Buying a Zeiss lens

dmstraton wrote in post #12729180
Unlike others, a little practice (even with a standard screen) and manual focusing is not that difficult, I probably spend as much time focusing as I do just twisting a zoom ring. I probably get more keepers only because I can't "spray and pray" with AF in play...take a bit more time, wait, snap.

I'm fine with focusing manually but have to admit it's a lot easier on my Zeiss Ikon than the Canon 5D because of the viewfinder. I have never been much for zoom lenses, got rid of all of them and sticks to primes only now. I couldn't be happier

dmstraton wrote in post #12729191
Oh, the 50 1.4 and 85 1.4 are the "entry level" lenses - the 35 if I remember is a few hundred more IIRC.

I'm not that interested in a 85mm focal, usually don't need longer than 50mm and I got the 135L just in case. I decided to skip the Zeiss 50/1.4 because I have heard many mixed reviews on this lens with focus shift and such. From the current Zeiss lineup it seems that the 35/2 is the best one to start with if you don't want wider than 35mm or macro.

palwin wrote in post #12728967
I have more or less decided on the Zeiss 35/2 now and get a macro lens sometime later. The CZ 35/2.8 sounds very interesting and I have heard great things about Contax lenses. I need to check these out. Do you or anyone else have comparison pics from these two lenses?

As argyle stated their are a variety of vintage lenses in the 35mm FL range that can satisfy most folks and save yourself a considerable amount of money. Research & patience are your best friends since it sounds like your objectives are shooting time composed captures.

For the price of the Zeiss 35/f2 you could pick-up 2 or possibly 3 stellar prime vintage lenses in various focal lengths, but the final decision is yours.

Several months back i was testing 4 different 35mm MF lenses wide open for blur, bokeh & center sharpness which included the possibly dud copy of the rented Zeiss 35/f2.

Below is an example test shot i took with a cheap Russian 24MIR 35/f2 EOS adapted lens that cost less then $200 bucks and does a fine job indoors using natural ambient lighting.

MIR24-35mm f2.0

Test Shot indoors using ambient window light only and a 43" Reflector.

F2.0, ISO1250, SS 1/60, No Flash

Exif intact: