Mike Hatam
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Registered: Jun 09, 2003
Total Posts: 3850
Country: United States
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 Zeiss 21 / Zuiko 21f2 comparison | |
On another thread I posted ( http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/262493 ) comparing these two lenses (and the Zuiko 21/3.5 and Canon 16-35L), I was asked if I could compare the Zuiko 21 f2 to the Zeiss 21 at "wide open" apetures.
The comparison is below, and I hope it's useful.
The results match my experience - the Zeiss is much better at f2.8 and f4. It's a slightly sharper at f5.6. I find the two to be very close at f8 and beyond in sharpness, with the Zeiss having the edge in CA and contrast, and the Zuiko having the edge in distortion. Since I primarily use these "exotic" MF prime lenses for landscape work, what matters most to me personally is the performance at f8 and f11. For other uses, wider apetures may be more important.
On final note... some of my test shots over the past couple of days have drawn some harsh criticism. I just want everyone to understand - I'm not trying to prove any point with these tests. I'm simply showing test data that I find useful, and may be useful to others.
I continue to own Zeiss, Zuiko, Leica, and Canon lenses. I value all the lenses I own (or I wouldn't own them), and I think each lens has it's strengths and weaknesses. I also don't think that one lens being good means that another is bad. Just because the Zuiko is a surprisingly good performer on the 1DsII, it doesn't mean the Zeiss is any less of a performer, or worth less than it was prior to my test resultsI. Please keep that in mind.
I've also seen several people imply that I'm just posting these tests to profit on my collection of Zuikos. Those who believe that, I'm not sure there's anything I can say to change their mind, nor do I care to bother. I will say this though - my reputation and integrity on this board matters to me, and there is no way I would "doctor" the test results just as a setup so I could sell off some lenses at a higher price. The buyers would figure it out, and my reputation would be shot.
Yes, I will be selling lenses on FM. I'll continue to buy and sell Canon, Zuiko, Zeiss, and Leica lenses. I have a large collection of Zuiko lenses, which I acquired during this 6-month "testing project" and I will sell many of them off, keeping one or two of each model for my own use. I also hope to make some money from all my efforts and risks in acquiring and testing the Zuikos. Any money that I make helps fund my collection of photo gear, which is a passionate hobby for me. Does that invalidate the tests I'm posting here? I would like to hope that it doesn't.
Mike
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