If I nail the focus it's excellent. Overall the image quality feels better without a tube, maybe because I have more control, but I do not hesitate to use a tube with this lens or the 135 APO that I also have.
The images from this lens definitely have something special to them. Zeiss lenses already have their own signature but it is even stronger with that 55mm Otus (and the 85mm, for that matter). Very appealing.
I'm very tempted to get one for my day-to-day shooting, instead of a - albeit more versatile - dual lens combo (ie. Zeiss 28/2 and 100/2 MP). I don't mind the size of the Otus. I also like the idea of working extensively with a single, high-quality tool. Trying to get the best out of it.
On the subject of portraits. I tend to go for shorter FL when shooting portraits. I have used the C/Y 35/1.4 a lot. 55 is for me a perfect balance between FL and distance to the person. Longer FL portraits seem to lack connection (the eyes) between the person and the camera. If you shoot models then this might not be the case since they are professionals but for friends and family I get better presence with FLs around 35-55.
it's excellent. Overall the image quality feels better without a tube, maybe because I have more control, but I do not hesitate to use a tube with this lens or the 135 APO that I also have.
