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Archive 2012The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
p.6 #1The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
AhamB wrote:
In my experience it's not always possible to remove CA without adding it in places where there was no visible CA before. I think I'd rather have some blur in those extreme corner pixels and near perfect CA correction than so much CA blurring anything outside of the center of the frame. So I agree with what Toothwalker is saying above.
...wait until you try Lightroom 4 beta (or presumably, new Camera Raw 7 update for a forthcoming Photoshop CS6) and see how effective the new lateral CA correction is.
I had all kinds of problems correcting the ZF35/2 in LR3 - with the Adobe profile or manual CA adjustments or a combination of both, and even changing the correction values for differing apertures, I was never able to fully correct the image (correcting for the edge left CA in the mid-field, correcting the mid-field left CA at the edge, CA varying by aperture, etc.). With the new LR 4 beta, I'm seeing virtually perfect correction for this lens across the entire field for all apertures.
I had a similar problem with the Nikon 24-70 AFS, but this has also benefited significantly from the new LR CA correction tool.
Edited on Jan 26, 2012 at 11:58 AM · View previous versions
In my experience it's not always possible to remove CA without adding it in places where there was no visible CA before. I think I'd rather have some blur in those extreme corner pixels and near perfect CA correction than so much CA blurring anything outside of the center of the frame. So I agree with what Toothwalker is saying above.
...wait until you try Lightroom 4 beta (or presumably, new Camera Raw 7 update for a forthcoming Photoshop CS6) and see how effective the new lateral CA correction is.
I had all kinds of problems correcting the ZF35/2 in LR3 - with the Adobe profile or manual CA adjustments or a combination of both, and even changing the correction values for differing apertures, I was never able to fully correct the image (correcting for the edge left CA in the mid-field, correcting the mid-field left CA at the edge, CA varying by aperture, etc.). With the new LR 4 beta, I'm seeing virtually perfect correction for this lens across the entire field for all apertures.
I had a similar problem with the Nikon 24-70 AFS, but this has also benefited significantly from the new LR CA correction tool.
Edited on Jan 26, 2012 at 11:58 AM · View previous versions
Jan 13, 2012 at 03:28 PM
p.6 #2The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
Toothwalker wrote:
skip the pic herebut that is a F2 shot, is it?Yes, that is an F/2 shot. It is a compliment to compare the D2/25 at F/2 to the MP2/50 at F/5.6.
Sorry Guys, that is a shot from the 25 f/2 @ 5.6 from this review:
http://www.thephoblographer.com/2011/11/21/review-carl-zeiss-25mm-f2-for-canon-ef/
I said it is like the 50MP because the last tiny part on the top right is slighly smudged, much like the corners of the 50MP at wider apertures.
zhangyue wrote
SKumar25 wrote
This is @ f/5.6 from the review. Check the top right corner. Very 50MPesque.skip the pic here
Sorry Guys, that is a shot from the 25 f/2 @ 5.6 from this review:
http://www.thephoblographer.com/2011/11/21/review-carl-zeiss-25mm-f2-for-canon-ef/
I said it is like the 50MP because the last tiny part on the top right is slighly smudged, much like the corners of the 50MP at wider apertures.
Jan 13, 2012 at 03:52 PM
p.6 #3The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
Exif of that image says Aperture Value 2.0. 1/640 shutter speed and ISO 100.
And Toothwalker will cringe if he gets to read that the author claims that distortion disappears when stopping down.
And Toothwalker will cringe if he gets to read that the author claims that distortion disappears when stopping down.
Jan 13, 2012 at 03:57 PM
p.6 #4The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
Wow, the review said f/5.6.
Resized and sharpened a few samples from the few test samples available. Thought I'd share these. This is OT in this thread but someone mentioned dullness and non Zeiss like rendering from the lens. To my eye this is not the case.
http://www.lotuscreativeworks.com/photos/i-p67X2LZ/0/O/i-p67X2LZ.jpg
http://www.lotuscreativeworks.com/photos/i-b4Lq4vQ/0/O/i-b4Lq4vQ.jpg
http://www.lotuscreativeworks.com/photos/i-2K65JBj/0/O/i-2K65JBj.jpg
http://www.lotuscreativeworks.com/photos/i-kpjzTfj/0/O/i-kpjzTfj.jpg
http://www.lotuscreativeworks.com/photos/i-JQrsfD6/0/O/i-JQrsfD6.jpg
http://www.lotuscreativeworks.com/photos/i-MXBktkG/0/O/i-MXBktkG.jpg
Resized and sharpened a few samples from the few test samples available. Thought I'd share these. This is OT in this thread but someone mentioned dullness and non Zeiss like rendering from the lens. To my eye this is not the case.
http://www.lotuscreativeworks.com/photos/i-p67X2LZ/0/O/i-p67X2LZ.jpg
http://www.lotuscreativeworks.com/photos/i-b4Lq4vQ/0/O/i-b4Lq4vQ.jpg
http://www.lotuscreativeworks.com/photos/i-2K65JBj/0/O/i-2K65JBj.jpg
http://www.lotuscreativeworks.com/photos/i-kpjzTfj/0/O/i-kpjzTfj.jpg
http://www.lotuscreativeworks.com/photos/i-JQrsfD6/0/O/i-JQrsfD6.jpg
http://www.lotuscreativeworks.com/photos/i-MXBktkG/0/O/i-MXBktkG.jpg
Jan 13, 2012 at 04:05 PM
p.6 #5The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
wayne seltzer wrote:
The photozone and lenstip lens tests are done at a distance equivalent to near MFD and not at normal or far distance. They don't take into account if a lens has field curvature.
There have been enough tests which have deveated from what people here have experienced.
,
In this website the study tests are made with two or three charts (center-corners) and minimum distances between 50 x - 100 x focal mm. for many reasons. Then take pictures to the same scenes at 25 and 55 meters. (first photo)
http://www.digitalcamaralens.com/Html/Objetivos/Zeiss/Distagon%2025%202%20ZE/Distagon%2025%202%20Analisis.htm
This is the sequence study with a charts of 1/4 DinA4 - central-corner APSc-corner FF of the Distagon 25/2 made at 2 meters of distance. The vignetting observed is the nominal, not the field.(this is another history)
http://www.digitalcamaralens.com/Html/Objetivos/Zeiss/Distagon%2025%202%20ZE/Estudio/Zeiss%20Distagon%2025%20mm.%20MTF.jpg
After doing the test is repeated samples always from the same position and the same time, depending on the type of lens at minimun 25 meters to 55 meters. and finally in the gallery of samples make anothers related with the type of lens.
For example the nº 10-11 and 12 by the left in this gallery are the sames in the anglar lenses (premium)
http://www.digitalcamaralens.com/Html/Objetivos/Zeiss/Distagon%2025%202%20ZE/Galeria/Distagon%2025%202%20Gal.htm
Well, after to perform for two weeks many photos of study and in the real life I can say that this lens has no problem of sharpness in focus to infinity, none. The correction of curvature of the focal plane is perhaps too high and that influences a very fast transition bokeh. Bokeh that also has a high contrast, all influences bokeh you notice a harder bokeh or less smooth than a Distagon 21 / 2, 8.
Regards
The photozone and lenstip lens tests are done at a distance equivalent to near MFD and not at normal or far distance. They don't take into account if a lens has field curvature.
There have been enough tests which have deveated from what people here have experienced.
,
In this website the study tests are made with two or three charts (center-corners) and minimum distances between 50 x - 100 x focal mm. for many reasons. Then take pictures to the same scenes at 25 and 55 meters. (first photo)
http://www.digitalcamaralens.com/Html/Objetivos/Zeiss/Distagon%2025%202%20ZE/Distagon%2025%202%20Analisis.htm
This is the sequence study with a charts of 1/4 DinA4 - central-corner APSc-corner FF of the Distagon 25/2 made at 2 meters of distance. The vignetting observed is the nominal, not the field.(this is another history)
http://www.digitalcamaralens.com/Html/Objetivos/Zeiss/Distagon%2025%202%20ZE/Estudio/Zeiss%20Distagon%2025%20mm.%20MTF.jpg
After doing the test is repeated samples always from the same position and the same time, depending on the type of lens at minimun 25 meters to 55 meters. and finally in the gallery of samples make anothers related with the type of lens.
For example the nº 10-11 and 12 by the left in this gallery are the sames in the anglar lenses (premium)
http://www.digitalcamaralens.com/Html/Objetivos/Zeiss/Distagon%2025%202%20ZE/Galeria/Distagon%2025%202%20Gal.htm
Well, after to perform for two weeks many photos of study and in the real life I can say that this lens has no problem of sharpness in focus to infinity, none. The correction of curvature of the focal plane is perhaps too high and that influences a very fast transition bokeh. Bokeh that also has a high contrast, all influences bokeh you notice a harder bokeh or less smooth than a Distagon 21 / 2, 8.
Regards
Jan 14, 2012 at 12:10 AM
p.6 #7The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
Wow, what is going on? Hopefully they are recalculating to get those far corners in better shape. Otherwise it seems a stellar lens.
Jan 24, 2012 at 07:48 AM
p.6 #8The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
i received my ZE version of the 25mm F2 a couple of weeks ago so both this version and the ZF are trickling out.
cheers, simon w.
cheers, simon w.
Jan 24, 2012 at 08:14 AM
p.6 #9The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
On Sunday I took a bunch of test shots of the Stanford church building that Lloyd C. uses and hope to post them soon, work has been hectic so short on time.
The 25/2 has blurry extreme corners similar to 50MP but worse as the 50MP corners get ok by f5.6 but 25/2 still has some blur. The bokeh is fine and competitive with my 24/1.4G.
Both have aspherical elements so don't expect super smooth bokeh.
Lens will be great for street shooters.
I think the ZE supply is just short right now.
Doubt they discontinued it.
The 25/2 has blurry extreme corners similar to 50MP but worse as the 50MP corners get ok by f5.6 but 25/2 still has some blur. The bokeh is fine and competitive with my 24/1.4G.
Both have aspherical elements so don't expect super smooth bokeh.
Lens will be great for street shooters.
I think the ZE supply is just short right now.
Doubt they discontinued it.
Jan 24, 2012 at 08:30 AM
p.6 #10The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
I have been promised mine by Zeiss, so I very much doubt that it has been discontinued. And if they re-issue an "improved" version without taking care of their launch customers, they will have a bunch of angry ex-fans on their hands.
That would be so daft that I vote for a hiccups from MM B&H
Congratulations on your new lens, Simon, Wayne!
That would be so daft that I vote for a hiccups from MM B&H
Congratulations on your new lens, Simon, Wayne!
Jan 24, 2012 at 08:46 AM
p.6 #11The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
philber wrote:
That would be so daft that I vote for a hiccups from MM B&H
I agree, but there are certain Rumours sites out there that would proclaim a B&H glitch like this as proof positive that an item has been officially discontinued by the manufacturer...
Has anyone tried this lens for wide-field astrophotography shots yet? I'm still searching for a fast wide angle that doesn't turn stars into batwings near the edges of the frame.
That would be so daft that I vote for a hiccups from MM B&H
I agree, but there are certain Rumours sites out there that would proclaim a B&H glitch like this as proof positive that an item has been officially discontinued by the manufacturer...
Has anyone tried this lens for wide-field astrophotography shots yet? I'm still searching for a fast wide angle that doesn't turn stars into batwings near the edges of the frame.
Jan 24, 2012 at 09:08 AM
p.6 #12The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
philber wrote:
I have been promised mine by Zeiss, so I very much doubt that it has been discontinued. And if they re-issue an "improved" version without taking care of their launch customers, they will have a bunch of angry ex-fans on their hands.
That would be so daft that I vote for a hiccups from MM B&H
Congratulations on your new lens, Simon, Wayne!
Thanks but I am just renting a ZF.2 version from lensrentals to try it out first.
I hope you get yours soon and I hope you like it. I think you will.
I have been promised mine by Zeiss, so I very much doubt that it has been discontinued. And if they re-issue an "improved" version without taking care of their launch customers, they will have a bunch of angry ex-fans on their hands.
That would be so daft that I vote for a hiccups from MM B&H
Congratulations on your new lens, Simon, Wayne!
Thanks but I am just renting a ZF.2 version from lensrentals to try it out first.
I hope you get yours soon and I hope you like it. I think you will.
Jan 24, 2012 at 09:40 AM
p.6 #13The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
the weather has, of course, been atrocious lately so i haven't been able to play much but so far i'm really impressed with the couple of times i managed to take it out. it is a real pleasure to use and the images are just what i hoped for when compared to my other ZE's. it i far too early to make any real judgements but i am way more excited using the ZE than my Canon 24mm TS II.
cheers, simon w.
cheers, simon w.
Jan 24, 2012 at 09:54 AM
p.6 #15The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
jffielde wrote:
Item back up for purchase on B&H.
Still shows availability as "Discontinued".
Item back up for purchase on B&H.
Still shows availability as "Discontinued".
Jan 24, 2012 at 12:45 PM
p.6 #16The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
The ZF actually shows "in stock" right now, wheras the ZE shows "available for preorder". Strange, I thought they had been released in the opposite order.
Distagon T* 25mm f/2.0 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F Mount
For Nikon F Mount Cameras
Works with Both SLRs and DSLRs
Very Fast f/2.0 Maximum Aperture
Superior Optical Construction
6.7" (0.17m) Close Focusing Distance
Electronic Coupling
67mm Filter Size
Manual Focusing
B&H # ZE252ZF2N
Mfr # 1871767
In Stock
Distagon T* 25mm f/2.0 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F Mount
For Nikon F Mount Cameras
Works with Both SLRs and DSLRs
Very Fast f/2.0 Maximum Aperture
Superior Optical Construction
6.7" (0.17m) Close Focusing Distance
Electronic Coupling
67mm Filter Size
Manual Focusing
B&H # ZE252ZF2N
Mfr # 1871767
In Stock
Jan 24, 2012 at 01:04 PM
p.6 #17The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
philber wrote:
The ZF actually shows "in stock" right now, wheras the ZE shows "available for preorder". Strange, I thought they had been released in the opposite order.
Distagon T* 25mm f/2.0 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F Mount
For Nikon F Mount Cameras
Works with Both SLRs and DSLRs
Very Fast f/2.0 Maximum Aperture
Superior Optical Construction
6.7" (0.17m) Close Focusing Distance
Electronic Coupling
67mm Filter Size
Manual Focusing
B&H # ZE252ZF2N
Mfr # 1871767
In Stock
But I know lenrentals where I am renting my copy of 25/2 only had ZF.2 version and they were waiting for Zeiss to send them the ZE version. Yes, it is weird since the ZE was released first, but they must have a short supply/manufacturing issue on the ZE version and not on the ZF.
Edited on Jan 24, 2012 at 04:04 PM · View previous versions
The ZF actually shows "in stock" right now, wheras the ZE shows "available for preorder". Strange, I thought they had been released in the opposite order.
Distagon T* 25mm f/2.0 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F Mount
For Nikon F Mount Cameras
Works with Both SLRs and DSLRs
Very Fast f/2.0 Maximum Aperture
Superior Optical Construction
6.7" (0.17m) Close Focusing Distance
Electronic Coupling
67mm Filter Size
Manual Focusing
B&H # ZE252ZF2N
Mfr # 1871767
In Stock
But I know lenrentals where I am renting my copy of 25/2 only had ZF.2 version and they were waiting for Zeiss to send them the ZE version. Yes, it is weird since the ZE was released first, but they must have a short supply/manufacturing issue on the ZE version and not on the ZF.
Edited on Jan 24, 2012 at 04:04 PM · View previous versions
Jan 24, 2012 at 01:11 PM
p.6 #18The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
It turns out the version I had in my B&H wish list is discontinued... and replaced with a T* version (which is available for pre-order. 
Jan 24, 2012 at 02:50 PM
p.6 #19The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
My ZF 25/2 just came in. I've only done a few test shots in my backyard, comparing it against my 24/1.4G, but all I can say is wow. I didn't expect the Zeiss to be that much better. And for the record, I think the 24/1.4G is a superb lens and one of the best in Nikon's catalog. I also have both ZF 35/1.4 and Nikon 35/1.4G, and these are much closer in performance, and I'm still not sure which one I am going to keep. (I almost sold my ZF 35/1.4). The ZF 25/2 is going to be a keeper, no doubt. I hope to post some samples on the weekend.
Jan 24, 2012 at 03:11 PM
p.6 #20The new 25mm f2 Distagon ZF
ZF.2's are available at B&H - mine's on the way...
Jan 25, 2012 at 09:53 PM