p.1 #1 · Zeiss 50 mm f/2 macro and Sigma 70 mm f/2.8 macro on 5D
Hi I'm interested in the Zeiss f/2 50 mm macro (maybe soon also in ZE mount) and Sigma 70 mm f/2.8 macro on a 5D (also Sigma 50 mm macro gets some attention from me).
I don't need to take pictures of bugs for the moment but since I have sold my 24-70L I miss some 'light-version' macrocapability (I have 24L,35L,85L,135L,C/Y35-70). It will be for general purpose and flowers/nature/children in close-up. 50-70 mm would be nice since I already have > 85 mm and stabilisation (tripodneed) and DOF issues come into play with longer focuslengths on 5D. Extensiontubes didn't work out for me (not flexible enough).
What are your thoughts on it?
Both get raving reviews on colorrendition and resolution (I read the Sigma 70 is almost Leica-like in IQ).
The 50 mm Zeiss could be a walkaround for me as being discrete (but I will wait for the Brightscreen microprism focusscreen to see how manual focusing works out siince I am not so satisfied with my Ee-s for that).
I want superb image quality and < 1000 dollars.
Nov 13, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Steve Spencer Online • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #2 · Zeiss 50 mm f/2 macro and Sigma 70 mm f/2.8 macro on 5D
Hi,
How do you like the macro mode on your C/Y 35-70? Many people find this to be excellent, if you find it not providing enough magnification, however, you might find the Zeiss f/2 not to have enough magnification either. I believe the 35-70 has a magnification of 1 to 2.5 and the 50mm f/2 has a magnification of 1 to 2. There is of course the difference in focal length as well, but I would worry if you felt the macro feature on the 35-70 isn't what you want, then you might find the macro capabilities of the 50mm f/2 also lacking.
p.1 #3 · Zeiss 50 mm f/2 macro and Sigma 70 mm f/2.8 macro on 5D
Macro mode of the 35/70 are OK but I don't use that lens so often. I prefer faster primes for the creative possibilities and manual focusing (esp in low light). I would sell the lens for financing the macro lens.
p.1 #4 · Zeiss 50 mm f/2 macro and Sigma 70 mm f/2.8 macro on 5D
If you look at Flickr and search for the ZF mount 50f/2, you'll see that you can get pretty close up to objects but obviously not so close that it looks like a microscopic view. It allows for some interesting perspectives when messing with flowers and other objects. Plus your getting a sharp 50mm lens that is good for general purpose things also. Its one of the lens I want to get (when its eventually released as a ZE mount)
p.1 #5 · Zeiss 50 mm f/2 macro and Sigma 70 mm f/2.8 macro on 5D
I agree with the thoughts on the ZF mount 50f2. I look forward to a ZE version. Hpoe the ZE version doesn't gain too much weight.
I've learned that this lens has a floating element design in order to maintain high performance at near and far distances. There aren't too many 50mm lenses with this kind of construction.
p.1 #6 · Zeiss 50 mm f/2 macro and Sigma 70 mm f/2.8 macro on 5D
The Zeiss 50mm F2 Makro-Planar is outstanding. It's pretty hard to find anything to complain about except that mine was a ZF I recently sold it in anticipation of the 50mm F2 ZE. A quasi review can be found here - www.pebbleplace.com/Personal/Zeiss_ZF_50mm_Macro.html
p.1 #10 · Zeiss 50 mm f/2 macro and Sigma 70 mm f/2.8 macro on 5D
How is the Manual Focus "Throw" when focusing? Does it make it hard to focus when not up close? Reason I ask is that I'm thinking about getting this lens at some point but I want to use it for close up shots and regular every day 50mm family shots.
Wonderful shots btw, that one forest shot at the end is very striking. The color saturation in general looks fantastic.
p.1 #11 · Zeiss 50 mm f/2 macro and Sigma 70 mm f/2.8 macro on 5D
Thanks. The manual focus throw is fine - I have little problem focusing when not up close. In fact, I rarely take macro shots anyway. While it's a challenge using a manual focus lens for shooting active kids, I manage to get enough keepers by pre-focusing to the general distance where the subjects are, and then re-focusing just a bit right before taking the photo.
I had the new Sigma 50 1.4, and while it was very sharp and focused quickly, it just didn't wow me like the Zeiss.
I recently sold it in anticipation of the 50mm F2 ZE. A quasi review can be found here - www.pebbleplace.com/Personal/Zeiss_ZF_50mm_Macro.html