philber
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 p.1 #8 · Zeiss lens for Canon EOS Cameras | |
I tested the 50mm f1.4 and the 85mm f:1.4 against the Canon 50mm f:1.4 and 85mm f:1.8 yesterday, and, on the basis of quick comparison tests, I purchased the 2 Zeiss units and traded in my Canons.
My firsthand experience is that they have a high quality feel, maybe higher than my "L"s (more density, more weight). Focus ring feels smooth and solid (it better be, since they are MF). Autofocus confirm works about 65% of the time, and delivers accurate focus on the basis of my limited experience.
I did a low light test of the 2 85s, and by comparison it looked like the Canon was almost OOF, so badly so that I repeated the test 3 times to make sure it was not user error. Verdict is: the CZ 85 when wide open is sharp even on 100% crops, and the Canon is not by a long shot. Repeated the test at f:2:8 to see how things changed, and the difference was still there, though less shocking. My dealer said that it takes f:4:0 for the Canon to be really sharp, but then what is the point of shooting a fast prime?
Beyond the wide open sharpness, there is an acquisition of small detail, of contrast and of colour gamut with the CZ that is just not there on the Canon.
Now in France, the CZ runs almost 3x the price of the Canon, so, for that money, it better be a better lens. I feel that the CZ delivers very high IQ for much less weight and money than the 85 f:1.2 L, and that is fine with me.
Comparison between the 50s was less shocking, though the CZ did show the same type of improvements over the Canon that the 85 did. More details, more contrast, more colours. While the difference in IQ was less, the difference in price is also less (2x rather than 3x), so there could be a cause-and-effect. I might not have traded in my 50mm only, but felt that my Canon 50 would never be used, stuck between the superb 35 f:1.4 L and the CZ 85, so bought the 50mm as well, thinking of my forthcoming 5D2 evaluation for a possible upgrade from my present 40D.
IQ from the 2 CZs showed very similar character, closest to the Canon 135mm f:2 L, with tremendous detail and contrast, and the same feeling that it is totally unforgiving.
I look forward to the release in January of the CZ Distagon 21 to see if it is worth replacing my Canon 24mm f2.8 with either it or the new Canon 24 f:1.4 L MkII
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