Zeiss 21...wow...

So, I made a mistake last week...I looked at the Zeiss 21 sample images thread. I'm a landscape shooter and the landscape shots with that lens look absolutely amazing. The sharpness, detail retention, and color rendering just seem to blow anything my 10-22 can do right out of the water - and thats at web size...

I used to have a 5D and 17-40 but sold them in favor of keeping my 40D and EF-s lineup because the difference in IQ wasn't great enough to justify losing live view (love that for critical focusing) and I was uncertain about losing the "long" end on my telephoto.

But, Ive done some thinking and only about 2% of my shots are over 100mm and I shoot almost exclusively landscape so I'm thinking of dumping my 10-22, 15-85, Tammy 70-300 and 40D in favor of a 5Dc and the Zeiss, then adding a Tamron 28-75 prior to this fall when my baby will be born.

Just wanted someone to give me a quick reality check - is that lens REALLY as good as it looks or are those who make an investment into that type of lens just that much better than I am? I'm making some big changes to my lineup to acquire that puppy so I'd like to see what people think.

Have a gander at my site and let me know if you think I'd see marked improvements.

The lens is that good but so are the people using it. It sounds like the 5dc/21ZE is a good pairing for you but having only one focal length can be quite limiting.

It's an excellent piece of glass. I made the mistake of selling it the first time just to try Nikon. Never again.

It's incredible. You will foot zoom like you have never foot zoomed before. Anytime 21mm works, the Zeiss is called to action. The problem is...you'll want more. The 35 has a very 3D rendering. The 100 is optically the best thing I have ever used. It's really addicting to use these lenses. Build quality, the nice focus ring, the unbelievable IQ. You've been warned

As mentioned already, its not just the lens. If the user sucks, the photos will suck....but they will suck better, faster and sharper than before.

I am falling back on a 17-40 because my Zeiss is currently winging its way to Germany to be cleaned and serviced (possible salt water ingress - around $250 is the first estimate from my supplier).

I have to admit, the only things that are against it are the fixed FL and non weather sealing but these are completely outweighed by the image quality. I wouldnt mind the fixed FL but I know that contributes it its quality. I am happy to foot zoom but the coastal shots I take I just dont have the "land" to footzoom on. That being said, it just forces you to find another shot because the images are worth it.

I am actually thinking of selling it to free up some needed cash once it comes back (lens prices are going up apparently) but I have a feeling I will regret it and as jdizzle has mentioned I will probably beg, save and borrow to get it back again!

jdizzle wrote in post #12106524
It's an excellent piece of glass. I made the mistake of selling it the first time just to try Nikon. Never again.

I thought you said that it's an over-hyped lens . Yes, the 21ZE is insane. The rendering is artistic.

TaDa wrote in post #12107417
I thought you said that it's an over-hyped lens . Yes, the 21ZE is insane. The rendering is artistic.

Let's just say that this lens is in a class of it's own.

Show me some photos

SOX 404 wrote in post #12107564
Show me some photos

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=768623

Even the old CY 21/f2.8 is a legendary lens in the Zeiss line-up if you were to be lucky enough to find one:

http://slrlensreview.c​om …stagon-t-21mm-f28-cy.html

Regards,

My bank account hates you all.

So, Ive done some snooping and it seems I can pick up a 5D mkII + 17-40 for roughly the same price as 5Dc + Zeiss 21. This appeals to me because of the live view focusing (love this for critical focusing) and video (baby due in September).

But, I think I would always wonder about that Zeiss if I dont try it (not a chance of affording the 5DmkII + Zeiss at this time). A seperate video camera can be had for cheap and MF without live view should be easy enough at landscape apertures on a 5Dc.

Decisions, decisions...

5Dc/21ZE all the way. Get a flip for video or something.

This is definitely one of those legendary lenses. Not all Zeiss are created equal, and this one was created by artists with engineering degrees. The 5D2 is a very nice body, but shots from the 5Dc w/ the 21ZE will look better than 5D2/17-40.

I vote for the 5Dc and the Zeiss 21 You wont regret it.

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1 vote for the ZE 21. You won't regret it I think. My friend has a 5Dc and he picked up a ZE 21 for rental and now it's all over his head.
I myself picked up the ZE35/2 and it's amazing. It might not be the best in the Zeiss line like the ZE 21/2.8 or 100/2 MP but it beat my other friend's 35L.

napster90 wrote in post #12108226
1...
I myself picked up the ZE35/2 and it's amazing. It might not be the best in the Zeiss line like the ZE 21/2.8 or 100/2 MP but it beat my other friend's 35L.

Hello,

Do you have any side by side of both ?

Regards