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Frank-Starling Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #1 · Zeiss ZF 21-25-28 the pro's and the con's Hi, I use the Zeiss ZF 35, 50 Makro and 100 Makro on my D 700. I am planning to add one wideangle. I prefer Zeiss for its colour rendering over the Nikon (say the 28/2.8 AIS or the24-70/2.8). Probably I will go for the 28 because I like the F/2 opening, but maybe I would reconsider depending on the pro and contra's you would mention. Oct 29, 2009 at 08:43 PM

Lotusm50 Offline Dedicated FM Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #2 · Zeiss ZF 21-25-28 the pro's and the con's Frank- If I may ask, what specifically would you be using the lens for? Would it be for essentially the same types of uses as the 35/2? If so, are the focal lengths a little close? Would the 25 or 21 be a better choice for that perspective? The 28/2 is fast, but has noticeable field curvature which might limit it for some uses. Of the 3 lenses (21, 25, 28) the 21 is objectively and technically the best. It's only downsides are cost and size. Also, is you thinking 28mm, might the 21mm be too wide? Comparatively, the 25mm is noticeably more compact than the 21, not as wide (obviously) and significantly cheaper. It also has better flare resistance than the 21mm. It is sharp, particularly stopped down, but generally a step off the pace of the performance of the 21mm wide open and in the corners. Still, it is quite good (the 21mm's performance is quite a standard to meet). I also have the ZF 35/2, 50MP and 100 MP and I have the 25mm to go with them. Less close to the 35/2 in focal length than the 28, lovely IQ and flexible in its uses (including very close focusing ability). Of course, I got the 25mm before the 21mm was available, and might have chosen it instead (wallet permitting), but i have to say that I have been quite pleased with the ZF 25. I hope this helps. Oct 30, 2009 at 01:26 AM

Frank-Starling Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #3 · Zeiss ZF 21-25-28 the pro's and the con's Well it will see its mainly use in landscape shots, with need for superb stopped down performance (with sharp and evenly lit and coloured corners on full frame). Ideal would be 21 and 28 mm I think, but maybe the ZF25 is the best compromise. The large F/2 aperture of the 28 mm can come in handly sometimes at night or in portraits, but therefore I have the ZF35. Oct 30, 2009 at 07:33 AM

Lotusm50 Offline Dedicated FM Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #4 · Zeiss ZF 21-25-28 the pro's and the con's The ZF25 is outstanding for stopped down landscape shots. If you don't need the extra width of the ZF21 or want it expense. The ZF25 may indeed be a excellent alternative. Regarding f2.0, I can to the same conclusion -- I have the ZF35/2.0. Oct 30, 2009 at 11:17 AM

RustyBug Online Dedicated FM Upload & Sell: On p.1 #5 · Zeiss ZF 21-25-28 the pro's and the con's Lotusm50 wrote: The ZF25 is outstanding for stopped down landscape shots. How is it for close focus (stopped down - hyperfocus)? Oct 30, 2009 at 02:01 PM

Lotusm50 Offline Dedicated FM Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #6 · Zeiss ZF 21-25-28 the pro's and the con's RustyBug wrote: Lotusm50 wrote: The ZF25 is outstanding for stopped down landscape shots. How is it for close focus (stopped down - hyperfocus)? I use this lens for close focus (1 or 2 feet) most of the time. I think you will be pleased with it. Oct 30, 2009 at 02:23 PM

philber Online Dedicated FM Upload & Sell: On p.1 #7 · Zeiss ZF 21-25-28 the pro's and the con's I have the new 21 in ZE (Canon) mount. It is simply astonishing. I tried, also in ZE, the newly released 28, and though that, for my shooting, it couldn't hold a candle to the 21. If you scout the various threads on the 21, you will see that users are most impressed with it. In particular, its absence of flare and CA seem to be (it is still early days) remarkable. It is brilliant wide open, and at close range. Also, as you already have a 35, you might find that the 28 is too close a foca length, and that 21 will give you greater flexibility. The 28 has avantages too: it is cheaper, lighter, and faster... Oct 30, 2009 at 10:25 PM

bluetsunami Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #8 · Zeiss ZF 21-25-28 the pro's and the con's I've been wondering, why does the 2/28 have a $300 price bump over the 2/35? They seem like very similar lenses, aside from the focal length differences. At first I thought it was due to the Floating Elements in the 2/28 but apparently the 2/35 has it too (as some posters here have stated). I've also been eying the ZS/ZF 2.8/25 due to its "close focusing" ability. Its coming down to the 2/28 or the 2.8/25 for me. In general, the 2.8/25 seems to be the under appreciated Distagon. From the MFD to Landscape shots I've seen taken with it, it looks to be a real gem. Nov 11, 2009 at 11:11 PM

philber Online Dedicated FM Upload & Sell: On p.1 #9 · Zeiss ZF 21-25-28 the pro's and the con's I have one 25mm in Contax garb, which is spectacular, but only when stopped down quite a bit (5.6 and up). I have however been advised that the modern ones: ZF, ZE) are quite a bit improved over the Contax. Nov 11, 2009 at 11:25 PM

Brad K Offline Upload & Sell: On p.1 #10 · Zeiss ZF 21-25-28 the pro's and the con's First, I'll preface by saying that I don't have experience with the ZE's. I have used Contax N's so I can appreciate the Zeiss look. About the focal lengths, I agree with the above that 28mm seems a little too close to the 35mm you already have. Haven't said that, my feeling of the 28mm focal length is that it is a useful, multi-purpose, walk-around type of wide. If I'm shooting a landscape at 21mm then I've chosen that focal length specifically for its wide dramatic view. I find I really have to think about the composition to get something that works for me especially in terms of what is included/excluded. I wouldn't be able to use 21mm as a general purpose wide. 25mm feels like some of both and is probably a good compromise. If it seems too wide for the scene that catches your eye then getting a little closer, if possible, or some mild cropping probably gets you close to the 28mm perspective. It won't pull in the dramatic, wide-open vista in the same way as the 21mm but it also doesn't diminish potentially interesting background elements like can happen with 21mm. Just my thoughts Nov 12, 2009 at 01:30 AM

bluetsunami Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #11 · Zeiss ZF 21-25-28 the pro's and the con's philber wrote: I have one 25mm in Contax garb, which is spectacular, but only when stopped down quite a bit (5.6 and up). I have however been advised that the modern ones: ZF, ZE) are quite a bit improved over the Contax. I've read that the updated version is pretty sharp from wide open near focus and superb clarity and Infinity performance when stopped down. Two images that has me seriously contemplating the lens are from the same user on Flickr (Kelly Sereda)... Close Focus (@f/5.6): http://www.flickr.com/photos/kellysereda/2693167758/ Infinity (@f/11): http://www.flickr.com/photos/kellysereda/2689901964/in/set-72157604573549489/ He's using it on a Pentax though (I would be using it on Canon's system). 1:2 Magnification with such a large Field of View is such a cool and different approach to Macro (in contrast to all the tele macros out there). Nov 12, 2009 at 03:50 AM

fit ti be tied Offline Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #12 · Zeiss ZF 21-25-28 the pro's and the con's I have ZF 28/2.0 that I use with my D700 mainly for landscapes and as a street/walk-around lens. However, this weekend I used it for some architectural interior shots. I really like the contrast and sharpness. I also use it for video work with my 5D2 and 7D ... and the lens really is a winner for video applications! Needless to say, the lens does "double duty" and is a keeper in my book. Nov 12, 2009 at 04:38 AM

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