I'm able to get a 90% in focus rate with this lens using my 5D2 and the matt screen, but I'm looking for options for an eventual body upgrade so if the 1DX can give me the same in focus rate using the precision matt screen, I'm tempted to go with it even though I'm not too happy about the size and form factor.
Focusscreen.com has S-type screen for 5d3.
Haven't tried the 35 1.4 Distagon. I've found that too many of the zeiss lenses have purple halos around them when shooting point sources wide open, aka, astrophotography. Very challenging for any lens.
With the ec-s screen and the 35 1.4, pretty sure your keeper rate with regards to focus will go up. The Leica 50 1.4 E60 R that I'm using is fairly tough to focus with the stock screen. ec-s makes it much easier.
PM01 wrote:
The 1Dx gives you two options. I tried the other one and it proved to be too aggressive. Just leave it at the stock setting and dial in -1/3 compensation.
I don't belive the screen you use is made for the 1DX. The 1DX have a custom setting in the menu for the EC-A,B,D,H,I,L screens
I use the ZE 35/1.4, and it is one of the easiest of my manual lenses to focus. I use the EG-S screen in my 6D and previously in my 5D2 though. On the 5D3 with AF confirm I had way too many misses, I would have to take three times as many photos to have the same amount of keepers as I do with the matte focus screen.
I'm able to get a 90% in focus rate with this lens using my 5D2 and the matt screen, but I'm looking for options for an eventual body upgrade so if the 1DX can give me the same in focus rate using the precision matt screen, I'm tempted to go with it even though I'm not too happy about the size and form factor.
I have used my Zeiss ZE 35/1,4 lens on my 1DX. It works rather good with the standard screen. I would say at least as good or probably a bit better than my 1D4 or 1Ds3 with S-screens
I don't have the 1DX, but I've always used AF confirm on my TS-E and ZE lenses (I don't use chipped on Alt adapters) when not using LV. I have close to perfect success using the center AF point with 5D2, 1D3, and 1Ds3, MFA as needed with moderate apertures. I shoot a lot of stuff with TS-E hand held, and sometimes at night, where focus confirm is best/fastest way to go.
I use all normal screens and focus confirm off the 1/2 shutter button.
I'm sure you are touting using multiple AF points, but just wanted to support using AF confirm with appropriate manual lenses. Some manual focus users seem averse to using focus confirm -- I've never understood that. I would have loved that feature in old film camera.
To other poster: RF? Seriously? Ha-ha! How many camera systems do you carry around all day? As others have said, RF is completely inappropriate for TS-E and macro applications, two of my favorite types of lenses.
This thread might tempt me back into a Zeiss lens, now I have the 1D X, but which one. 35mm would have been my preference, but Sigma would be my choice now.
I went with the Sigma 35 1.4 since the lens is very well corrected. Getting any type of CA / loCA is pretty tough, even wide open. Haven't tried the Zeiss 35 but from the feedback I've been getting from other astrophotographers, you really have to stop the lens down to prevent the purple halo effect, especially on Vega or Sirius. That's the tough test and many lenses that claim "APO" will often fail when I see the purple halo.
Ok I have a 1D X and a 5D Mark III and use three lenses that require manual focus. The Zeiss 21mm f/2.8, the Zeiss 100mm f/2 macro and my TS-E 24mm f/3.5L. On the 5D III its more than a simple green light to mark and beep that confirms focus. The focus point itself actually lights up on the intended target. The 1D X uses the green viewfinder light and beep. I also use MF for both my EF 100mm f/2.8L IS and EF 180mm f/3.5L macros all the time. On the macros I do use Live view quite a bit as well.
Also I know there is the Ec-S focus screen but I thought for MF the Ec-B was the recommended one on the 1D X and the Ec-S works but is not properly compensated for, by that I mean things appear brighter they say.
Finally I use back button focus so I just hold it down until I hear the beep for focus confirmation.
swldstn wrote:
Ok I have a 1D X and a 5D Mark III and use three lenses that require manual focus. The Zeiss 21mm f/2.8, the Zeiss 100mm f/2 macro and my TS-E 24mm f/3.5L. On the 5D III its more than a simple green light to mark and beep that confirms focus. The focus point itself actually lights up on the intended target. The 1D X uses the green viewfinder light and beep. I also use MF for both my EF 100mm f/2.8L IS and EF 180mm f/3.5L macros all the time. On the macros I do use Live view quite a bit as well.
Also I know there is the Ec-S focus screen but I thought for MF the Ec-B was the recommended one on the 1D X and the Ec-S works but is not properly compensated for, by that I mean things appear brighter they say.
Finally I use back button focus so I just hold it down until I hear the beep for focus confirmation....Show more →
Yeah, I know this to, but thank you anyway for the info.
As others have said, RF is completely inappropriate for TS-E and macro applications, two of my favorite types of lenses. 