Zeiss 135mm f/2 Apo Sonnar ZE / ZF.2

Doc Fluty wrote in post #16200019
Outstanding Jdizzle!

The lens blends perfectly a slightly longer focal length with just the right amount of compression, sharpness and depth of field.

When I apply lens correction in ACR.. almost nothing changes lol ...even at f/2

The focus confirmation chirp is almost always dead on using a 5D3

Im just just going around town shooting things just to see the results with the lens.

For some reason I thought a bush would be kind of cool in the lower corner of the shot with all the broken concrete. I was too focused on the amazing clouds in background to realize how much that bush just sucked lol

I could photoshop it out.. but it wasn't a real shoot.. just an excuse to see the results of the lens when trying to get a whole car in at f/2

I like the compression and depth of field.. on a real shoot this will be great. Also, with an APO its really going to help with cars with chrome and other contrasty parts.

Thanks. Nice looking foreground.

merlewine wrote in post #16200314
I am a close-up/macro photographer of mostly nature subjects.

I had to find out if the new Zeiss APO was possibly useful at close range, even though it is not a macro lens.

Well, it is, and amazingly so as this photo may suggest.

Taken with the Nikon D800E and the Zeiss 135mm APO. The cropped area is 100%.

Nice. The cropability of the D800/E is certainly nice to have. Will extension tubes work with this lens?

guitarjeff wrote in post #16197322
God, this isn't fair. I just can't face the truth, I can't afford one of these,and I want one. I just want one so bad, more than I've ever wanted anything. I'm just sick over it, really, this is no joke, this is some kind of lust that is so painful, like being heartbroken and wanting the one youlove,yet they don't want you. I want this lens, to touch it, to look through it, to mount it.

Just pick up a 135L and rent the zeiss for special occations. LOL I know that sounds insane, but that's what I do. Every time I go and shoot a model or something or a special shoot where I don't need to be super fast, I usually rent one of these badboys.

I believe this one was @ f/2.8

merlewine wrote in post #16200314
I am a close-up/macro photographer of mostly nature subjects.

I had to find out if the new Zeiss APO was possibly useful at close range, even though it is not a macro lens.

Well, it is, and amazingly so as this photo may suggest.

Taken with the Nikon D800E and the Zeiss 135mm APO. The cropped area is 100%.

I agree with you. I love using this lens up close.

^^Love that first one Doc. Is that car bagged?

I didn't talk to the owner... but it would have to be.

There is no chance it could roll the streets like that with a static suspension.

Nice shots all. I love the Canon 135L... that being said... looking over the reviews.. and images... the Zeiss appears to be pretty amazing.

Any more people shots you all would like to share? I'm more of a portrait shooter.

Thanks,
Hatch

I am using the 100MP, but have been considering selling it and upgrading to the 135. I already have the 21 distagon, 35/1.4, 50mp and the 85/1.4. Just curious as to whether there is enough of a difference to justify then upgrade costs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Shiba

Hatch1921 wrote in post #16241804
Nice shots all. I love the Canon 135L... that being said... looking over the reviews.. and images... the Zeiss appears to be pretty amazing.

Any more people shots you all would like to share? I'm more of a portrait shooter.

Thanks,
Hatch

It is an amazing lens.

I find that online reviews and images are useful for understanding lens characteristics, but often limiting because shooting styles, subjects, and image processing techniques are always different . Have you considered renting it? Personally, I think this is a great way to see if it is right for you and also how it compares to the 135.

t60p wrote in post #16242384
It is an amazing lens.

I find that online reviews and images are useful for understanding lens characteristics, but often limiting because shooting styles, subjects, and image processing techniques are always different . Have you considered renting it? Personally, I think this is a great way to see if it is right for you and also how it compares to the 135.

I've checked in to it on Lensrentals.com might have to give it a shot and see for myself. Looks very sharp and the bokeh is pleasing for sure.

svshiba wrote in post #16242189
I am using the 100MP, but have been considering selling it and upgrading to the 135. I already have the 21 distagon, 35/1.4, 50mp and the 85/1.4. Just curious as to whether there is enough of a difference to justify then upgrade costs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Shiba

In short, you won't be disappointed in this lens.

Hatch1921 wrote in post #16242926
I've checked in to it on Lensrentals.com might have to give it a shot and see for myself. Looks very sharp and the bokeh is pleasing for sure.

I've seen your work and I don't see any reason not to own this piece of glass. Forget about renting it. Just buy it!

svshiba wrote in post #16242189
I am using the 100MP, but have been considering selling it and upgrading to the 135. I already have the 21 distagon, 35/1.4, 50mp and the 85/1.4. Just curious as to whether there is enough of a difference to justify then upgrade costs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Shiba

From my perspective, the biggest negatives about the 135 when compared to the 100 f/2 are the minimum focusing distance (.40m versus .80m), the image ratio at close range (1:2 versus 1:4), and the need for higher shutter speeds. If I had to sell one lens today, my zeiss 35 f/1.4 would be the first one to go. Even though I have the 135 f/2, I still really miss the 100 makro that I sold. For me, and what I like to shoot, I think of the 100 makro and 135 as being complementary rather than the 135 being an upgrade.