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Archive 2015Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
p.4 #1Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
be careful with distortion and vignetting data, for the Touit line Zeiss gave data for electronically corrected images
Oct 12, 2015 at 12:46 PM
p.4 #2Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
alundeb wrote:
Lloyd Chambers was still gone fishing this morning but had this review prepared:
http://diglloyd.com/blog/2015/20151012_0950-ZeissLoxia21f2_8-reviewed.html
1) Paywall, so thanks, but no thanks.
2) Didn't he state something along the lines that Sony cameras was not made for photographers?
3) Whatever. Did he like it?
Lloyd Chambers was still gone fishing this morning but had this review prepared:
http://diglloyd.com/blog/2015/20151012_0950-ZeissLoxia21f2_8-reviewed.html
1) Paywall, so thanks, but no thanks.
2) Didn't he state something along the lines that Sony cameras was not made for photographers?
3) Whatever. Did he like it?
Oct 12, 2015 at 12:49 PM
p.4 #3Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I guess it is a good thing, but between the new native mount lenses and really good adaptable options, the lens choices for Sony A7r are becoming bewildering!
I will probably stick with My Leica WATE for now. Looking at the MTF's, the Loxia is somewhat better than the WATE at 21 (and infinitely better at F2.8!) but I find the WATE to still do a fine job and has flexibility from 16-21. I also have the Batis at 25mm so it is hard to justify picking up the Loxia unless I sold one or both of these lenses. (The MTF does seem a bit better than the Batis too, tho the Batis is a stop faster and the MTF"s are not supplied at the same apertures). When I want wide, I often want wider than 21, hence the WATE. Still, for those who want this focal length, it looks like a terrific, compact, fast, and light weight solution. I do wonder why the other two Loxias do not seem to be at the same level of performance.....
I will probably stick with My Leica WATE for now. Looking at the MTF's, the Loxia is somewhat better than the WATE at 21 (and infinitely better at F2.8!) but I find the WATE to still do a fine job and has flexibility from 16-21. I also have the Batis at 25mm so it is hard to justify picking up the Loxia unless I sold one or both of these lenses. (The MTF does seem a bit better than the Batis too, tho the Batis is a stop faster and the MTF"s are not supplied at the same apertures). When I want wide, I often want wider than 21, hence the WATE. Still, for those who want this focal length, it looks like a terrific, compact, fast, and light weight solution. I do wonder why the other two Loxias do not seem to be at the same level of performance.....
Oct 12, 2015 at 12:49 PM
p.4 #5Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Phillip Reeve wrote:
be careful with distortion and vignetting data, for the Touit line Zeiss gave data for electronically corrected images
The data sheet contains both corrected and uncorrected data for distortion in this case.
Is it normal to correct for vignetting and leave 1 full EV loss after correction at the end of the image circle?
The vignetting data for the 50/2 and 35/2 Loxia are definitely uncorrected. Strange if they were inconsistent on that within the line.
Edited on Oct 12, 2015 at 01:03 PM · View previous versions
be careful with distortion and vignetting data, for the Touit line Zeiss gave data for electronically corrected images
The data sheet contains both corrected and uncorrected data for distortion in this case.
Is it normal to correct for vignetting and leave 1 full EV loss after correction at the end of the image circle?
The vignetting data for the 50/2 and 35/2 Loxia are definitely uncorrected. Strange if they were inconsistent on that within the line.
Edited on Oct 12, 2015 at 01:03 PM · View previous versions
Oct 12, 2015 at 12:53 PM
p.4 #6Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Stoffer wrote:
http://diglloyd.com/blog/2015/20151012_0950-ZeissLoxia21f2_8-reviewed.html1) Paywall, so thanks, but no thanks.
2) Didn't he state something along the lines that Sony cameras was not made for photographers?
3) Whatever. Did he like it?
He now says that if Sony hire him to bitch and moan, they may finally get the cameras right
I don't subscribe to this section at the moment, just read the teaser.
alundeb wrote
Lloyd Chambers was still gone fishing this morning but had this review prepared:http://diglloyd.com/blog/2015/20151012_0950-ZeissLoxia21f2_8-reviewed.html
2) Didn't he state something along the lines that Sony cameras was not made for photographers?
3) Whatever. Did he like it?
He now says that if Sony hire him to bitch and moan, they may finally get the cameras right
I don't subscribe to this section at the moment, just read the teaser.
Oct 12, 2015 at 12:56 PM
p.4 #7Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I can't read his stuff PERIOD. Don't get me started
Oct 12, 2015 at 01:17 PM
p.4 #8Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
philber wrote:
My order is in.
Good call and my bet out of the gate, its going to be a winner lens.
My order is in.
Good call and my bet out of the gate, its going to be a winner lens.
Oct 12, 2015 at 01:18 PM
p.4 #9Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
For the zone b dip I was comparing with Milvus 21,
Which is steadier across the frame. The Tang's really falloff in corners and I think imply astigmatism, right?
Yes, the distortion is like the Z* 25/2 which is not bad.
Much better than previous Loxia!
alundeb wrote:
I thought if the distortion curve goes from going negative to curving in a positive direction, that usually implies mustache distortion.
The 40 cycles/mm lines have a large zone B dip compared to the old Z* 21/2.8.
This one has an aspheric element that the old one didn't and the old one has a floating elements design. No mention if the new Loxia 21 has that. Really surprised by the small filter size, wondering how much vignetting it will have.The distortion curve has to rise significantly again for the distortion to be recognized as moustache. The curve for the Loxia 21 is almost identical to the ZF/ZE 25, and that is not referred to as especially moustache.
Regarding the zone B dip, I would hardly call it a weakness, it is just about 2% or so below the Otus 55 MTF at f/4.
Which is steadier across the frame. The Tang's really falloff in corners and I think imply astigmatism, right?
Yes, the distortion is like the Z* 25/2 which is not bad.
Much better than previous Loxia!
alundeb wrote:
wayne seltzer wrote
alundeb wrote
No signs of weakness in the MTF's and the distortion is now barrel, not moustache.The 40 cycles/mm lines have a large zone B dip compared to the old Z* 21/2.8.
This one has an aspheric element that the old one didn't and the old one has a floating elements design. No mention if the new Loxia 21 has that. Really surprised by the small filter size, wondering how much vignetting it will have.
Regarding the zone B dip, I would hardly call it a weakness, it is just about 2% or so below the Otus 55 MTF at f/4.
Oct 12, 2015 at 03:51 PM
p.4 #10Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
It seems narrower than the Batis 25mm, but it's not lighter. I'm looking for one wide angle lens for the A7R II, preferably small and light. Still in doubt between Batis, Loxia and Voigtlander. I guess I'll try the Loxia and the VL (already tried the Batis).
Oct 12, 2015 at 04:21 PM
p.4 #11Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I'm stoked just pre-ordered mine. This will sit perfectly between my VC 15 and Batis 25! Now I can go out on landscape or travel shoot with a nice set of compact and high IQ primes 15, 21, 25, 35, 50 and 85. Just throw the 70-400 G2 in for the longer stuff when needed. What a difference a year or so makes in the Sony camp!
Oct 12, 2015 at 04:22 PM
p.4 #12Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Phillip Reeve wrote:
be careful with distortion and vignetting data, for the Touit line Zeiss gave data for electronically corrected images
Excellent point. But if they have gotten rid of the complex off-axis distortion that could be problematic with their other Distagon 21, then I'm in. It's a great size and Loxia build attributes make them the nicest line currently in production from Zeiss, IMO.
be careful with distortion and vignetting data, for the Touit line Zeiss gave data for electronically corrected images
Excellent point. But if they have gotten rid of the complex off-axis distortion that could be problematic with their other Distagon 21, then I'm in. It's a great size and Loxia build attributes make them the nicest line currently in production from Zeiss, IMO.
Oct 12, 2015 at 04:26 PM
p.4 #13Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
twoeye wrote:
I am having a hard time deciding between this and the Batis 25, but focal length and compact size of the 2,8/21 is perfect, it is even lighter than I would have expected.
The 25 should have been 28. Or the 21 should have been 18.
Unfortunately if you crave great performance, this level does not grow on trees in the E mount ecosystem, so I would have both if wedded to the stock sensor. They will need something a bit wider eventually.
21, 25, 35, 55, 90 those are the great ones. Common sense would widen it out a bit .
Jochenb wrote
Exactly the lens I've been waiting for!The 25 should have been 28. Or the 21 should have been 18.
Unfortunately if you crave great performance, this level does not grow on trees in the E mount ecosystem, so I would have both if wedded to the stock sensor. They will need something a bit wider eventually.
21, 25, 35, 55, 90 those are the great ones. Common sense would widen it out a bit .
Oct 12, 2015 at 04:34 PM
p.4 #14Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Chuck Coyne wrote:
I'm stoked just pre-ordered mine. This will sit perfectly between my VC 15 and Batis 25! Now I can go out on landscape or travel shoot with a nice set of compact and high IQ primes 15, 21, 25, 35, 50 and 85. Just throw the 70-400 G2 in for the longer stuff when needed. What a difference a year or so makes in the Sony camp!
Damn you. Your not supposed to say this. Lol
I'm 15,25,35,85 and selling my 200 get the loxia 50 than yes the 21 fits in that gap. My money does not. rotflmao
In all seriousness your packing a perfect package. Lock your doors. Lol
I'm stoked just pre-ordered mine. This will sit perfectly between my VC 15 and Batis 25! Now I can go out on landscape or travel shoot with a nice set of compact and high IQ primes 15, 21, 25, 35, 50 and 85. Just throw the 70-400 G2 in for the longer stuff when needed. What a difference a year or so makes in the Sony camp!
Damn you. Your not supposed to say this. Lol
I'm 15,25,35,85 and selling my 200 get the loxia 50 than yes the 21 fits in that gap. My money does not. rotflmao
In all seriousness your packing a perfect package. Lock your doors. Lol
Oct 12, 2015 at 04:47 PM
p.4 #15Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Okay I put my name on a pre- order list. Will see what December brings if I get it.
Oct 12, 2015 at 04:56 PM
p.4 #16Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Your resistance is futile Guy. 
I was thinking about that Batis 25/2 but now things got a little more interesting. What I like about the Loxia design is the traditional focusing mechanism and all metal body.
I was thinking about that Batis 25/2 but now things got a little more interesting. What I like about the Loxia design is the traditional focusing mechanism and all metal body.
Oct 12, 2015 at 05:03 PM
p.4 #17Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
alundeb wrote:
The data sheet contains both corrected and uncorrected data for distortion in this case.
Is it normal to correct for vignetting and leave 1 full EV loss after correction at the end of the image circle?
The vignetting data for the 50/2 and 35/2 Loxia are definitely uncorrected. Strange if they were inconsistent on that within the line.
It's quite good practice; less chance of underside disconintuities in tone. Also a little residual vignetting looks good. If you use the LR profile to apply it to raw (a better idea that letting the camera bake it in) you can use the slider to increase the amount from the specified amount if you want to completely eliminate it,. Or indeed move it back a bit to increase vignetting but not quite to the native level.
Phillip Reeve wrote
be careful with distortion and vignetting data, for the Touit line Zeiss gave data for electronically corrected images Is it normal to correct for vignetting and leave 1 full EV loss after correction at the end of the image circle?
The vignetting data for the 50/2 and 35/2 Loxia are definitely uncorrected. Strange if they were inconsistent on that within the line.
It's quite good practice; less chance of underside disconintuities in tone. Also a little residual vignetting looks good. If you use the LR profile to apply it to raw (a better idea that letting the camera bake it in) you can use the slider to increase the amount from the specified amount if you want to completely eliminate it,. Or indeed move it back a bit to increase vignetting but not quite to the native level.
Oct 12, 2015 at 05:07 PM
p.4 #18Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Lol these Lenses have the about the best feel around. Love focusing them. I'm buying back the 50 right now. Has just a great look to it.
These lenses are hard to resist and yes this does throw a curve ball in the lineup. One thing about this lens line is awesome travel size
Fred Miranda wrote:
Your resistance is futile Guy.
I was thinking about that Batis 25/2 but now things got a little more interesting. What I like about the Loxia design is the traditional focusing mechanism and all metal body.
These lenses are hard to resist and yes this does throw a curve ball in the lineup. One thing about this lens line is awesome travel size
Fred Miranda wrote:
Your resistance is futile Guy.
I was thinking about that Batis 25/2 but now things got a little more interesting. What I like about the Loxia design is the traditional focusing mechanism and all metal body.
Oct 12, 2015 at 05:42 PM
p.4 #19Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
This new Loxia looks attractive but I think I will stick with my plan to get the Batis 25. I've had the ZE 21/2.8 for a while but found that I usually prefer 24 or 25mm. And for ultra-wide, I'm covered with the CV 15. It would be nice if Zeiss made a small and light Loxia 25/2.8.
Oct 12, 2015 at 06:31 PM
p.4 #20Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Yea the Batis 25 is never leaving my bag and I do love the VC15. Where the 21 might be handy for me is interiors and travel but even the Batis 25 I find maybe not so small but light weight. It's also killer good. I sent my demo 25 back today as I got my real copy . Dealer lent me one all this time until mine came in. That was very nice if them to do. Honestly I'm pretty happy lately with this Sony. Finally got lenses to work with and a body that does not disappoint.
Oct 12, 2015 at 06:42 PM