CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

FM Forums \| Alternative Gear & Lenses \| Join Upload & Sell	Search Used
1 2 end

Archive 2008 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

trumpet_guy
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #1 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

I recently got a second copy of the 24-70L, which seems to have somewhat
better performance than my first copy at 70mm with infinity focus. The previous
owner had cherry picked through five copies of the lens to get this one, and
it seems very good, so I'm pretty confident I'm seeing the best of what this
lens can deliver on a 5D. [Well, at least the best lens performance. I'm
sure a better photographer can produce better images with it than I can.

]

So, having recently been very impressed with the corner-to-corner performance
of my CZ 35-70/3.4 Vario-Sonnar on the 5D, I thought I'd test the 24-70L
against it at one of its weak points: 70mm with infinity focus. I was
particularly interested in performance at the typical "landscape apertures"
of f/8 and f/11. I know, the 35mm end of the range would make more sense
for most landscape shooters, but I have always found the 24-70L to deliver
pretty well at the wide end, so I was focusing on the long end for the moment.
The results are here:
http://www.pbase.com/tswen/gallery/midzooms

Here are the high points, all at f/8.

The scene, focused on the distant building/foliage:

Canon

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Zeiss

Canon Mid Crop

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Zeiss Mid Crop

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Canon Corner Crop

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Zeiss Corner Crop

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Conclusion:
They are pretty close. In my testing, The Canon is the winner at
f/4 and below, but at f/5.6 the Zeiss pulls ahead slightly, and the Canon starts
to catch up again by f/11. The Zeiss seems to have better resolution into
the corners, but it has somewhat less contrast. The Zeiss has less vignetting
and less purple fringing in the corners when stopped down to f/8.

Full size images are at the link above. If I get around to it, I'll post some
comparisons at 35mm.

Tim

Edited on Oct 23, 2008 at 01:59 AM · View previous versions

Oct 22, 2008 at 07:38 AM

Graham Mitchell
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #2 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

Don't forget the CZ's macro mode

Oct 22, 2008 at 08:00 AM

trumpet_guy
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #3 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

They both have semi-macro modes, but yes, I agree that the CZ does
great in the macro arena. A very nice lens, though more trouble to use
due to manual aperture & focus, and also the rotating front element.

Nice and compact, though. Not as light as some compact lenses,
but it has a great feeling of being solidly constructed.

The CZ in macro mode:

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Edited on Oct 22, 2008 at 08:15 AM · View previous versions

Oct 22, 2008 at 08:02 AM

ovredal73
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #4 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

The macro mode on the Zeiss is an amazing thing. Completely unique construction, well worth to keep the lens for this feature alone.

Oct 22, 2008 at 08:04 AM

trumpet_guy
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #5 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

I was getting sorely tempted to sell the CZ, but I'll probably keep it for the time
being. It's hard to let go of that glass, even though it takes more thinking to use.
Actually, that's probably a good thing for anything but fast moving action.

Oct 22, 2008 at 08:08 AM

trumpet_guy
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #6 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

OK, here are some 35mm comparison shots from a previous day.
Once again, these are on a 5D, sitting on a tripod. No mirror lock-up or timer.
All of these are at f/8.

Canon

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Zeiss

Canon, Mid Crop

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Zeiss, Mid Crop

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Canon, Edge Crop

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Zeiss, Edge Crop

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Now I see why I like the Zeiss so much. It's the clear winner in
edge-to-edge resolution.

Oct 22, 2008 at 09:15 AM

Paul Yi
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #7 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

It's one of the best, if not the best, value/performance zoom around.
I'll never sell this lens.

Oct 22, 2008 at 12:45 PM

rachp
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #8 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

I had the Canon 24-70 and 24-105mm and now have the CZ 35-70mm. While I didn't have any of them side by side to test, I like the CZ overall. The edge to edge is great and I like the colors better from the CZ. It is also a great starter lens for mf - not too expensive, excellent quality and good useful range. Thanks for sharing the comparisons!

Oct 22, 2008 at 02:51 PM

Andi Dietrich
Offline
Dedicated FM
Account Locked

p.1 #9 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

the 24-70L is among the lenses with the nicest bokeh IMO, for Landscape its too heavy and not always as sharp as we would like it to be

Oct 22, 2008 at 03:00 PM

prashant
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #10 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

how much does it cost? Any problems with the adapter, need to use dremel tool etc?

Oct 22, 2008 at 03:20 PM

rachp
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #11 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

I think there was one on the buy/sell for $375 a few days ago. If I remember correctly, I paid around $400 including a fotodiox adapter. I have not had any issues with my lens/adapter - perfect, snug fit with AF confirmation.

Oct 22, 2008 at 03:34 PM

trumpet_guy
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #12 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

Andi Dietrich wrote:
the 24-70L is among the lenses with the nicest bokeh IMO, for Landscape its too heavy and not always as sharp as we would like it to be

Andi is spot on here. The Canon is great for closer-in work, with wonderful bokeh and a nice
close focusing capability. Not the first choice for landscape work, though.

Oct 22, 2008 at 04:58 PM

Mike Tuomey
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #13 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

I picked one up from B&S that had significant image deterioration on the right side of the lens, perhaps indicative of element separation. Left side was stunning, however. Caveat emptor ... like most purchases, assess carefully on receipt.

Oct 22, 2008 at 04:58 PM

Andi Dietrich
Offline
Dedicated FM
Account Locked

p.1 #14 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

The resolution of the cz 35-70 can not be challanged, however it is a lens which is difficult to use, as it is not parafocal and AF chips may not work properly.

I use the 24-70 for this kind of shots

This image is copyrighted by the owner

made them when I organized some styro

Oct 22, 2008 at 09:24 PM

Mike Ganz
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #15 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

I have a CZ 35-70, and it stacks up pretty darn well when compared to my Canon 28-70L. In some cases, it even out-performs the Canon. The only downside for me is the rotating barrel...PITA with a polarizer or GND holder. For this reason, I don't use it for landscape shots where any type of filter is necessary. Other than that, its an incredible lens...

Oct 22, 2008 at 09:31 PM

Silentlight
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #16 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

trumpet_guy wrote:
OK, here are some 35mm comparison shots from a previous day.
Once again, these are on a 5D, sitting on a tripod. No mirror lock-up or timer.
All of these are at f/8.

Canon

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Zeiss

Now I see why I like the Zeiss so much. It's the clear winner in
edge-to-edge resolution.

I can see the ball better in the shot made with Zeiss

For the price of 24-70L one can buy about 2.7 CZ 35-70 lenses!! Are your test shots done with the AE version or MM (or was there an AE version)?

Oct 22, 2008 at 10:35 PM

Daniel Heineck
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #17 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

only mm versions. I sold mine when I bought a 5d kit, since the AF, IS and range on the 24-105 is important to me and the handling of the 35-70 is funky.

But I'd be remiss to say that it doesn't crush the 24-105 at f5.6 and f8. f11 for me was a break-even point, and where the 24-105 really hits stride full on. Both do wonderfully

It's a lens I would like to have again at some point, but I don't see it happening soon. Would be an amazing tripod lens, IMO. I do have an old panorama using it and a 20D that is awesome. But it's too cumbersome otherwise for my purposes.

Oct 22, 2008 at 11:20 PM

Sahid Limon
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #18 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

ovredal73 wrote:
The macro mode on the Zeiss is an amazing thing. Completely unique construction, well worth to keep the lens for this feature alone.

No kidding. I JUST figured out how to "turn on" the macro mode, and I've had the lens for 2 months now. I had the biggest grin on my face when I saw the lens literally shifting it's focus and change it to macro mode. Still can't get over it... just too cool.

I'm gonna put mine against the 24-70 as well, hopefully this weekend at the Smokies. I'll post some samples when I get them for more in-depth research.

Oct 23, 2008 at 03:57 AM

prashant
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #19 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

why is the lens difficult to use for landscapes? Is it just because of rotating barrel?

Oct 23, 2008 at 08:32 AM

trumpet_guy
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #20 · CZ 35-70/3.4 versus 24-70L

Yes, this is really the only reason. And personally this is no big deal at all,
since for landscapes I'm mostly at infinity focus, and hence I'm not moving the
focus ring much, so the filter orientation is pretty constant. A graduated
ND filter will be a bit of a pain still, but it's walk-around situations with polarizer
attached where the real hassle is.

Oct 23, 2008 at 09:12 AM

1 2 end
FM Forums \| Alternative Gear & Lenses \| Join Upload & Sell 1 2 end