p.1 #1 · Feedback on Zeiss ZF 35/2, 50/2 and 100/2 on D700
Hello
Just bought me the D700 with 24-70 f/2.8.
I want some extra prime lenses:
- One for walk around lens: I was thinking about Zeiss 35/2 ZF or 50/1.4 ZF (Zeiss 35/2 seems more interesting from focal length but is covered by the zooom, Zeiss f/1.4 is interesting because it is a small lens with large aperture but then for a 50 mm lens the Nikkor 50 f/1.2 AIS is also a nice oone, maybe even better then the Zeiss)
- One portrait lens: I was thinking about Nikkor 85 f/1.4 (I prefer not longer)
- One with macrocapability (for flowers, no insects): I was thinking about Zeiss ZF macro 50/2 or 100/2
In my budget there are tree possibilities (I like the Zeiss look):
1. Zeiss 50/1.4, Nikkor 85/1.4, Zeiss 100/2 macro
2. Zeiss 35/2 ZF, Zeiss 50/1.4, Nikkor 85/1.4, Zeiss 100/2 macro (but $$$$$$)
3. Zeiss 35/2 ZF, Nikkor 85/1.4, Zeiss 100/2 macro (but $$$$$$)
4. Zeiss 35/2 ZF, Zeiss 50/2 macro, Nikkor 85/1.4
5. Zeiss 35/2 ZF, Zeiss 50/1.4, Nikkor 85/1.4, Sigma 70/2.8 macro
NB: I did not mention the Nikkor 105 VR macro, cause then I would still prefer the Zeiss ZF. I didn't mention the Zeiss 85 ZF either since it is MF and for portraits I think I'll need AF (children,..). Also in the Diglloyd review it was mentioned that focusshift is an important limitation of the Zeiss 85. The Zeiss 100 could serve as a portrait lens also and therefor it may be an argument to go for option 2 or 3.
Also a few other questions:
- Is focusing a f/2 Zeiss ZF lens with the D700 viewfinder feasible (not using liveview) or do I need a different focusscreen (eg the microprism focusscreen of brightscreen.com?) and how does the latter affect metering with the D700? The viewfinder magnifie piece from Nikon, is that a must have? (it also darkenes the view I guess, making MF not very easy)
- Another question concerning the metering. As I understand one has to adjust the diafragm opening on the lens eg f4. Does the diafragm closes immediately to f/4 (and so diming the light going to the viewfinder) or is this closing of the diafragm triggerd by the shutter button?
p.1 #2 · Feedback on Zeiss ZF 35/2, 50/2 and 100/2 on D700
If you want a walk-around wide, look at the Nikkor 35/1.4 instead of the Zeiss. While I'd take the Zeiss over the Nikkor any day for landscape work, for walkaround the extra stop of the 35/1.4 can be a big win and you're saving a fair amount over the Zeiss as well, enough to make that 100/2 a real possibility.
Also look at the Voigtlander 58/1.4 over the Zeiss, while the Zeiss is a bit better, the Voigtlander is 2/3rds the cost and very good.
The D700 finder is up to focusing a fast lens. You may still want a 3rd party focusing screen.
You're getting full aperture coupling with Ai lenses on the D700, so stop-down only occurs with the DoF preview or on taking the actual picture. Focusing and composing are done wide open like any AF lens.
p.1 #3 · Feedback on Zeiss ZF 35/2, 50/2 and 100/2 on D700
you said Nikon 85 1.4 - do you mean the AF-D or AIS? I had the AF-D and it was an amazing lens that just sang to me whenever I used it. But a lot of reviews say the AIS is even better, and cheaper which may help the rest of the situation.
In my experience the modern screens (any brand) optimized for f/2.8 zooms are no fun with fast primes. highly frustrating in fact.
p.1 #4 · Feedback on Zeiss ZF 35/2, 50/2 and 100/2 on D700
fourfa wrote:
you said Nikon 85 1.4 - do you mean the AF-D or AIS? I had the AF-D and it was an amazing lens that just sang to me whenever I used it. But a lot of reviews say the AIS is even better, and cheaper which may help the rest of the situation.
In my experience the modern screens (any brand) optimized for f/2.8 zooms are no fun with fast primes. highly frustrating in fact.
The AF-D is generally considered the better of the two. I've run across very few who indicate otherwise.
p.1 #5 · Feedback on Zeiss ZF 35/2, 50/2 and 100/2 on D700
mawz wrote
Also look at the Voigtlander 58/1.4 over the Zeiss, while the Zeiss is a bit better, the Voigtlander is 2/3rds the cost and very good.
I have both and am going to sell the Voigtlander (CV). The difference in cost is only about $150 -- not an amount, in my mind, that is significant given the superiority of the Zeiss. if you want my CV, I'll be happy to sell it to you. ;-)
p.1 #8 · Feedback on Zeiss ZF 35/2, 50/2 and 100/2 on D700
Lotusm50 wrote:
I have both and am going to sell the Voigtlander (CV). The difference in cost is only about $150 -- not an amount, in my mind, that is significant given the superiority of the Zeiss. if you want my CV, I'll be happy to sell it to you. ;-)
I've already got the CV, and am plenty happy with it. I feel it's advantages (Cost, CPU coupling) outweigh the very minor IQ advantage and better hood of the Zeiss.
