jcolwell Offline Upload & Sell: On
|
Hi MV,
Welcome to FM.
mvjasper wrote:
....Are there any shortcomings with the classic made up for by the Milvus?
I use many Classic ZE and older Contax lenses, including; Classic 18/3.5 ZE, 21/2.8 ZE, 25/2 ZE, 35/2 ZE, 50/2 ZE, and 100 ZE. I haven't used any Milvus-equivalent lenses, but comparison of MTF curves and shared experience from other users suggests to me that the only Classic ZE lenses with 'shortcomings' with respect to IQ have new, re-designed lenses in the Milvus series. For example, the Distagon 18/3.5 ZE is a fine lens, but (on 50 MP) not quite as good at the edges, at f/8 and infinity focus, as the TS-E 17/4L (no movements) and EF 16-35/4L IS. The Milvus series includes new designs at 18mm (18/2.8) and 25mm (25/1.4). I expect the new 18mm design was introduced because users expect better edge/corner IQ than the 18/3.5 offers. Comparing Zeiss MTF curves suggests that the 18/2.8 ZE will be noticeably better than the 18/3.5 ZE at the edges/corners, and is probably better than the two Canon lenses I mentioned. Of course, the Milvus 18/2.8 is way bigger and heavier than the Classic 18/3.5.
The new 25/1.4 ZE is probably more of a complement to 25/2 (no Milvus version, yet), than an improved version of the 25/2, as are the 35/1.4 and 50/1.4, with respect to the 35/2 and 50/2.
I have also found (on 50 MP camera, f/8, infinity), the TS-E 24/3.5L II edges out the Classic 25/2 ZE, and at 35mm, the Contax PC-Distagon C/Y (unshifted) is better at the edges than the Classic 35/2 ZE. OTOH, the Classic 50/2 ZE and 100/2 ZE are peerless (except Otus, sort of). I don't think the 25/2 ZE and 35/2 ZE have any particular IQ shortcomings, it's just that some specialist TS and PC lenses exist, that have better IQ at the edges and corners (due to their larger image circles, no doubt). It'll be interesting to see if Zeiss introduces a 25/2 lens with the same optical formula as the Classic (as is the Milvus 35/2 with respect to the Classic 35/2).
I suggest you'll get the best information on the Classic 15/2.8 vs. Milvus 15/2.8, if you start a new thread on this specific topic. I'd post it in the Alt forum and cross-post to Nikon, but I'm not sure if a new FM member can cross-post (procedural rules change over time).
Cjeers,
Jim
|