Frogfish
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
|
Zeiss 35/2 : After the 21mm (on D800) and CY 28/2.8 (on APS-C only) it is my favourite Zeiss. I love everything about it except it doesn't have AF or f1.4 
Zeiss - infinity focusing. Is a crap shoot. You really need to try 2-3 lenses on your camera to be sure of getting it right, or indeed, as I did with the 35/2 when I couldn't get a match, take it in to have it calibrated to infinity, on my D800.
Sigma : People really need to distinguish between the 'old' Sigma and the 'new' Sigma now led by the son. After taking over he has completely revitalised the company. QC has seen dramatic improvement, as has build quality, not to Zeiss levels naturally but still equal to Canon/Nikon/Sony. In addition their model line-up is demanding attention ... and getting it plus plaudits all round (35/85/120-300/18-35, with more to come).
As for trying out a few copies to get one that's 'perfect'. Don't you do that with every lens you buy ? I know I do, every Nikon lens I've bought has had differences in the copies I've tried in-shop (I only buy new lenses from B&M retailers, for used lenses I'm willing to take a gamble on-line but still prefer to try before I buy). The new USB dock should help immensely in ensuring your new lens is attuned to your camera.
Sigma 35/1.4 : I am about to trade in my 35/2 for the Sigma. I will certainly miss the rendering and may even end up buying it back, but the Sigma has so much going for it that, for me it is worth trying. The bokeh worries me slightly but the f1.4/price/performance ratio and stunning reviews mean it is worth a spin. I can't afford to keep both as the wife keeps a check on how many lenses I have, not though which models  Joke, but still I need to be fair to her and not horde.
Whether you want Zeiss 35/2, Zeiss 35/1.4 or to try something else depends as much on your style and preferences as much as the qualities of any of those lenses. Many have given their opinions in this thread, if you check their work you should know if their style is akin to your own and if so then their opinion may be more valid to you than someone whose style and preferences differ from your own.
|
