Register · Software · Search · Image Upload · Buy & Sell · Reviews · Hosting

Moderated by: guardian
Username   Password

Visit the FM Store · Image Upload · Buy & Sell
FM Forum Rules
FM Forums | Alternative Gear & Lenses | Join Image Upload
end
Go to previous topic Go to next topic
Jeffrey
Online
Image Upload: On
p.1 #1 · Zeiss Lens Terminology


I read posts here about the Zeiss lenses that work with EOS Canon cameras. I don't own any, but am considering one. I am confused by all the acronyms, and as a newbie to these lenses, I need some explanations. What are ZE, ZF, C/Y and other terms? What are the differences? An alternative lens primer with descriptions and ratings would be a big help around here.

Thanks! Jeffrey

Oct 14, 2008 at 05:17 PM
douglasf13
Offline
Image Upload: Off
p.1 #2 · Zeiss Lens Terminology


ZE are Canon mount. ZF are Nikon mount. C/Y were for Contax, but can be used easily on Canon with an adapter, although the 5D does require a mirror shave down with some C/y lenses. ZS are m42 lenses. ZK are for Pentax. ZA are for Sony.

Oct 14, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Jeffrey
Online
Image Upload: On
p.1 #3 · Zeiss Lens Terminology


Well, that helps! I thought all Zeiss lenses needed adapters for canon, nikon, etc. Now I see there are new ones that are already built for certain mounts. That may be the way to go for me.

Thanks.

Oct 14, 2008 at 05:30 PM
cogitech
Offline
Buy and Sell: On
p.1 #4 · Zeiss Lens Terminology


Z[?] = the latest line of Zeiss glass for [?] mount

for example:

ZE is for (Canon) EF mount, ZF is for (Nikon) F mount, ZS is for (M42) Screw mount, ZK is for (Pentax) K mount.

They are basically all the same series of lenses (with minor tweaks for the various mounts). Opinions differ on how they compare to the C/Y (Contax) line.

-----------------------------

C/Y (stands for Contax/Yashica) mount Zeiss lenses are a previous generation of lenses that Zeiss and/or Kyocera produced for the Contax line of cameras. Some very famous glass in this line-up.

-----------------------------

Then there are the Carl Zeiss Jena lenses (mostly in M42 screw mount) which are generally made to a lower standard, although there are some diamonds in the rough.

-----------------------------


All of them can be either directly mounted or adapted onto your Canon body.

Oct 14, 2008 at 05:44 PM
CVickery
Offline
Buy and Sell: On
p.1 #5 · Zeiss Lens Terminology


Don't forget the Contax N series, many of which can be converted to EOS mount (when Conurus is able to get parts )
http://en.conurus.com/faq.html

Oct 14, 2008 at 06:07 PM
jjlphoto
Offline
Image Upload: On
p.1 #6 · Zeiss Lens Terminology


Anything labeled as "M mount" or "Contax G mount" cannot be adapted to EOS bodies.

Oct 15, 2008 at 02:12 PM
maxima302
Offline
Buy and Sell: On
p.1 #7 · Zeiss Lens Terminology


Somethings I learned when I picked up my first Zeiss: T* is the multi-coating, and for C/Y lenses, there are two most recent varitals: AE and MM.. I believe Zeiss won't service AE lenses, but will service newer MM lenses.

Oct 15, 2008 at 09:42 PM
kidtexas
Offline
Image Upload: Off
p.1 #8 · Zeiss Lens Terminology


Zeiss also makes a current line of lenses called ZM for M mount cameras. These are different formulation than the rest of the Z_ lines.

Oct 15, 2008 at 10:24 PM

FM Forums | Alternative Gear & Lenses | Join Image Upload
end
  Go to previous topic Go to next topic

You are not logged in. Login or Register

  Username   Password  
Lost password?