zeiss 35 f2 + t2i or just get a 7d

Doesn't the t2i have live view? I would buy the zeiss+t2i and use live view to focus instead of trying to figure out a focus screen situation. When I had the 7d and wanted the zeiss 35, I looked everywhere for a 7d focus screen only to find that katzeye makes one for about $100 in it's most basic form and it's a **** to install. I sold the 7d and bought a 5d and ee-s focus screen. Now I'm in zeiss heaven. Have you looked into buying a used 5d? There are some nice ones in the for sale section, and I don't think that they're too much more than a new t2i.

The ZE 35 f/2 was probably my favorite lens on my 40D, it creates awesome images even on a cropper. The rendering of the Zeiss glass is quite different and the ZE 35 offers great value for money.

I recently switched to full frame and now I got the ZE 50mm f/2. The field of view is quite similar and works very well for me.

I have no experience with the Rebel series, but I would strongly recommend getting the 35mm Distagon.

Why not consider a 5D and the Zeiss?

I will look into that 5d I really want some zeiss glass I love that 3d look that it gives

Choosing new glass over a new body is a good principle when we're talking about upgrading a kit lens to something a bit better. However when you come into the domain of high end glass such as the Zeiss 35/2, it's really a pity to use it on a cropper where you won't get the full benefit of the lens.

I liked it on my 1d2, but I think I'm going to love the Zeiss 35 on my 5d2. I can't manual focus very well on my Xs, you really need a large viewfinder + S screen (and/or live view depending on the shot)

You would probably be happier with the 5d + zeiss 35 if you can swing a liiiitle more money.

Glass before body. The viewfinder on the 7d looks exactly the same as the t2i. There may be slight differences but not much. The 7d will produce the same image as the t2i. The only body upgrade I would ever recommend is to go full frame. Otherwise the glass will always make the bigger difference in you photos.

That lens is just not the same on a crop camera. And the tiny viewfinder doesn't help. And swapping out the focusing screen isn't easy since it is not designed to be user-replaceable and you'll need to buy an overpriced focusing screen from a third party maker.

Sounds like your mind is made up on the Zeiss 35 so we are just down to body. If you are picky enough (I don't mean that in a bad way) to not be willing to settle for anything less that glass nirvana you should be putting it on a 5DII if you are out of cash a used 5Dc will be great until you have the cash for the 5DII.

When I bought my 35L I thought I could give it a home on my 50D when it wasn't on the 5DII and it took good pictures, that's it only good pictures but on my 5DII it is magic. I now have a 5Dc as my backup and sold the 50D.

I would rather have a 5DII and a 50 1.4 than a 7D and Zeiss 35
but if I was an action sports shooter I would be all over the 7D but I am not.

I did location shoot the other day in complete darkness and my 35L never missed a beat with focus, no way in hell could I have done it without auto focus with my light kit. I literally had to look at the back of the camera after every shot to see what was going on. They ended up being her favorite pictures.

yeah im only going crop for now can't afford to go full frame right now im leaning towards the t2i and save the rest for glass anybody use the zeiss on a crop, what do you think of the results

I pretty much agree with everything in this thread.

I would only recommend getting expensive zeiss glass and using it on a crop body ONLY if you plan to by a FF body in the somewhat near future. If you have no intentions of going FF, then I don't think expensive zeiss glass is a good idea.

Using Zeiss on a crop body is like driving a nice shiny Ferrari and not being able to go faster than 35mph.

If you do go FF, and since you like the Sigma 30mm, I would consider buying the 50mm 2.0 Makro-Planar instead of the 35mm.

adorabledan76 wrote in post #11066826
yeah im only going crop for now can't afford to go full frame right now im leaning towards the t2i and save the rest for glass anybody use the zeiss on a crop, what do you think of the results

A nice 5d is about $250 more than a new t2i. That's $600 cheaper than a new 7D you are considering purchasing.

which website has the 5d for a good price adorama, b &h not sure were too look at

If you want a 5Dc as far as I know there are only used and refurbished ones that are available. They sell used from 900~1100 clean ones go quick it took me 2 months before I found one that someone else didn't beat me to. I had a noise test side by side with my 50D before I sold it and the 5Dc Killed it there was no comparison. I saw a comparison here recently between the 7D and 5Dc for noise and the 5Dc was noticeably better in my opinion.

I don't worry about whether my lenses overlap or not. I buy them for their strengths and intended purposes. Don't buy the 7D unless you think there is something you are missing that you will gain by buying the 7D.