What exactly is the "Zeiss look" that is frequently described here? Can it be replicated in post processing?

some zeiss lenses produce excellent micro contrast, which gives the pictures a 3-D feel. Sometime the subject seem to pop out of the plane.

Zeiss look - start with the Admirable Blur thread - go to page 86 - lens index - open up a few of the Zeiss images - also the Alt Image thread.

Can it be replicated? - personally - I'd rather let the rendering of the lenses speak for themselves than to play around in post.

Generally speaking the zeiss lens give very good tonal rendition (I guess this might be the same as microcontrast or perhaps contrast). That is subtle changes in colour show up. This is best illustrated in pictures of flowers or reflections or similar where subtle shades are very visible in the images.

I've just bought a ZF 35/2, and from the snapshots i've taken so far (a day!) I can see that this lens gives me extremely high micro contrast, smooth gradation to oof areas, punchy colors and smoooooth tonal values

Few examples can be found here on Page 2.

Zeiss Samples

One of the best lens for the Zeiss taste I've tried is the C/Y Planar 100/2.0

Here is one of the pictures I posted on Alt Gear Forum.
Micro contrast, 3-Dness....whatever you call it is there ...I think.

Two examples shot today, and very different from the previous posters', of the "Zeiss look"

you2 wrote:
Generally speaking the zeiss lens give very good tonal rendition (I guess this might be the same as microcontrast or perhaps contrast). That is subtle changes in colour show up. This is best illustrated in pictures of flowers or reflections or similar where subtle shades are very visible in the images.

This is the CZ 35-70/3.4 Vario-Sonnar on 30D. I like the tones in this one.

The 3D look is what especially appeals to me as well as the color that the zeiss lenses are able to achieve.Also the precision focus ring is what allows you to compose your shots the way you want the picture to look.You are not worried about lock focus recompose etc., of course all mf lenses allow you to do this but the Zeiss precision makes it very enjoyable
-Jim

Here is a shot the i took today with my Sonnar 85 T* that is no longer for sale because of beautiful shots like this Taken wide open at f2.8 on 5D

ashrafazlan wrote:
I've just bought a ZF 35/2, and from the snapshots i've taken so far (a day!) I can see that this lens gives me extremely high micro contrast, smooth gradation to oof areas, punchy colors and smoooooth tonal values


Yes indeed. A fabulous lens.
Here's are a couple examples from the ZF 35/2 converted to B&W

I'll also nominate the 85/2.8 Sonnar for wonderful 'Zeissness'. Wonderful color saturation, microcontrast out the wazoo, and sharp as heck. Decent bokeh too. The 50/1.7 Planar might be the sharpest lens I've ever used...that thing could absolutely cut glass...but the bokeh left a lot to desire (but had huge contrast and color pop).

85/2.8 sonnar wide open:

Overall, the Zeiss look comes down to:

Neutral but punchy colour.
High microcontrast
Fast transition between in and out of focus areas
lowered contrast in oof areas.

The last 2 are the primary basis of the '3D' look

I'd also add that T* coatings tend to cut the highlights better, thus fewer clipped clouds, etc.

I think there is another reason for the"Zeiss look". It is the talent of the guys who shoot these lenses . For obvious reasons, when there are decent, good and even some great lenses with AF available from Canon, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, only dedicated shooters will "bother" to buy expensive, heavy MF lenses instead. Or buy used Contax lenses, slap an adapter on, do a little filing if required, and deal with stop-down metering.
So what you are seeing on this thread (and others like it) is not primarily the product of these excellent lenses, but great ability from the people holding the cams (yours truly excepted, of course).

Not to mention that the "Zeiss look" makes for great Black and White conversions Sure you lose the nice color rendition but the contrasty rendering makes for great B&W images.

Philber,

You do yourself an injustice. Of all the splendid photographs on this thread, the one of the monument in France, forgive my ignorance for not recognizing it or its location, epitomizes the Zeiss look -- the colours, rendition and especially the 3-D effect.

My own humble efforts, and I stress the word humble because at times I struggle with manual focusing on my Canon 40D even with the Ef-s focusing screen, can be seen at http://calvininjaxfotos.wordpress.com/. I apologize for not including examples with this post but I cannot afford the subscription.

Despite many disappointing results, when I do occasionally get it right, at least to my eyes, all those failures don't seem quite so frustrating.

mawz wrote:
Overall, the Zeiss look comes down to:

Neutral but punchy colour.
High microcontrast
Fast transition between in and out of focus areas
lowered contrast in oof areas.

The last 2 are the primary basis of the '3D' look

It's not really about OOF areas. Even with everything in focus the Contax 28/2.8 has a definative look. This on the 5DII at f/6.7:

Ah, but, Calvin, whoever said that humility could not go hand in hand with talent should take a look at your blog...

For the moment, I will stick with humility and leave real talent to others. Maybe one day I will achieve both.