ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

FM Forums \| Alternative Gear & Lenses \| Join Upload & Sell	Search Used
1 2 3 end

Archive 2009 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

madamasu
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #1 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

Jeffrey wrote:
The world is awash in endless technobabble.

Thomas

May 16, 2010 at 04:10 PM

AhamB
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #2 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

trajan wrote:

I shoot canon and I'd prefer ZE. There's no ZE 50mm Makro

What?? Definitely there is a ZE version of the 50 Makro-Planar and it's been available in the shops for a while now!

May 16, 2010 at 11:49 PM

rwong2k8
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #3 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

yeah there's a ZE 50/2.0 MP, i own one and it's much better than the ZE 50/1.4

May 17, 2010 at 06:35 AM

Toothwalker
Online
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #4 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

Jman13 wrote:
The ZE 50/1.4 that I tried was not impressive in my opinion. Bokeh was much improved over the C/Y 50s, but it bloomed massively and wasn't particularly sharp wide open.

The glassworks are the same, hence the bokeh is the same.

As to the Nikkor, it can't be better than the Planar because it's a copy.

As to the Planar, its raw optical power at mid apertures and medium to long subject distances is still overwhelming.

May 17, 2010 at 10:34 AM

Toothwalker
Online
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #5 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

Toothwalker wrote:
As to the Nikkor, it can't be better than the Planar because it's a copy.

Hmm. I just read that the AF-S is an updated design, so this statement does not apply.

May 17, 2010 at 10:47 AM

philber
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #6 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

Toothwalker wrote:
Jman13 wrote:
The ZE 50/1.4 that I tried was not impressive in my opinion. and wasn't particularly sharp wide open.

As to the Planar, its raw optical power at mid apertures and medium to long subject distances is still overwhelming.

I agree with both positions above. The ZE 50 f:1.4 is not "impressive"; For "impressive", get the 50 MP. The f:1.4 is more "elegant", "classy", "painterly". That is probably why Zeiss feel the need to have both lenses in their lineup.
The f:1.4 is also not very sharp wide open, particuarly not at the MFD.
But, as Toothwalker says, close it down a bit, use it for shots from not close up all the way to infinity, and you have a world-beater in your hands.

May 17, 2010 at 10:48 AM

mawz
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #7 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

Toothwalker wrote:
Jman13 wrote:
The ZE 50/1.4 that I tried was not impressive in my opinion. Bokeh was much improved over the C/Y 50s, but it bloomed massively and wasn't particularly sharp wide open.

The glassworks are the same, hence the bokeh is the same.

As to the Nikkor, it can't be better than the Planar because it's a copy.

As to the Planar, its raw optical power at mid apertures and medium to long subject distances is still overwhelming.

The old Nikkor 50mm f1.4 is a Planar design, but the optical design predates the C/Y Planar by years so it cannot be a copy of the C/Y or ZF Planar. The new one is an evolution of the old version, so again is not a copy of the Zeiss, but a separate design with similar genes.

May 17, 2010 at 01:46 PM

Toothwalker
Online
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #8 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

mawz wrote:
The old Nikkor 50mm f1.4 is a Planar design, but the optical design predates the C/Y Planar by years so it cannot be a copy of the C/Y or ZF Planar. The new one is an evolution of the old version, so again is not a copy of the Zeiss, but a separate design with similar genes.

I suppose it depends on whom you ask. Copy is too strong a word if the Nikkor was there first, but on the other hand that lens is not a marvel of innovation but a variation on a theme.

May 17, 2010 at 02:31 PM

Shuko
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #9 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

And all modern cars are copy of (insert one of the early cars) because they share the same design of body, 4 wheels and an engine. Point being, doesn't matter if Nikkor is a copy of Zeiss or other way around, designs are still not exactly identical, thus a "copy" can be an improvement.

However, I don't think I've ever seen anyone call the f1.4 Zeiss sharp, but the f1.7 and f2 are pretty much always praised.

I have a brand new AIS 50/1.2 (serial 406044) I ordered from Japan about a year ago. It's sharper than the EF 50L I had.

May 17, 2010 at 05:07 PM

mawz
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #10 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

Toothwalker wrote:
mawz wrote:
The old Nikkor 50mm f1.4 is a Planar design, but the optical design predates the C/Y Planar by years so it cannot be a copy of the C/Y or ZF Planar. The new one is an evolution of the old version, so again is not a copy of the Zeiss, but a separate design with similar genes.

I suppose it depends on whom you ask. Copy is too strong a word if the Nikkor was there first, but on the other hand that lens is not a marvel of innovation but a variation on a theme.

Pretty much all of the current non-exotic and non-Leica fast 50's are Planar variations.

May 17, 2010 at 05:25 PM

Makten
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #11 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

mawz wrote:
Pretty much all of the current non-exotic and non-Leica fast 50's are Planar variations.

And still they can be very different in how they render the image. I haven't tried the Zeiss 50/1.4, but from what I've seen, it does have a different look than the Nikkor. I didn't like the AF-S. Now I have the 50/1.2 which is nice, but I plan to get the Zeiss instead.

Edit: And no, I don't give a damn about DXO:s laboratory tests. I prefer pictures for evaluating the qualities of a lens.

May 17, 2010 at 05:34 PM

ulrikft2
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #12 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

Maybe I should get a new 50 1.2 AI-S or maybe a Olympus 50 1.2 with a new serial to get a fast, small standard lens that reaches infinity...

*ponder*

May 17, 2010 at 05:42 PM

mawz
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #13 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

Makten wrote:
mawz wrote:
Pretty much all of the current non-exotic and non-Leica fast 50's are Planar variations.

And still they can be very different in how they render the image. I haven't tried the Zeiss 50/1.4, but from what I've seen, it does have a different look than the Nikkor. I didn't like the AF-S. Now I have the 50/1.2 which is nice, but I plan to get the Zeiss instead.

Edit: And no, I don't give a damn about DXO:s laboratory tests. I prefer pictures for evaluating the qualities of a lens.

Agreed, I don't like any of Nikon's SLR 50/1.4's, the f1.2 is quite nice though (as is the Noct) and I'm very fond of the 50/2.

The C/Y 50/1.4 on the other hand is a personal favourite. I strongly regret selling mine.

May 17, 2010 at 06:45 PM

philber
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #14 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

Shuko wrote:

However, I don't think I've ever seen anyone call the f1.4 Zeiss sharp, but the f1.7 and f2 are pretty much always praised.

You are right, this lens is so soft, it is almost embarassing...

Full size and 100% crop.

2012 © philber

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 50 mm f/8.0 1/400 sec 100 ISO 0.0 EV

2012 © philber

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 50 mm f/8.0 1/400 sec 100 ISO 0.0 EV

May 17, 2010 at 09:13 PM

Valorin
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #15 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

The Z* 50 f/1.4 is very sharp even wide open, but only at a distance. Stopped down, it is superb.

May 17, 2010 at 09:15 PM

RickPerry
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #16 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

I don't take pictures of test charts, I photograph the real world! I have owned Nikon and I now own Zeiss - believe me the Zeiss is better. If used properly - the Z* 50 1.4 produces pictures that look like "Paintings" not copies or mere recordings of reality!

2012 © RickPerry

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 50 mm f/8.0 1/200 sec 100 ISO +0.3 EV

Edited on May 18, 2010 at 12:01 PM · View previous versions

May 17, 2010 at 09:55 PM

ulrikft2
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #17 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

"believe me, the Zeiss is better for my use"

ftfy.

May 17, 2010 at 10:42 PM

RickPerry
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #18 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

ulrikft2 wrote:
"believe me, the Zeiss is better for my use"

ftfy.

Yes - agreed!

May 17, 2010 at 10:59 PM

ulrikft2
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #19 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

Goodie! I too often (mostly when reading my own post) realize that people tend to talk in absolutes.

May 17, 2010 at 11:10 PM

RickPerry
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #20 · ZE/ZF 50 1.4 outclassed by Nikkor 50 1.4?

I feel strongly about the merits of Zeiss - however, you have reminded me that other people can have valid opinions as to the "better" lens.

May 17, 2010 at 11:49 PM

1 2 3 end
FM Forums \| Alternative Gear & Lenses \| Join Upload & Sell 1 2 3 end