Why have Zeiss 21mm ZE used prices dropped?

Just wondering why the used prices on this lens have dropped by $400+ in the last couple years. There's no new model, the new price hasn't dropped, etc.

Just wondering why they're going for $1k on eBay when they were $1500 not too long ago.

Maybe because people realized the Canon 16-35 f/4 IS is just as good?

my take (and many other people) is the new 16-35 f/4.
http://www.dpreview.co​m/forums/thread/369993​5?page=2
the zoom adds more convenience, and the IS compensates the lower aperture for handheld shots.
Also the new zoom has less coma effect than previous version, and probably closer to the zeiss.
With that said, I have both, but hard pressed to sell the zeiss - would faster sell the 16-35 if canon would release a 11-24 or similar
Yes, the value is dropping mre than I ilke to see, and even worst with the 50MP, but both will keep value in the longggger run.
Besides, zeiss is ahead in manual focusing precision - some will regreat they are selling it, others not so much. It's all a trade off

Same thing happened when the 24II hit, but then the Zeiss came back because of its unique rendering. I guess we shall see what happens.

This is apples to oranges:

Zoom vs Fixed Length
IS vs None
Slowish vs Fastish
OEM Singular Mount vs Multiple Mount 3rd Party
AF vs MF (I know you can MF an AF lens, but it's not the same)
Mass Construction vs Craft Construction

This is an unbiased and factual list. I don't have a personal preference and I have both Canon and Zeiss lenses.
So, assuming identical IQ, there's still a world of difference and I'm not sure they are in the same market except that they can both do 21mm.

WHAT?!?! This is news to me. Must keep an eye out for these mythical cheap Distagons.

PERRY! Yeah, I've seen them selling for $1k

dog rocket wrote in post #17359372
This is apples to oranges:

Zoom vs Fixed Length
IS vs None
Slowish vs Fastish
OEM Singular Mount vs Multiple Mount 3rd Party
AF vs MF (I know you can MF an AF lens, but it's not the same)
Mass Construction vs Craft Construction

This is an unbiased and factual list. I don't have a personal preference and I have both Canon and Zeiss lenses.
So, assuming identical IQ, there's still a world of difference and I'm not sure they are in the same market except that they can both do 21mm.

If these matter to you, more power to you.

But the only substantive advantage of the Zeiss is the large aperture. But for landscape use, that advantage is even dubious. In terms of image quality, if you look at the samples, the mystical Zeiss quality is purely, well, mystical. The other mabufactureres' high grade lenses (Canon, Nikon, even Sigma) are just as good.

I knew someone would try to turn that into a pissing match which is why my post was completely unbiased. How do you know which one I prefer when I have neither?

By the way, did you mean mystical or mythical? By calling the Zeiss mystical, you've just given it your highest endorsement. I think you meant to refer to it as ordinary. Either way, I'd have to disagree (I had the ZE21 for awhile).

IQ wasn't on the comparison I drew up because, like I said earlier, I have, use and like both Canon and Zeiss lenses and I'm sure the analytical difference between them is minimal at their high quality level.. However, if you feel that there's no difference in the drawing styles of lenses then just crap yourself up with kit lenses and be done with it.

NWPhil wrote in post #17358898
...
Also the new zoom has less coma effect than previous version, and probably closer to the zeiss.
...

A definite benefit for any lens!

Corner sharpness, flare control and lack of barrel distortion all matter for landscapes. I dunno about the Canon 16-35 f/4 because I've never owned or used one, but I rented the 21 ZE Distagon once and it SMOKED my 17-40L and 24-105L. Wasn't even close. Made the 17-40L look like a kit lens (granted that lens' IQ isn't that great to begin with).

Let's see some corner crops to convince us otherwise.

I think people just don't want your used gear, Peter.

well, I'm no longer looking to sell it, so Nyah!