FF.


The focus ring on the 21 is much looser than the 35/2 - it's not just your copy of it.

Right, some photos:
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-62.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-68.jpg

[jdizzle]

Great shots, Hugo and Karl!



The focus ring on the 21 is much looser than the 35/2 - it's not just your copy of it.

Right, some photos:
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-62.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-68.jpg
I love this sample with the tree Luka. I don't see any CA. :)

[denoir]

I love this sample with the tree Luka. I don't see any CA. :)

Thanks Julian, but what do you think all that green stuff is :shock: ;) No, but seriously there is some slight purple fringing on the leaves but not much given the pretty extreme contrast. The 21 is pretty good when it comes to CA.

[swolfcg]

Thanks Denoir for easing my mind about my "inherited" 21. I think I'll try this lens out a bit more, before sending it in for review. The more I use it, the more I think I'm just not use to it.

Can anyone tell me at what aperture width this lens shines? I'm guess f/8. I'm starting to find that most of my shots would be best served at infinity & f/8. At least at the beginning.

[denoir]

Thanks Denoir for easing my mind about my "inherited" 21. I think I'll try this lens out a bit more, before sending it in for review. The more I use it, the more I think I'm just not use to it.

Can anyone tell me at what aperture width this lens shines? I'm guess f/8. I'm starting to find that most of my shots would be best served at infinity & f/8. At least at the beginning.

It depends on what you mean by shines. It is excellent already at f/2.8 - at least two thirds of my shots with it are wide open. Top performance is around f/5.6-f/11 and at f/16 you slowly start seeing diffraction.

This is what the MTF chart looks like and unlike Canon's theoretical charts, Zeiss actually measures the performance:
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/mtf21.JPG

My experience with it reflects the MTF chart pretty well. The frame ends around 20mm so at f/2.8 it's sharp up until the very extreme corners where it gets softer. At f/5.6 it's über-sharp across the frame.

There are two things that you should be aware of:
1) It has a very deep DOF and very noticeable field curvature. This makes hyperfocal focusing a bit different than on most lenses. Just nudging it a bit from infinity at smaller apertures will typically do it.

2) This lens thrives on fine detail and if you just use Photoshop's or Lighroom's default bicubic resize function you will destroy that detail. You need to sharpen the image when resizing. My scripts have four steps where the image is sharpened and then resized in order to preserve the detail.

To illustrate this, look at these two images (open them in separate tabs and flip between them) - the first has been resized using Photoshop's default function and the second one has had sharpening applied to it in the process:

Resize 1 (http://peltarion.eu/img/resize1.jpg)
Resize 2 (http://peltarion.eu/img/resize2.jpg)

As you can see, it makes quite a difference. Images taken with Canon glass benefit less from sharpening when resizing as they don't have as much detail to lose as the Zeiss. Still, even with Canon glass applying some form of sharpening appropriate for the chosen resolution is a good idea.

Edit: One more thing. The mechanical infinity stop of the lens is really the infinity as far as the lens is concerned. The thing is that there is typically variation in camera sensor alignment. On my 5DII i have to pull back a tiny, tiny amount to get infinity. Lloyd Chambers on the other hand had the misfortune of having a camera sensor off in the other way - he could not reach infinity at all and had to send in the camera for calibration. So start by using live view and see where you have your infinity focus and make sure you are not going past it (or that you can't reach it).

Speaking of Lloyd Chambers, if you are considering more Zeiss glass, I can't recommend his reviews (http://diglloyd.com/zf/index.html) enough - well worth the cost both as a help to choose the glass and to get to know how to use it best.

[swolfcg]

Denoir, Thank you for that very thorough answer. I'll be testing it out further, during my business trip in AK next week.

I don't think I would know whether or not my particular lens reaches infinity; since I am not familar w/ this lens and I don't have another to compare. However I'm pretty sure it dosn't overshoot it. My eyes arn't as keen as some of ya'lls and I probably don't have enough experience to make that call on my own.

Thanks for the help regardless.

Steph

[jdizzle]

^Let's see some pics Steph. :)

[swolfcg]

^Let's see some pics Steph. :)

When I come back from Alaska I will be sure to throw some up.
Thanks for the encouragement. ;)

[ZCphoto]

Not the best lens for architecture but still fun to use.

http://i47.tinypic.com/2rysnqf.jpg

[denoir]

Very nice in principle ZCphoto, but you really should sharpen before and after resizing the image for web use. The 21 is extraordinary at picking up fine detail and it gets completely destroyed and smeared if you just do a standard bicubic resize.

For a quick test, open for instance the first (resized) image in Photoshop and apply a "Smart sharpen" filter with a 0.2 pixels radius and 100%. Apply it three or four times and you should see a massive difference. You can get it even better if you do in multiple sharp/resize passes.

[ZCphoto]

Very nice in principle ZCphoto, but you really should sharpen before and after resizing the image for web use. The 21 is extraordinary at picking up fine detail and it gets completely destroyed and smeared if you just do a standard bicubic resize.

For a quick test, open for instance the first (resized) image in Photoshop and apply a "Smart sharpen" filter with a 0.2 pixels radius and 100%. Apply it three or four times and you should see a massive difference. You can get it even better if you do in multiple sharp/resize passes.


Good point. Both images were without sharpening. I'm going to play around with the sharpening a bit and repost.

[ZCphoto]

http://i46.tinypic.com/207tjtf.jpg

[denoir]

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-71.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-72.jpg

[jdizzle]

^Impressive Luka. That first one is truly awesome!

[Illumined]

^Impressive Luka. That first one is truly awesome!
Again, right there with Julian on this one but I also do love the second shot as well.

I think the first one would make an excellent pseudo-panoramic if cropped the top just below the stairs. I think you're working with a 5D II if am correct. If so, I believe that you would have plenty of resolution to make this more than web-sized reality.

I love what you do, Luka.

[denoir]

Thanks Julian & John!

I think the first one would make an excellent pseudo-panoramic if cropped the top just below the stairs. I think you're working with a 5D II if am correct. If so, I believe that you would have plenty of resolution to make this more than web-sized reality.

No, no I have a huge number of such images. Karlberg palace is basically just across my apartment building (I can see it from my balcony) so it's a very obvious camera target for me. I probably have hundreds of pictures of it that I've taken over the past five years. Here is one of the first test shots I took with the Distagon 21 when I first got it:
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-73.jpg

Not terribly interesting and it doesn't make good use of the Zeiss. The main point of that other picture lies in the wooden structure in terms both as a compositional aid and for giving texture to the image. Unlike the image above it makes use of the distagon's rendering characteristics (fine detail and micro contrast) - seen in the reflection on and texture of the wooden dock. Cropped to the top part it could have been taken by basically any decent wide angle lens and given the large amount of similar shots that I have, I would have not kept it.

[denoir]

Hmm, this thread has been neglected for four days now, so I'd better post something ;)

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-74.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-80.jpg

[Digital Panda]

I just purchased my 21 ZE, but seriously tempted to pick up a Nikon D3s soon. So I would need to sell this lense (and hopefully pick up the same copy but Nikon in the near future!) Would anyone be interested in picking it up? Please PM me. :)

[1980]

Thanks to everyone for this forum and butifull photos......

[1980]

In love with Zeiss........:)

[1980]

zeisssss....... :)

[1980]

few more........

[denoir]

Some very nice photos there, 1980!

[1980]

Thank you Denoir..... I love your photos very much....

[1980]

Can't wait to see more your work :) A'm learning from you to make good images..... :)

[swolfcg]

1980, great shots, especially the fountain.

http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww291/swolfcg/1of5-1.jpg

http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww291/swolfcg/3of5-1.jpg

http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww291/swolfcg/5of5-1.jpg

http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww291/swolfcg/2of5.jpg

http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww291/swolfcg/4of5.jpg

[ZCphoto]

http://i48.tinypic.com/1zecw7b.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/x5zfqp.jpg

[1980]

Thank you, swolfcg.........

[1980]

Our buitufull Planet!!!

[Ouessant]

Nice shots 1980, where is that glacier ?

[1980]

Thank's...... It's part of Russia........ Mountain "Hibiny"

[lr0868]

I got mine on Friday and went out yesterday..all I can say is WOW. The sharpness edge to edge and detail is amazing, these shots at full size are amazing. Well worth the money for this lens.

1

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4738474769_c0f412e811_b.jpg


2

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4738472393_ca20ab5e17_b.jpg

3.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4739108048_97b9d31333_b.jpg

4- and a little faux tilt shift :)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4738482993_13c48b6733_b.jpg

[ZCphoto]

I got mine on Friday and went out yesterday..all I can say is WOW. The sharpness edge to edge and detail is amazing, these shots at full size are amazing. Well worth the money for this lens.

I picked mine up recently as well. The post processing is much different from what I am accustomed to but I'm practicing. I can see Zeiss glass being addicting.

So what other Canon mount Zeiss glass is equal to the IQ of the 21? BTW, you guys have some of the BEST landscape shots I've seen. Truly remarkable!

[jdizzle]

I picked mine up recently as well. The post processing is much different from what I am accustomed to but I'm practicing. I can see Zeiss glass being addicting.

So what other Canon mount Zeiss glass is equal to the IQ of the 21? BTW, you guys have some of the BEST landscape shots I've seen. Truly remarkable!
The ones I would recommend is the Zeiss 35 f/2, Zeiss 50 f/2 Makro planar, and Zeiss f/2 100 Makro planar.

[swolfcg]

Since we are posting plane shots...This was my ride this week to a small Alaska Island near Russia. I really like the 21, but I must not know how to position the hood right b/c it ruined a few shots. I also, still think I may have an excessively loose focusing ring. Having said that, I used the 21 for about 97% of the time this week. It's pretty handy for the type of shots I usually take.
Steph

http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww291/swolfcg/1of2.jpg


http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww291/swolfcg/2of2.jpg

[TooManyShots]

For the life of me why I want to shoot sport with this lens...:) Maybe I should get the 16-35L???

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4739978658_3bb5b9f767_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/4739978658/)


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4739343737_ddb174281d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/4739343737/)

[jdizzle]

The 16-35 II has good AF.

[lr0868]

I think those came out great though AF or not

[jdizzle]

I think those came out great though AF or not
I agree. You did good in capturing those shots. :)

[Stan43]

First outing with the 21ZE. Love it. More to come.

[Lofty]

I think those came out great though AF or not

+1

In fact, I think you coulda stopped it down just a bit more and increase you exposure. You woulda got a tad more leniency regarding focus and you would have gotten a little motion blur to give the cyclist a little more movement.

Either way, i think the pics look good.

[TooManyShots]

+1

In fact, I think you coulda stopped it down just a bit more and increase you exposure. You woulda got a tad more leniency regarding focus and you would have gotten a little motion blur to give the cyclist a little more movement.

Either way, i think the pics look good.


I should have used the flash and maybe shooting at 1/320s (max flash sync speed of my 1dmarkIII). My intention was that trying to capture as many frames as possible. Knowing that my flash can't keep up with 10fps, I decided to shoot it without the flash. The light isn't there to illuminate the cyclists. I was shooting at F4 with 1/1000s shutter speed. In the past I tried 400s to 500s, too much blur. Considering that these riders were flying by in front of me at 25mph to 28mph. If I pan the shot that may produce some blurring at the edge of the frame while the center is more focus. Next week I will try the flash with the Carl Zeiss...:)

[denoir]

http://peltarion.eu/img/gk/gk1.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/gk/gk2.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/gk/gk3.jpg

[LamontSanders]

Man I want one of these things pretty bad. I have to decide if it's worth going from a 1Ds3 to a 5D2 in order to pick up one of these. Decisions Decisions.

[jdizzle]

Man I want one of these things pretty bad. I have to decide if it's worth going from a 1Ds3 to a 5D2 in order to pick up one of these. Decisions Decisions.
I wouldn't do it. You'll miss the AF. :) I've shot the 5D MK II several times in lowlight and that's where it fails. I don't mean to be a pooper about the 5D MK II but, it's the same AF as the 5DC.

[LamontSanders]

That and the sealing are the reasons why I won't do it. I'll have to be patient and save up some pennies. Lots of pennies.

[denoir]

I wouldn't do it. You'll miss the AF. :) I've shot the 5D MK II several times in lowlight and that's where it fails. I don't mean to be a pooper about the 5D MK II but, it's the same AF as the 5DC.

That's because you insist on doing such silly things as shooting with AF ;)

I went from a 1DsIII to a 7D + 5DII because I wanted to shoot video. I never really liked the 1DsIII never saw much use anyway - I did not care much for the form factor. So I've been happy with the switch.

As for the 5DII's AF, well, not using it at all improves it a lot. ;)

[denoir]

Man I want one of these things pretty bad. I have to decide if it's worth going from a 1Ds3 to a 5D2 in order to pick up one of these. Decisions Decisions.

I would say yes, but I'm somewhat biased as it's basically my favorite lens. I have not regretted the switch, but I did get a 7D for the AF stuff when I switched from the 1DsIII.

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-91.jpg

[jdizzle]

That's because you insist on doing such silly things as shooting with AF ;)

I went from a 1DsIII to a 7D + 5DII because I wanted to shoot video. I never really liked the 1DsIII never saw much use anyway - I did not care much for the form factor. So I've been happy with the switch.

As for the 5DII's AF, well, not using it at all improves it a lot. ;)
Well, I shoot weddings from time to time. I remember a time when I had the 5DC and 1D MK III (1.3 crop) paired up and the 5D continued to fail in low light. Once I paired up the 1Ds MK III and 1D MK III together, it was a match made in heaven. If you're not getting paid to shoot, then by all means. I need to have the tools perform when I demand them to. The 5D MK II is the same when it comes to AF. I've shot four 5D MK II cameras and they all perform the same to me. Using center point is all it's limited to and any of the surrounding AF points is just crap.:-| The 5D MK II is a great camera but, only good for landscape, portraits, and basically anything that doesn't move. :) The form factor on the 1Ds III doesn't do much for me too. It's the performance that I paid the premium for. :)

[denoir]

Yes, ultimately it depends on what type of photography you are into. I used to do a lot of wild life photography a while ago and for that the 5DII was a joke - I only used the 7D. For my current type of photography on the other hand I really could not care less for AF performance.

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-92.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-93.jpg

[Double Negative]

Man I want one of these things pretty bad. I have to decide if it's worth going from a 1Ds3 to a 5D2 in order to pick up one of these. Decisions Decisions.

"Hell no." Granted, the 1DS3 is larger, heavier and more expensive - but there's no comparison, IMO. I've been trying to convince myself to get a 5D since they came out; and now with the Mark II out I still can't do it.

"Once you go 1D, baby - there ain't no goin' back!"

What I want is a 1Ds like the 1v. Solid pro body, but you can take the battery pack off if size is an issue.

[LamontSanders]

I'm going to stick with the 1Ds and wait. It would be hard going back to a 5D2 when I am used to everything on the 1Ds. A lot of bells and whistles that I like having. Size is not a big deal for me, I am a large person who frequently exercises. I do have some backpacking trips coming up after graduation/before residency in places that can have less than ideal shooting conditions (appalachia/smoky mtns, new mex/arizona) so I think the 1Ds will be good to go for a while. I'll pick up a 21 when I can so I can help contribute, until then more shots please!

[jdizzle]

"Hell no." Granted, the 1DS3 is larger, heavier and more expensive - but there's no comparison, IMO. I've been trying to convince myself to get a 5D since they came out; and now with the Mark II out I still can't do it.

"Once you go 1D, baby - there ain't no goin' back!"

What I want is a 1Ds like the 1v. Solid pro body, but you can take the battery pack off if size is an issue.

I'm going to stick with the 1Ds and wait. It would be hard going back to a 5D2 when I am used to everything on the 1Ds. A lot of bells and whistles that I like having. Size is not a big deal for me, I am a large person who frequently exercises. I do have some backpacking trips coming up after graduation/before residency in places that can have less than ideal shooting conditions (appalachia/smoky mtns, new mex/arizona) so I think the 1Ds will be good to go for a while. I'll pick up a 21 when I can so I can help contribute, until then more shots please!
Amen to you both! :D

[TooManyShots]

That's because you insist on doing such silly things as shooting with AF ;)

I went from a 1DsIII to a 7D + 5DII because I wanted to shoot video. I never really liked the 1DsIII never saw much use anyway - I did not care much for the form factor. So I've been happy with the switch.

As for the 5DII's AF, well, not using it at all improves it a lot. ;)


Why just focus on one subject when I can have the entire landscape in focus.....:)

[Jannie]

I will look at the 5D IV when it comes out if the focus is improved on the outer focus points or just for still life work but will probably simply upgrade to the MKIV when I need another camera

[denoir]

http://peltarion.eu/img/gk/gk-6.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/gk/gk-7.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/gk/gk-8.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/gk/gk-9.jpg

[denoir]

http://peltarion.eu/img/gk/gk-10.jpg

http://peltarion.eu/img/gk/gk-13.jpg

[dm77]

brilliant.

i love the 21!

I would say yes, but I'm somewhat biased as it's basically my favorite lens. I have not regretted the switch, but I did get a 7D for the AF stuff when I switched from the 1DsIII.

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-91.jpg

[TooManyShots]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4773621092_8b8f758b3c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/4773621092/)


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4773620962_826fb04640_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/4773620962/)


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4772981123_51c13569cd_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/4772981123/)



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4773620770_aa5bf47a83_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/4773620770/)

[zincozinco]

so I have just sold my 18mm zf and bought a 11-16mm tokina - why do I keep coming back to this thread! ???

[jdizzle]

so I have just sold my 18mm zf and bought a 11-16mm tokina - why do I keep coming back to this thread! ???
It's bcoz' you bought a Tokina 11-16 and regret not purchasing a Zeiss 21. :confused::)

[denoir]

so I have just sold my 18mm zf and bought a 11-16mm tokina - why do I keep coming back to this thread! ???

You did what? :shock: Why? The Tokina 11-16 is certainly a nice lens but we're talking about a completely different class. The Canon 16-35 for your 5DII I could maybe understand if you really needed the flexibility. But the 11-16? Seriously? It's nowhere near as good as the 16-35 which is (at 18mm) inferior to the Zeiss 18. The Zeiss 18 may not be Zeiss' best glass but it's better than the Canon zoom and much better than the Tokina. The only reason why I still have mine is because I'm too lazy to sell it. It gets zero use.

[bkdc]

AF is overrated. Unless you're shooting sports or your little kids running around, go to something that never fails -- manual. The precise focusing ring of the Zeiss T* ZE lenses inspires confidence in your manual focusing.

[bkdc]

I would say yes, but I'm somewhat biased as it's basically my favorite lens. I have not regretted the switch, but I did get a 7D for the AF stuff when I switched from the 1DsIII.

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-91.jpg

How did you light the foreground?

[denoir]

I didn't - it was a street lamp.

[zincozinco]

It's bcoz' you bought a Tokina 11-16 and regret not purchasing a Zeiss 21. :confused::)

You did what? :shock: Why? The Tokina 11-16 is certainly a nice lens but we're talking about a completely different class. The Canon 16-35 for your 5DII I could maybe understand if you really needed the flexibility. But the 11-16? Seriously? It's nowhere near as good as the 16-35 which is (at 18mm) inferior to the Zeiss 18. The Zeiss 18 may not be Zeiss' best glass but it's better than the Canon zoom and much better than the Tokina. The only reason why I still have mine is because I'm too lazy to sell it. It gets zero use.

I have actually just sold it on Canonistas and ordered a 21mm - lets hope they have stock (fingers crossed)

[zincozinco]

I have never liked the distortion and corners in any of the canon wide zooms - so i thought the Tokina would do it for me.... clearly it did not.... just regrets...

[denoir]

LOL. Just out of curiosity, how long did you have the 18 Distagon?

[rwong2k]

great shots denior! can't wait to take out my lense next weekend for some shots!
hope I can get some good ones

[denoir]

Thanks!

http://peltarion.eu/img/gk/kap-8.jpg

[zincozinco]

LOL. Just out of curiosity, how long did you have the 18 Distagon?

About 9 months or more, i have had it for about 5 really big jobs and the flare combined with the FOV was not really for me, I use a lot of slip in filters Cokin Z and shooing to the sun just kills it. The corners were not really very good either even with a 150-100mm filter I got a bit of vignette. Too wide and not really up to the task.

p.s not a single copy of the 21mm in Spain. In the end i got one from chinarts (ebay) i assume that there are no copies of these lenses yet :)

[zincozinco]

Thanks!

http://peltarion.eu/img/gk/kap-8.jpg

oh yes, thats make me wet!

[denoir]

About 9 months or more, i have had it for about 5 really big jobs and the flare combined with the FOV was not really for me, I use a lot of slip in filters Cokin Z and shooing to the sun just kills it. The corners were not really very good either even with a 150-100mm filter I got a bit of vignette. Too wide and not really up to the task.

I can strongly recommend not using Cokin filters. I never noticed any special deterioration in quality on the 16-35, but it was a disaster with the 21 - loss of resolution and horrible flaring problems. I then switched to Lee filters and the resolution problem was completely resolved while the flaring issue was reduced. These days I seldom use filters - even the most high end filters will be inferior what the lens can produce naturally.

I'm not usually a great fan of HDR, but this was an experiment with a handheld bracketed exposure:
http://peltarion.eu/img/gk/kap-9.jpg

[jdizzle]

^Wow! Look at the noise banding in that shot. ;) Nice work Luka. The other image looks sharp but, the composition is a bit awkward to me.

[zincozinco]

I can strongly recommend not using Cokin filters. I never noticed any special deterioration in quality on the 16-35, but it was a disaster with the 21 - loss of resolution and horrible flaring problems. I then switched to Lee filters and the resolution problem was completely resolved while the flaring issue was reduced. These days I seldom use filters - even the most high end filters will be inferior what the lens can produce naturally.

I'm not usually a great fan of HDR, but this was an experiment with a handheld bracketed exposure:



me neither but that looks good, im using hi tech filters so the quality is about the same, thing is, I use filters on the fly for events photos as well -(down here the sun is REALLY strong) as landscape and they get pretty banged up in my pockets or danging into other equipment, the Lees are just to expensive to waste at my high rate. I got some really good images with my sigma 12-24mm using subtle HDR so i might give that a try with my new 21mm...... its been shipped already!!!!!!!FDEX!!!!!!!! F... ME!!!!!!! :) :) Sorry just lost it there for a second....

[luigis]

Anyone has tried this lens for (very) wide field astrophotography at F2.8 ? I would like to know how it would render the milky way and starscapes at F2.8. I currently use a Canon 28mm F2.8 or a Sigma 15mm F2.8 fisheye.

[Fodowsky]

My first shot playing around in the back yard. Looking forward to learning this lens!

Just cropped a little. Nothing else...

http://jeffrader.smugmug.com/Animals/Bird/IMG0931/884845701_NazjZ-X2.jpg

[zincozinco]

I just received mine - how do i tell my family im not gonna be in tonight..... :)

[jdizzle]

I just received mine - how do i tell my family im not gonna be in tonight..... :)
Congrats! Just tell them you're having a late dinner. ;)

[zincozinco]

man that would be like cheating... i might just have to come clean.... :)

[zincozinco]

being used to the ZF it seems like there is a "ring" missing.... enough talk... lets see if I can post something tonight!!

[jdizzle]

being used to the ZF it seems like there is a "ring" missing.... enough talk... lets see if I can post something tonight!!
Please do! :)

[zincozinco]

Ok so I had quite a rough first outing, we both got wet. You all know how wide this thing is so you will know how close I was. All I can say is that the 5d2 ZE21 7d 24-70L and ex120-300 have been water proofed today. more to come in the respective threads... tomorrow.

No probs with family -went too shoot a golf course when the lake i was gonna picture in the series was invaded by helicopters picking up water for a forrest fire.... rest of tonight is done mainly on the 24-70 and 120 -300.

[zincozinco]

Decided to blog instead - too much EXIF to work out where it belongs ...

http://golfcoursephoto.wordpress.com/

[jdizzle]

^The first two images look good to me Zinco. I had a hard time knowing which images where from the Zeiss 21 on your blog. I guess the obvious ones are shot with the helicopter.

[zincozinco]

Yeah im not gonna try and sort them out. It was just one of these evenings that turned out different. Obviously i did not get my job done so I have to go back. Which is good cos that is why I got the Zeiss.. I quickly switched lenses for a better reach so the zeiss stayed in the pack after the first wetting. When the helicopter above ( and i think he did it on purpose..) had past me over I got the 24-70mm and it pretty much stayed on...

[1980]

.............

[TooManyShots]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4802862661_3101f98591_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/4802862661/)

[jdizzle]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4802862661_3101f98591_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/4802862661/)
Very nice Victor! :)

[dolina]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4802862661_3101f98591_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/4802862661/)
Exceptional. bw!

[luigis]

I'm begging please please can someone take a night shot at F2.8 to see how the stars are rendered across the frame? I'm specially interested in comma and CAs.
A 20'' exposure at F2.8 and a high ISO would be enough I don't care about noise.

Thanks!!!

[jdizzle]

I'm begging please please can someone take a night shot at F2.8 to see how the stars are rendered across the frame? I'm specially interested in comma and CAs.
A 20'' exposure at F2.8 and a high ISO would be enough I don't care about noise.

Thanks!!!
Hi Luigi. You should check Karl Johnston's work. He shoots auroras from time to time with this lens. Here's a link to his website.

http://karljohnston.zenfolio.com/

[denoir]

I'm begging please please can someone take a night shot at F2.8 to see how the stars are rendered across the frame? I'm specially interested in comma and CAs.
A 20'' exposure at F2.8 and a high ISO would be enough I don't care about noise.

Thanks!!!

This is the closest that I've found in my archives.. It was shot at ISO640 but later bumped two stops in post, so it's effectively about ISO 2500.



http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-108.jpg

100% crop from one corner.. it's pretty uniform across the frame.

http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/zeiss21-108_crop.jpg

[zincozinco]

Wow Luka!!!

Here is one with detail overload from an interior yesterday....
http://golfcoursephoto.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/mg_7813.jpg

Probably a bit big for the forum, but not "heavy"

EDIT: maybe to much detail for the server to cope... :)