Just tried out a copy on my D800 while at the local pro shop. Happen to have my 105/2.5 AIS with me so I took the same shots for comparison.
I'll not show any pictures for the moment, but I can say that my 105/2.5 AIS is pretty outstanding on my D800 at f/4 and so is the 90/3.5 SL-II. Just like the 105 the CV 90 is very very even across the frame (center, borders, and far far corners) and sharpness is very very good at f/3.5 and improves just a little at higher apertures.
The 90 did want to underexpose by about 0.75 of a stop compared to the 105, but it could just be the Nikon metering system at play and my subject matter.
This lens is now discontinued, so if you want a super small and light 100-ish prime try to find one of these for a good price.
Hopefully CV will come out with a replacement with a focal length around 100mm and a bit faster than f/3.5 . . .
They wanted too much money for the lens, though it was in new condition, but was lacking the close-up filter, box, shade(?), etc.
Yes, I was particularly interested in how it did relative to my 105/2.5 AIS, which has held up very very well with 36MPs of interrogation. It's attractive particularly due to it's small size and weight.
The CV 90/3.5 is one of my favorite lenses I've used on my D700. Sharp across the frame from wide open, improved a little up to f/5.6, and very well controlled CA. The other advantage of the lens is that if focuses closer than most lenses in this range, and there is a diopter included that gets you to around 1:2. The hood is effective and diminutive, and it would be nearly impossible to damage the front element. I can't wait to take my CV 20/40/90 trio out with a D600 when I side-grade.
jhinkey wrote:
Jthe CV 90 is very very even across the frame (center, borders, and far far corners) and sharpness is very very good at f/3.5 and improves just a little at higher apertures.
The 90 did want to underexpose by about 0.75 of a stop compared to the 105, but it could just be the Nikon metering system at play and my subject matter.
This lens is now discontinued, so if you want a super small and light 100-ish prime try to find one of these for a good price.
Hopefully CV will come out with a replacement with a focal length around 100mm and a bit faster than f/3.5 . . .
They wanted too much money for the lens, though it was in new condition, but was lacking the close-up filter, box, shade(?), etc.
I recall when the prices seemed to go sky high. I think it was due to PhotoZone testing a copy and finding that it was exceptional for the price. Don't Cosina now make some Zeiss lenses, Zeiss optical design with Japanese manufacturing?
LeifG wrote:
I recall when the prices seemed to go sky high. I think it was due to PhotoZone testing a copy and finding that it was exceptional for the price. Don't Cosina now make some Zeiss lenses, Zeiss optical design with Japanese manufacturing?
Yes, Cosina is currently making all Zeiss ZF/ZE lens and most of ZM.
The Voigtlander and most Zeiss lenses are made in Japan at the same facility, I believe. But the Zeiss designs are distinctly Zeiss. I also use the ZF 100/2 and the rendering is completely different. The looks are different enough that it was easy for me to justify having both. The build quality of the Zeiss ZF and Voigtlander SL-II lenses are both better than the M-mount lenses each company makes.
I think they are still pretty available. I bought two of them a few months ago when they announced they were being discontinued, and Lloyd Chambers gave it a very high rating for use on the D800.
I had figured I would hold one new in box and sell it in the future when it becomes a cult classic. I can't imagine that has happened already! I'm just not that lucky or good
