I just ordered this lens based on a couple of enthusiastic opinions I found on the net and the excellent MTF published on Zeiss website. Expected delivery December 2012, just in time for Christmas.
First thing you notice is the size. The only other lens that I currently own for my NEX 7 is a Zeiss ZM 50 Planar which is much much smaller and much lighter.
I haven't had a huge amount of time to shoot lately so can't really comment on the quality of the lens yet. Hoping to get more time over the next few weeks.
December 2012 ?. Is this for real or we're already in April ?
Edward, I'm sure that the Sonnar 85/2 must be stellar in every way, but even if I had the funds, I wouldn't have patience to wait 9 months. Unless you absolutely need the Zeiss look, there're plenty of Summicrons 90 out there.
( just my envious 2 cents.. )
artur5 wrote:
December 2012 ?. Is this for real or we're already in April ?
Edward, I'm sure that the Sonnar 85/2 must be stellar in every way, but even if I had the funds, I wouldn't have patience to wait 9 months. Unless you absolutely need the Zeiss look, there're plenty of Summicrons 90 out there.
( just my envious 2 cents.. )
Hehehe, I know exactly what you mean
Not sure if you're aware that this lens is discontinued, but for some strange reason, Zeiss is still taking orders. It is made in Germany, expensive but still cheaper than any comparable Leica. I have a ZM 85/4 so I got this FL covered until December. I can wait no problem
First thing you notice is the size. The only other lens that I currently own for my NEX 7 is a Zeiss ZM 50 Planar which is much much smaller and much lighter.
I haven't had a huge amount of time to shoot lately so can't really comment on the quality of the lens yet. Hoping to get more time over the next few weeks.
I met up with another FM member today who happens to own the ZM85 Sonnar and had a chance to try it... Haven't yet looked at the results on the computer, but it was a nice lens to work with. Yes, it's a bit large in diameter, but didn't find it to be too heavy, nor to be excessively intrusive in the viewfinder. And unlike my 90 Summarit, it was really easy to focus because of the longer focus throw. When I get the images processed, I'll post some here, or in the M9 thread.
One thing about the lens though, which I think has been touched on in other threads, is that it's pretty easy to provoke fairly obvious blue fringing around white/near white areas in bright light. It seems to be a problem of the blue channel clipping or blowing out. Underexposing somewhat seems to remedy the problem. So, in harsh lighting conditions it may not be an ideal candidate, but other than that it seems to be very nice.
Here are some samples, nothing fancy. Again, it's not my lens and since we wanted to go out on a photowalk rather than do test shots all day , the selection is not going to be a full range of apertures, subject matter, etc. I primarily concentrated on wide open with a few at f/2.8 as well, to get a feel for the lens and see if there is much difference between it and my 90 Summarit, other than the huge price gap.
There are differences.. At f/2.8 the Sonnar is sharper. It also has a more defined rendition of out of focus areas, and I'd dare say busier feel too. The more I use Leica lenses, the more it becomes apparent to me that Leica likes smooth background blur. Certainly not a new revelation for those with more experience with the two brands.
Start of with one at f/2.8, because that's the widest you can shoot on an M9 at base (not pulled) ISO at 1/4000 without blowing things out. Also, I should add, these were tweaked a bit for more pleasing (to me) contrast, but with no fill light or recovery, no clarity, default LR3 sharpening (25/1.0/25). Also the 1200px web images were not sharpened further to avoid altering edge details, etc.
f/2 (somewhat overexposed and pulled back in post, therefore contrast may not be indicative. LR contrast and curve settings kept the same as the following f/2.8 version, but probably best to judge sharpness here more than difference in contrast):
)