Conner999
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 p.1 #9 · Voigtlander 125 vs Zeiss ZF 100 | |
Like yourself I've owned both:
- Sharpness - slight edge to CV (close up)
- Bokeh - preferred the CV.
- ZF better at distance than CV (superb macro). The CV is SHARP at distance but is optimized as a macro lens so, performance comes across better a closer distances.
- Color - better on CV
- Both have long focus throws, CV slightly 'slower' to focus than ZF.
- ZF does suffer some CA at borders and on OOF edges
- ZF, like 35/2, will P/GF (purple/green fringe) in high contrast sits. Is NOT caused by sensor, maybe specific lens/sensor interaction, but lens is a KEY factor. I used on 5D and 1Ds2.
- APO correction is worth its weight in gold (especially at current prices for either lens). CA and PG aside, makes a difference in color accuracy and tonality which also comes across in delivery of grays in B&W conversions.
- Diffraction, like many uber-sharp WO lenses, hits the CV earlier than average. The price of admission to the sharp-as-a-tack-WO club.
- Build is somewhat better on the ZF (feels like a better built CV 125 which it closely resembles).
That said, at it's original price, the CV was well under 1/2 the price of the 100 ZF, so it's mechanics have to be viewed in that context. It was never designed to be sold at $1000+. It was a hell of a bargain a the original price. I own the CV 90 and 180 APOs and despite rising prices, are incredible bargains in the IQ department.
At current prices (the CV being slightly cheaper than the ZF) if I were going to use it as a dedicated macro or near-macro lens, I'd take the CV.
As an all-round 100-125mm lens, if LIMITED TO THE CV or ZF ONLY, the 100 ZF (better distance performance) - but with some SERIOUS reservations due to the lack of APO at the price.
If I wanted a fast 100mm with good distance and 1:2 (or close to it) performance, sharp, nice bokeh, etc and no APO, I'd follow JB's suggestion and get a CV 100/2 and a set of tubes and save $500-700.
If I had a choice between the CV, ZF and Leica 100 (used) which are all in the same snack bracket - the Leica hands down (have owned as well). That said, the CV will likely increase in price - IF no new (and comparable) SLII versions of the original SL APO lenses come from CV in Fall (a rumor going around from some dealers).
Edited on Aug 08, 2008 at 01:15 PM
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