Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 35-70mm f/3.4 T*

[Mike Bowen]

I just picked one of these up a few weeks ago...been really impressed with what I've seen online from it. Here is a shot from my deck from Friday night...pretty much straight out of the camera.

http://www.mikebowenphoto.com/random/_MG_2592.jpg

Post up your shots with this lens!

[bjolly]

I've been very interested in this lens since I ordered my 17-40mm L. I think the focal range would compliment it well if it performs as well as people say. How does it compare to your 17-40mm L? I'd be more interested in color/contrast than sharpness, actually. Maybe you could give them a side to side test :D.

[TooManyShots]

Carl Zeiss 35-70 F3.4 meets my niece. Single strobe. Some first test shots.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/5150098050_93b21ef0e5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/5150098050/)


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/5149489587_3b06369ed5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/5149489587/)


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/5150097864_af337c2dd6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/5150097864/)

[TooManyShots]

I've been very interested in this lens since I ordered my 17-40mm L. I think the focal range would compliment it well if it performs as well as people say. How does it compare to your 17-40mm L? I'd be more interested in color/contrast than sharpness, actually. Maybe you could give them a side to side test :D.


I have a Carl Zeiss 21 ZE. The shots from the 35-70 scream Carl Zeiss. Dark contrast. Not too fruity color. A bit cool with the WB.

[TooManyShots]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/5151928867_ff82ef275e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/5151928867/)


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1100/5151928989_a2297cd9f3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/5151928989/)


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1085/5151929197_ccba715e51_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/5151929197/)


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1074/5152539488_e459285e8a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/5152539488/)


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5152538998_eef56b585b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/5152538998/)


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1414/5151929359_0106864b35_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/5151929359/)


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/5152539760_1fcc48aa83_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/5152539760/)

[JelleVerherstraeten]

How much would this lens set you back?

[plasticmotif]

400 bucks + adapter. Usually.

IMO it's the best lens in the range. It's amazing.

[TooManyShots]

How much would this lens set you back?


I got it off Ebay, US seller. I paid $470 total including shipping. Another $20 for the adapter. My copy is almost brand new...:) Not a single dust inside the element. Let's just say that I can't see how my copy could be this new.... Keh.com usually has one for sales couple of weeks ago. They were asking for $600. EX condition.

[JelleVerherstraeten]

That a very nice price! I go look into it.

[Mike Bowen]

I snagged a used copy from Henry's on eBay for around $330 i think it was....the body is pretty rough but the glass is in great shape. I think I paid $20 for the adapter with AF confirm...it's helped quite a bit with the MF.

[TooManyShots]

I snagged a used copy from Henry's on eBay for around $330 i think it was....the body is pretty rough but the glass is in great shape. I think I paid $20 for the adapter with AF confirm...it's helped quite a bit with the MF.


Just point to out that not all adapters would allow you use to nail the focus when the focusing to infinity at subjects at 50ft+. With my copy, I have to back off a bit to nail the focus. To test it, just shoot something really far. If you focus to infinity, you should nail the focus. This is caused by the adapter to be slightly too thin. Not sure if spending more on a name brand adapter would solve the problem.

BTW, if anyone has a good idea as to which hood is good for the lens? It seems many suggest to use a rubber hood. I don't know. Carl Zeiss and rubber hood??? :) Personally, I can't believe that "back in the days" people changed hoods depending which focal lengths they were using....:)

[TooManyShots]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1242/5162283343_77610d9fb0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/5162283343/)

1280 version here
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1242/5162283343_c4c3b3042c_o.jpg


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/5162889732_10277d8e15_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/5162889732/)

1280 version here
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/5162889732_e00ac20bb1_o.jpg


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1186/5162283093_d8a04baa78_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/5162283093/)

[laxative]

Exceptional build quality compared to Canon L-series! Image quality is also the best i've seen. Not overly sharp, but not as flat as Canon lenses tend to render.

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/henkil%C3%B6kuvia/Satu/satu_01.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/henkil%C3%B6kuvia/Malla/malla_01.jpg/_medium.jpg

[Silverfox1]

Cheap Wine:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/Silverfox111/IMG_0165.jpg

Regards, ;)

[gasrocks]

Silverfox1 - tell everyone your overall impressions of the Zeiss zoom.

[cptrios]

$400 including adapter??? Man, I've been looking for one of these, but the price seems to have leveled up to about $600 these days. Really too bad.

[argyle]

Just point to out that not all adapters would allow you use to nail the focus when the focusing to infinity at subjects at 50ft+. With my copy, I have to back off a bit to nail the focus. To test it, just shoot something really far. If you focus to infinity, you should nail the focus. This is caused by the adapter to be slightly too thin. Not sure if spending more on a name brand adapter would solve the problem.

BTW, if anyone has a good idea as to which hood is good for the lens? It seems many suggest to use a rubber hood. I don't know. Carl Zeiss and rubber hood??? :) Personally, I can't believe that "back in the days" people changed hoods depending which focal lengths they were using....:)

You can usually solve this problem by shimming the adapter with a few (three) small pieces of tape. Apply them (equally spaced) to the side of the adapter that meets the lens. I've done this to one or two adapters and problem solved. You may need to try tapes of varying thickness to dial it in (be sure to test for infinity with the aperture wide open). When you're satisfied with the results, just use a razor blade to trim away any excess tape. If you get to the point where it takes too much shimming to dial in the focus (lens will get very difficult to mount to the adapter), it'd be best to scrap the adapter and pay more for one that's more consistent in thickness. Here's a link that describes this in more detail:

Tuning Lens Adapter for Infinity Focus (http://www.davidclapp.co.uk/blog/articles/45-setting-up-camera-adapters-tutorial.html)

[Silverfox1]

Silverfox1 - tell everyone your overall impressions of the Zeiss zoom.

Well, im afraid if i did since i am an owner of the Canon Top Dog Zoom 70-200 f2.8 MKII they might ban me from the site ! :lol:

When testing the Zeiss @ 70 versus the Canon MKII @ 70 in landscape type shots over the lake with tall trees in the Background their really is no contest. [ Enough Said ! ] :p

The 3D rendering of this Zeiss CY 35-70 is defintely outstanding for landscapes & great for portrait work also. If you have a little composure time prior to snapping the pic you really have 3 very nice primes in one lens.

35, 50, 70 What more can you ask for to cover the lower end other then adding a UWA plus one fast prime and your good to go !

Regards, ;)

[bjolly]

Well, im afraid if i did since i am an owner of the Canon Top Dog Zoom 70-200 f2.8 MKII they might ban me from the site ! :lol:

When testing the Zeiss @ 70 versus the Canon MKII @ 70 in landscape type shots over the lake with tall trees in the Background their really is no contest. [ Enough Said ! ] :p

The 3D rendering of this Zeiss CY 35-70 is defintely outstanding for landscapes & great for portrait work also. If you have a little composure time prior to snapping the pic you really have 3 very nice primes in one lens.

35, 50, 70 What more can you ask for to cover the lower end other then adding a UWA plus one fast prime and your good to go !

Regards, ;)

I'd be extremely interested in seeing those tests. That's an insane Canon lens to go up against, in any price range.

[Silverfox1]

I'd be extremely interested in seeing those tests. That's an insane Canon lens to go up against, in any price range.

Well since i mentioned i dont intend to start a contest around here on POTN when you find the time scan thru some of the pics over at the below that depict quite a few landscapes & bear in mind im specifically speaking of the 3d rendering perspective :

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/862783

Regards, ;)

[Jam.radonc]

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/henkil%C3%B6kuvia/Satu/satu_01.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/henkil%C3%B6kuvia/Malla/malla_01.jpg/_medium.jpg

Perfect!

[gasrocks]

Just another case of someone assuming that Canon L lenses are the best ever made.

[bjolly]

Just another case of someone assuming that Canon L lenses are the best ever made.

Now why would you assume that?

[bjolly]

Well since i mentioned i dont intend to start a contest around here on POTN when you find the time scan thru some of the pics over at the below that depict quite a few landscapes & bear in mind im specifically speaking of the 3d rendering perspective :

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/862783

Regards, ;)
Oh, I've seen em. Just so you know, I'm not challenging you, I'm asking because I'm interested in the lens, and it would be much easier to justify buying if it outperformed a $2300 zoom lens with an amazing reputation, especially for contrast and sharpness.

I have 2 zeiss lenses myself, and was simply hoping for a side by side comparison, not a 'contest', as if there were reason to be biased.

Oh well, enjoy your lens.

[Silverfox1]

Oh, I've seen em. Just so you know, I'm not challenging you, I'm asking because I'm interested in the lens, and it would be much easier to justify buying if it outperformed a $2300 zoom lens with an amazing reputation, especially for contrast and sharpness.

I have 2 zeiss lenses myself, and was simply hoping for a side by side comparison, not a 'contest', as if there were reason to be biased.

Oh well, enjoy your lens.

The 70-200 f2.8 MKII is undoubtedly the finest Zoom Canon has ever produced but mating it up with a 35-70 f3.4 in your bag along with one fast prime is one nice set-up.

The 70-200 f2.8 MKII for fast action & the Zeiss 35-70 for time composed beautiful shots is a no-brainer IMO.

http://www.16-9.net/lens_tests/35mm_test.html

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/906343

With that being said there are several 3rd party classic MF zooms that outperform the Canon if you have deep pockets ! :lol:

Regards, ;)

[Sp1207]

What a beautiful lens. I can only find it going for 500$+, is that a reasonable price?

[cptrios]

From what I've seen, even a year ago that would have been a high price (two years ago, VERY high). At this point $500 seems below average if you're looking at eBay/Keh type venues.

[Silverfox1]

What a beautiful lens. I can only find it going for 500$+, is that a reasonable price?

From friends i have spoken to, a few years back it could be found in pristine condition for under $400 but today the going price is between $450 to $650 even without an adapter.

The adapter with AF confirm chip can be found very reasonable though below:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120571808955&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Along with the hood at the same vendor:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200575289854&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Along with its added wide angle macro ability at 35mm you wont be dis-satisfied. After i tested the 35-70 it only took me with the help of a friend 2 days to find one on KEH.com that became available and it was mine.

http://www.keh.com/

Regards, ;)

[cptrios]

Silverfox, does the relatively narrow widest FL bother you much? I'm gunning for one of these, as from all indications it really does seem to be 3 Zeiss primes in one (albeit slow one), but I'm a bit worried that I'll keep wanting to swap out for my 28mm.

[Silverfox1]

Silverfox, does the relatively narrow widest FL bother you much? I'm gunning for one of these, as from all indications it really does seem to be 3 Zeiss primes in one (albeit slow one), but I'm a bit worried that I'll keep wanting to swap out for my 28mm.

No not at all since i dont really do any close range landscape shots. If i did and i could actually justify the expense i would love to have the Zeiss 21/f2.8 or the Canon 24 TSE

Plus i think you`ll love it on your 5D MKII body. Im just using it on a 60D and like it. I do like alot of folks plan to get the 5D MKIII upgrade if & when Canon ever releases it possibly this summer.

Regards, ;)

[cptrios]

Well, I just bit the bullet! I noticed that I had a 10% off eBay coupon that expires on the 31st, so I figured "what the hell?" The lens, AF-confirm adapter, and a step-up ring for my CPL will all come out well under $500 total!

Now I just need to cross my fingers that it can make it from Hong Kong (very reputable seller) to France without getting snagged at customs...

[bjolly]

The 70-200 f2.8 MKII is undoubtedly the finest Zoom Canon has ever produced but mating it up with a 35-70 f3.4 in your bag along with one fast prime is one nice set-up.

The 70-200 f2.8 MKII for fast action & the Zeiss 35-70 for time composed beautiful shots is a no-brainer IMO.

http://www.16-9.net/lens_tests/35mm_test.html

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/906343

With that being said there are several 3rd party classic MF zooms that outperform the Canon if you have deep pockets ! :lol:

Regards, ;)
Here's why I have doubts:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/864916/0

Yes, yes, the thread I linked matched it up against an incredible Zeiss prime, but my point is, there is a very noticeable difference in color and contrast shown there. Now, the shots I've seen come from the aforementioned canon zoom have rivaled very nice primes even in contrast. How would it do against the Zeiss MP? I'm sure it would lose, but I'm not sure by how much. Undoubtedly, the VS has amazing sharpness, but did you honestly see it surpass the Canon zoom in contrast and color?

[rjx]

Well, I just bit the bullet! I noticed that I had a 10% off eBay coupon that expires on the 31st, so I figured "what the hell?" The lens, AF-confirm adapter, and a step-up ring for my CPL will all come out well under $500 total!

Now I just need to cross my fingers that it can make it from Hong Kong (very reputable seller) to France without getting snagged at customs...
I'm looking forward to seeing some samples when you receive the lens. If for some reason this lens is not really your thing, please keep me in mind. I am looking for one. Unfortunately I am no longer an ebay member.

[cptrios]

I'm looking forward to seeing some samples when you receive the lens. If for some reason this lens is not really your thing, please keep me in mind. I am looking for one. Unfortunately I am no longer an ebay member.

I'll pre-sell it to you now for $600! Heh.

Really though, I'm hoping that this is the long-term answer to my standard zoom dilemma. After using the rather nice, but bulky and expensive 24-105 for a while, and getting more and more into primes, I've decided that I don't want ~$800 and all that bag space going to my "walkaround IQ compromise" lens. For a while I was debating between slumming it with a 28-135 IS (which actually isn't horrible for certain things) and going a bit higher-end with a Tamron 28-75. But then I found out about this little guy... "Zeiss look," corner-to-corner sharpness, awesome build, meat-and-potatoes zoom range.

You can expect some tests vs. my 24-105 and Sigmalux pretty much as soon as I receive it!

[rjx]

I'll pre-sell it to you now for $600! Heh.
Might be a good investment opportunity :lol:

Really though, I'm hoping that this is the long-term answer to my standard zoom dilemma. After using the rather nice, but bulky and expensive 24-105 for a while, and getting more and more into primes, I've decided that I don't want ~$800 and all that bag space going to my "walkaround IQ compromise" lens. For a while I was debating between slumming it with a 28-135 IS (which actually isn't horrible for certain things) and going a bit higher-end with a Tamron 28-75.
Everything you just mentioned is what I have been dealing with too. Trying to find a nice 24-105 in my price range has not been an easy task and I wonder if I should just go a different route. lol
You can expect some tests vs. my 24-105 and Sigmalux pretty much as soon as I receive it!
I'm looking forward to it!

[Sp1207]

I'm also in the market.

Though maybe if Canon comes out with a 24-70 2.8 IS I'll bite on that instead. 3.4 is a bit slow for night usage.

[Silverfox1]

Here's why I have doubts:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/864916/0

Yes, yes, the thread I linked matched it up against an incredible Zeiss prime, but my point is, there is a very noticeable difference in color and contrast shown there. Now, the shots I've seen come from the aforementioned canon zoom have rivaled very nice primes even in contrast. How would it do against the Zeiss MP? I'm sure it would lose, but I'm not sure by how much. Undoubtedly, the VS has amazing sharpness, but did you honestly see it surpass the Canon zoom in contrast and color?

Well the new 50MP is one incredible lens but bear in mind from all reviews & reports the new floating element design of the new Zeiss line-up is better for close-up shots versus the older vintage Zeiss lenses which would account for the test you linked.

I never stated the CY 35-70 was sharper then the MKII but yes on my monitor @ 70mm, same aperture, captured 5 minutes apart, the color, contrast, & specifically the 3D rendering of the treeline at 100 Yds. across the lake surpassed the MKII.

The MKII however does produce nice colors but without a doubt renders a flatter 2D image.

Some folks dont care & some folks cant see the 3D effect but i can using the Zeiss.

Not all of the Zeiss line-up renders the 3D effect as well as others they manufactured but this vintage 35-70/f3.4 happens to be one of them.

Below is one member over at FM his stated opinions of the Zeiss & Canon line-up in regards to 3D rendering and he has owned all of them:

Overall 3D effect in my C/Y lenses:

25/2.8 Distagon - Medium
28/2.8 Distagon - Very strong
35/2.8 Distagon - Medium
50/1.7 Planar - Very strong
50/1.4 Planar - Strong
60/2.8 Makro Planar C - Strong at closeups,medium at infinity
85/2.8 Sonnar - Strong
135/2.8 Sonnar - Strong
180/2.8 Sonnar - Strong
200/3.5 Sonnar - Medium
200/4 Sonnar -Low
35-70/3.4 Vario Sonnar - Strong
80-200/4 Vario Sonnar - Strong

Overall 3D effect in my Z series lenses:

21/2.8 Distagon - Very strong
28/2 Distagon - Medium
35/2 Distagon - Strong
50/2 Makro Planar - Very strong
50/1,4 Planar - Strong
85/1,4 Planar - Strong
100/2 Makro Planar - Very strong

Overall 3D effect in my Canon EF prime lenses:

135/2L - Low
100/2.8 macro - Low
100/2.8L IS macro - Medium
85/1.8 - Low
50/1.4 EF - Low
35/2 - Low
28/1.8 - Low
20/2.8 - Low

As for Tamron SP 90/2.5 Macro - Medium


Regards, ;)

[davesans]

My lens came on Friday and my adapter ring today. It's very overcast here and has already rained once today. Here is a test shot I cropped the image no but other post processing.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5567910841_671dce089a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/38294708@N05/5567910841/)
Vanda (http://www.flickr.com/photos/38294708@N05/5567910841/) by davesans (http://www.flickr.com/people/38294708@N05/), on Flickr

[Silverfox1]

^^^

Remember Dave the AF confirm chip will work sufficiently between 3.4 & 5.6 but unless you have very nice ambient light it will not at f8.0 & higher.

Also it is not always dead-on accurate and you may still need to manually tweak for optimum focus.

Hope your enjoying the lens since where your at you have some wonderful scenery to practice on.

How is the play between the lens and adapter ?

Regards, ;)

[davesans]

^^^

How is the play between the lens and adpater ?

Regards, ;)

There is no play at all a nice tight fit.

[Silverfox1]

There is no play at all a nice tight fit.

Thats good to hear as i have a little play between mine. So i will add a circle of the thin air conditioning aluminum tape that folks use to seal-up duct work to my adapter.

Regards, ;)

[Sp1207]

Can any of the owners of this lens tell me if it's parfocal?

[davesans]

I took a few more practice shots today I am pretty happy the way it turned out.The weather here has been bad should clear out this weekend and get out and shoot some more.
70mm f/5.6 ISO 200 1/125sec
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5572791542_c8b1a4930b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/38294708@N05/5572791542/)
Flower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/38294708@N05/5572791542/) by davesans (http://www.flickr.com/people/38294708@N05/), on Flickr

100% Crop
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5572791620_bf585cbd33.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/38294708@N05/5572791620/)
100%crop (http://www.flickr.com/photos/38294708@N05/5572791620/) by davesans (http://www.flickr.com/people/38294708@N05/), on Flickr

[Silverfox1]

^^^

Top flower shot looks great & you didnt blow the reds like i always do ! :lol:

[cptrios]

Urgh! Mine just arrived... it took a ridiculously short two days to get from Hong Kong to France (thankfully safely skirting customs), and now I have to wait at least another week for the stupid adapter. O' cruel world!

I will say that this is an absolutely beautiful lens with top-notch build quality. The focus ring is wonderfully damped (perhaps just a hair short of my old Takumars) and the push-pull zoom is pretty much perfect. The resistance is just right to make it easy and smooth to zoom yet difficult to accidentally do so while focusing. Dammit I wan't that adapter!

[Silverfox1]

Urgh! Mine just arrived... it took a ridiculously short two days to get from Hong Kong to France (thankfully safely skirting customs), and now I have to wait at least another week for the stupid adapter. O' cruel world!

I will say that this is an absolutely beautiful lens with top-notch build quality. The focus ring is wonderfully damped (perhaps just a hair short of my old Takumars) and the push-pull zoom is pretty much perfect. The resistance is just right to make it easy and smooth to zoom yet difficult to accidentally do so while focusing. Dammit I wan't that adapter!

Dont forget it does a little macro also as an added benefit. Pull it back to 70mm and turn the dial to m .7, then push to 35mm and turn to the right to engage the macro mode. You may already know this but just in case you didnt thought i would mention it.

I also highly suggest you consider the below metal hood & cap. The hood screws into the 67mm lens and the included cap fits over the end of the hood:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200575289854&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_500wt_1156

Regards & Enjoy your Lens ! ;)

[cptrios]

Just an update: after almost FOUR WEEKS of waiting, I finally got a freaking adapter for the 35-70 that's been sitting, unusable, in my camera bag since...well, four weeks ago. The original AF-Confirm adapter I ordered from the US has still yet to arrive - I actually had to go and order one from the UK (non-confirm, seeing as it would have been around $60 total for one with a chip...ugh) in order to get it here.

I've only played around with the lens for about 15 minutes now, but hopefully in the next week or so I'll post a nice review of it. My first impressions: super, super sharp. The corners are even "pretty good" at f/3.4 and perfect at f/8. This is particularly fantastic given that soft corners have haunted me ever since I went to a FF camera. But now, I appear to have finally defeated them!

100% crop, extreme bottom right corner, ~50mm at I believe f/5.6.
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/9/img5629w.jpg

[Silverfox1]

^^^^ :rolleyes:

I knew you would like this lens as most folks i know do, myself included !

Probably one of the best MF zooms ever produced for the working-man ! :p

Regards, ;)

[rwong2k]

great images! I'm really considering getting this lens!

[LamontSanders]

Anybody know of a good deal one on of these right now? The only one on eBay is going for ~700.

[Sp1207]

I actually just bought one now for 550$ with adapter. It's gotten expensive, but I'm in the market for a normal range manual zoom with macro, so that was a fair price to me.

I think KEH has bargain copies for 500$ on occasion. :/ Sad to see it cost so much. They had one for 700$ for the last week or so and it sold :S

[LamontSanders]

If I found one for that, it would be purchased with haste. I will keep looking (or trade my 35/2 for it)

[Silverfox1]

Dont tell anyone but i got my BGN rated copy 2 months ago from KEH for $379 and it is in perfect condition. IMO the BGN`s are the ones to get regardless of the specific MF lenses at KEH.

Regards, ;)

[cptrios]

Anybody know of a good deal one on of these right now? The only one on eBay is going for ~700.

Mine wound up at about $435 because I had a 10% off coupon on eBay plus a few eBay bucks. It was $495 in reality, I believe, and came from Hong Kong. I would hold out for one at around $500-$550, though I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who have these and have no idea how valuable they are...so it'd be worth rummaging around in pawn shops, antique stores, and flea markets. It's a fantastic lens but $700 is just ridiculous!


Dont tell anyone but i got my BGN rated copy 2 months ago from KEH for $379 and it is in perfect condition. IMO the BGN`s are the ones to get regardless of the specific MF lenses at KEH.

Regards, ;)

Ugh, that's KEH for you, bumping their prices four or five times a year...the last one I saw on there, about a month ago, was over $600. It's been sold!

[LamontSanders]

Seems like the market on these has changed quite a bit recently. It is hard to find anything that is still for sale and under 650.00. Maybe KEH will get a truckload of BGN 35-70's in tonight... :D

[cptrios]

Seems like the market on these has changed quite a bit recently. It is hard to find anything that is still for sale and under 650.00. Maybe KEH will get a truckload of BGN 35-70's in tonight... :D

I noticed you put your ZE35 up for trade for one of these...are you sure you want to do that? My instinct would be to wait for one to come around under $500, buy it, then use both and sell the one you end up liking least. A couple of months ago I was actually on the verge of trading my Sigmalux and 24-105L in for a ZE35 and a Samyang 85mm...but I just couldn't bring myself to go completely zoomless. Still thinking about that 85 though.

[LamontSanders]

You raise a good point and that's probably what I should really do.

The Samyang 85 is a solid performer from what I have seen. I won't lie, the ZE 35 is pretty good. It sure has gone up in price...I got mine for like 800 even and now it's selling for 1117 new.

[Sp1207]

I don't know if this is legit (either as an item or forum rules), but there's an interesting M42 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Contax-Carl-Zeiss-T-35-70-f3-4-Converted-M42-Mount-/190526780616?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item2c5c47f4c8)mount version of this lens on the bay.

I'm curious how one performs M42 conversion on this lens, think I'll contact the seller.

[leemik]

Dont forget it does a little macro also as an added benefit. Pull it back to 70mm and turn the dial to m .7, then push to 35mm and turn to the right to engage the macro mode. You may already know this but just in case you didnt thought i would mention it.

I also highly suggest you consider the below metal hood & cap. The hood screws into the 67mm lens and the included cap fits over the end of the hood:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200575289854&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_500wt_1156

Regards & Enjoy your Lens ! ;) This hood vignettes on my Vario-Sonnar 35-70 + 5dII

I had to get the 77mm wide angle one + 67 to 77mm step up ring.. even the standard 77mm one vingetted on mine..

[LamontSanders]

I don't know if this is legit (either as an item or forum rules), but there's an interesting M42 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Contax-Carl-Zeiss-T-35-70-f3-4-Converted-M42-Mount-/190526780616?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item2c5c47f4c8)mount version of this lens on the bay.

I'm curious how one performs M42 conversion on this lens, think I'll contact the seller.

I talked to the guy earlier tonight about the lens and he is trying to sell it to me through FM for a good bit less than his BIN price (MUCH better than the 700.00 that some yahoo on ebay was trying to get me to buy yesterday). Will probably snag it and deathmatch it vs. the ZE 35/2. The loser hits the sell forums.

[Silverfox1]

This hood vignettes on my Vario-Sonnar 35-70 + 5dII

I had to get the 77mm wide angle one + 67 to 77mm step up ring.. even the standard 77mm one vingetted on mine..

Your right but the standard works fine on a cropper along with the wide hood.. I have the 60D and just picked-up a 5D MKII so i will have to do the same as you and get a step-up ring and new 77mm wide hood.

Glad you pointed that out for folks with the FF format.

Regards, ;)

[plasticmotif]

lamont, whenever you come shoot rock island, i'll let you borrow my 35-70 :D

[LamontSanders]

i'll let you know when I go shoot again (went on a spur of the moment trip last week) but I won't need to borrow yours, got one on the way. been anywhere recently?

[plasticmotif]

Savannah!

http://macpointer.com/p20327055

[plasticmotif]

i'll let you know when I go shoot again (went on a spur of the moment trip last week) but I won't need to borrow yours, got one on the way. been anywhere recently?

oh, and which one did you get?

[Sp1207]

I talked to the guy earlier tonight about the lens and he is trying to sell it to me through FM for a good bit less than his BIN price (MUCH better than the 700.00 that some yahoo on ebay was trying to get me to buy yesterday). Will probably snag it and deathmatch it vs. the ZE 35/2. The loser hits the sell forums.

How much did you grab it for? It'll be interesting comparing your copy to mine, as I expect we'll be getting them at about the same time.

I'm really torn on the hood issue. I want a standard hood because I feel it protects the front elements better, but if the 77mm size vignettes then that obviously won't work :/ Do you have any vignetting samples Leemik?

[Silverfox1]

How much did you grab it for? It'll be interesting comparing your copy to mine, as I expect we'll be getting them at about the same time.

I'm really torn on the hood issue. I want a standard hood because I feel it protects the front elements better, but if the 77mm size vignettes then that obviously won't work :/ Do you have any vignetting samples Leemik?

You will be fine with the below and it will protect your lens. I have to pick this up myself for my 5D MKII. The standard 67mm hood works allright on a 1.6 cropper but if your using a 1D body the step-up ring and the standard hood might work but i cant guarantee that.

Here ya go:

http://cgi.ebay.com/67MM-77MM-67-77-MM-STEP-UP-LENS-FILTER-RING-ADAPTER-/350458201512?pt=US_Filter_Rings_Holders&hash=item5198efc5a8

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Metal-Wide-Angle-77mm-Screw-in-Lens-Hood-Cap-/360357626280?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e6fd01a8

Regards, ;)

[Silverfox1]

KEH has one for under 650 rated EX+ . Just posted this evening or tonight.

Regards, ;)

[leemik]

How much did you grab it for? It'll be interesting comparing your copy to mine, as I expect we'll be getting them at about the same time.

I'm really torn on the hood issue. I want a standard hood because I feel it protects the front elements better, but if the 77mm size vignettes then that obviously won't work :/ Do you have any vignetting samples Leemik?do you not trust me?
http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/9198/img3737oq.jpg
@35mm

--mike

[cptrios]

do you not trust me?
http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/9198/img3737oq.jpg
@35mm

--mike

So...what you're saying is that you're into lomography now? :lol:

By the way, in case anyone didn't see it, I posted my own silly little review here:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1032377

Update: now with Sigmalux comparison!

[Sp1207]

do you not trust me?

@35mm

--mike

Nope, I was just wondering how severe it was. That's too much for me to live with, so wide-angle it is.

Edit: Just got this lens. Wow. I read all these reviews mentioning how sharp it was, but it's sharper than most of the L lenses I've had the pleasure of using. Build quality is good, focus ring is smooth but not quite Takumar-level. I love the one-touch zoom/focus, it's perfectly damped and very intuitive (saved for the whole extending while zooming out thing). Macro-mode is good, bokeh is very smooth but not crazy everywhere/shallow DoF (it is an F3.4). Meters fast for 3.4, just a bit behind a 2.8. I don't know if that's an affect of my adapter telling my camera it's a 1.8 lens, low element count compared to a modern lens, or just my other 3.4 lenses being closer to F4.

Overall I think this is great. I could easily see an AF/IS version going for 2.5K+.

[LamontSanders]

I finally got my adapter. It was a long weekend as you can imagine. After some boring test shots...

This is a very high-performing lens. I am impressed with it's very small size and ability to get near-prime quality (as advertised). The lens is built very well - the focus ring moves nicely and the push/pull is easy to control. The manual aperture of the lens is easy to control and moves nicely. Image quality is excellent. Color is typical of Zeiss lenses. Sharpness leaves nothing to be desired if you MF with live view. The contrast of the lens is very good, but I would say it's the only remote weakness of the lens in comparison to the Zeiss primes. "3D" look is mostly evident. At 70mm it is excellent and bests my 24-70L and 70-200L. It really shines at 50mm for me, and again bests the 24-70L, this time by a significant margin. I don't have a bad copy of the 24-70L or anything - it's a really good copy and works well with my body. At 35mm it again beats the 24-70, you get the idea. The interesting comparison is my 35/2 ZE prime vs. this lens at 35mm. If the 35/2 is a 10 in the IQ realm, the zoom is a 9.5. No disrespect to the zoom - the prime is world class. The contrast of the prime is the difference. The 3D effect of the zoom is sort of there whereas the prime is known for it's contrast and "3Dness". Sharpness is equal from F/4 on. The prime is sharper at 3.5 (vs. the zoom at 3.4) but this is to be expected. Color is similar for both lenses, which is excellent. All this said...you can buy 2 zooms for the price of one new 35/2 prime; that's pretty dang good. One thing that separates this lens from the other lenses in my bag is the macro ability. It focuses much closer than I anticipated. I don't know the ratio off the top of my head, but it gets in close enough that I don't miss owning a macro lens anymore. It is not the ZE 100/2...but it's 1300 cheaper and excellent. Is this going to replace my 24-70L? I don't know if it will replace but it will definitely get used in place of that lens when it's warranted. The L is weather-sealed and that is huge for me. Anytime I need to shoot between 36 and 70 this is (conditions dependent) going to be my lens. It did run me around $550 when all was said and done but I think it's worth the cost.

[Sp1207]

I so need to get a live view body for use with this lens. Maybe when the 1DsIV comes out.

[LamontSanders]

Got to try the lens out in earnest a few days ago and I am very impressed.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/5696304523_20671cbf9d_b.jpg

[Silverfox1]

^^^^

Great shot !

I personally have not met one person or any person i have suggested getting this lens that has been unhappy. It might not provide the best close-ups like the newer modern ZE lenses with the floating element design but as a landscape lens it is almost like having 3 primes in a MF zoom and has the added macro feature also. I foresee the price of this lens to continue to escalate in the coming years so folks that have them now definitely wont lose a penny in the future.

Regards, ;)

[LamontSanders]

Courthouse Falls in North Carolina. If you are remotely near western North Carolina, you HAVE to go to this place. It's an easy hike and it's just incredible.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3381/5709099850_cc9539b81f_b.jpg

[cptrios]

Alright, here are a few shots from my first couple of weeks with the lens. Unfortunately the uploading process seems to scrap the color profiles altogether, so everything looks a bit dull:

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4724/img6258v.jpg

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4387/img7651m.jpg

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/4742/img7513version2.jpg

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/5710/gbkrst1.jpg

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/1797/gbkrst2.jpg

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/3678/gbkrst.jpg

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8947/gravesq.jpg

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/1859/minnewater.jpg

[Silverfox1]

If any of you folks are interested or know of someone else, i have a close friend whom happens to have a A+ rated stellar copy of this lens already adapted with an AF to EOS confirm adapter plus Metal hood & caps. Shoot me a pm !

Regards, ;)

[Silverfox1]

Few Flower Shots:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/Silverfox111/IMG_0671.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v679/Silverfox111/IMG_0676.jpg

Regards, ;)

[photomadnz]

A bland morning exploded for half a minute and then it was gone again...

[The Jammer]

This thread made me buy this lens, thank you ;-)

However, I'm having some issues with the AF confirm adapter. I'm using a 1Ds II and on http://photo.net/filters-bags-tripods-accessories-forum/00Ax47 I read there were some issues with this combo.

I just don't get the adapter to work, I don't get AF confirm. Do you guys know what I'm doing wrong? I've got one of those ebay-adapters FYI.

[Silverfox1]

This thread made me buy this lens, thank you ;-)

However, I'm having some issues with the AF confirm adapter. I'm using a 1Ds II and on http://photo.net/filters-bags-tripods-accessories-forum/00Ax47 I read there were some issues with this combo.

I just don't get the adapter to work, I don't get AF confirm. Do you guys know what I'm doing wrong? I've got one of those ebay-adapters FYI.

Dont know specifically which adapter you purchased but i have used the below on all my MF lenses and they work just fine on both the 5D MKII & 60D bodys providing AF confirm wide open to f5.6. Bear in mind after f5.6 you will seldom if ever get the confirmation to work with these adapters and the older vintage MF lenses.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120571808955&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

See if you can borrow a friends body and test it out on something other then the 1D you have is your best bet.

Regards, ;)

[The Jammer]

Thanks Silverfox! My adapter looks exactly the same hehe.

So the AF confirm only works between 3.4 and 5.6? I'll try to check it out at another camera.

[cptrios]

Thanks Silverfox! My adapter looks exactly the same hehe.

So the AF confirm only works between 3.4 and 5.6? I'll try to check it out at another camera.

The camera's AF itself only works up until f/5.6. It'll work at f/8 occasionally in good light, but not consistently.

[Sp1207]

Interesting, my experience with the 1DsII is that the AF points, even off-center, keep it up until F/8 in EV 2-3 level light, and F11-F16 in bright sunlight. At EV from -1 to 1 I find it needs to be at F4 or wider for consistent results. I can go lower if I find a contrasty edge or something. Some shots :}

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5160/5892797308_663a0a16f7_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5892797236_b85390c945_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5159/5892230675_4e0666eef8_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5235/5892230591_9fdb64a142_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/5892230841_fba8b30bcb_b.jpg
Performs well wide open at 35, but should've gone to F4 for that biting sharpness.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5031/5892231281_582dd6c2b8_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5892232093_abba9f97d8_b.jpg
Cropped about 70% at ISO 3200. Have to say it was interesting shooting a performance at F3.4.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5035/5892798554_b832bf7c75_b.jpg
An ISO3200 accidentally shot as Jpeg. Still pretty sharp.

[cptrios]

Performs well wide open at 35, but should've gone to F4 for that biting sharpness.

What's great is that the center is still pretty fantastic wide open. I've noticed that the corners (until you stop down some) are a bit less impressive than I'd first thought at both extremes...but in the middle of the zoom range, everything is very good.

[photomadnz]

This one really pops full size. Really shows the difference against good 'L' glass.

[mco_970]

Really nice scape, PhotomadNZ.

[Silverfox1]

If anyone is interested i recently listed my Zeiss CY 35-70/f3.4 in the Sell section:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1081119

Regards, Ron :wink:

[JAbberwocky]

I just picked up this week. I am very impress with the 35-70/3.4

I think it is sharper than what the sensor on my T1i can resolve. Plus the lens produces such contrast-y pictures.

This was shot around the 50mm mark at F8 iso 200 1/100th
on the right is a crop from the original image

[cptrios]

I just picked up my 1st and 2nd manual focus lenses this week. I am very impress with the 35-70/3.4

I think it is sharper than what the sensor on my T1i can resolve. Plus the lens produces such contrast-y pictures.

This was shot around the 50mm mark at F8 iso 200 1/100th
on the right is a crop from the original image

50mm is the lens' best overall focal length...and if you really want to see what it can do, shoot RAW!