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Archive 2015Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
p.31 #1Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Congrats Jannik! I am glad that got sorted. A shame that you had to miss out on a couple of weeks fun with this lens. I am really enjoying it myself!
Jan 23, 2016 at 11:10 AM
p.31 #2Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Fred Miranda wrote:
Tilting and shifting degrade image quality particularly towards the corners. This was not very apparent when I was shooting with the 22MP Canon 5D Mark III but it's much more noticeable with the 5DS and A7RII bigger MP sensors.
Even a 1 degree tilt or a 5mm shift will soften the corners to a great degree especially when making big prints.
Combining movements makes matter worse. Stopping the lens to f/16 seems to bring the corners to acceptable levels but diffraction becomes an issue.
I used the TS-E 17, 24 and 90 lenses for many years but unless there is an...Show more →
Hi Fred:
I know you used to really use the shift on the 17mm and the tilt on the 24mm. How are you handling the shift at wider (17mm) now? Software?
Thanks,
Chris
Jack Thompson wrote
Is it a firm conclusion that the A7RII is not a good mate with Canon TSE lenses because the movements degrade the image too much?Even a 1 degree tilt or a 5mm shift will soften the corners to a great degree especially when making big prints.
Combining movements makes matter worse. Stopping the lens to f/16 seems to bring the corners to acceptable levels but diffraction becomes an issue.
I used the TS-E 17, 24 and 90 lenses for many years but unless there is an...Show more →
Hi Fred:
I know you used to really use the shift on the 17mm and the tilt on the 24mm. How are you handling the shift at wider (17mm) now? Software?
Thanks,
Chris
Jan 23, 2016 at 12:07 PM
p.31 #3Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
nehemiahphoto wrote:
I used to be a primes only for IQ guy, but I often found myself carrying 2 primes that a zoom would cover, but instead I was caught changing lenses or not getting the best photo (and getting crap on my sensor). Again, a zoom is better here I found.
Not trying to fan the flames of the zoom vs prime war... But how big of an issue is changing lenses? I've shot dozens of shows, with only primes (other than the RX100), and never had a problem with getting anything on my sensor other than dust. Mostly small venues. I've changed lenses at the edges of a mosh pit, with broken glass under my feet, with beer and other fluids on splashed onto my clothes, but never had anything nasty first day it's way to my sensor.
Just curious why some people have the problem and I don't. Is it a difference in technique, difference of venue, or a difference in worry/tolerance? A difference in gear is another possibility - if my usual lenses were the size of a Sony FE 35mm f/1.4, I'd definitely have to change the way I worked.
An abundance of glitter would give me pause. Never shot a show like that, but if glitter was in the air all night I would probably start cutting down lens changes to our a minimum. Burning Man during a sandstorm would make me nervous as well.
As an aside, the only gunk I've had something other than dust on my sensor was my fault. I was doing a clean with my rocket blower and accidentally touched the tip of the blower to the sensor.
Actually, I take that back. I did once trap a bug in the flange/mount area while shooting aurora in the summer. :-P Noticed a big dust spot and after a few frames I noticed it was moving, heh. A puff with the rocket blower and it was just dandy again.
Edit: yikes, sorry that was so long!
I used to be a primes only for IQ guy, but I often found myself carrying 2 primes that a zoom would cover, but instead I was caught changing lenses or not getting the best photo (and getting crap on my sensor). Again, a zoom is better here I found.
Not trying to fan the flames of the zoom vs prime war... But how big of an issue is changing lenses? I've shot dozens of shows, with only primes (other than the RX100), and never had a problem with getting anything on my sensor other than dust. Mostly small venues. I've changed lenses at the edges of a mosh pit, with broken glass under my feet, with beer and other fluids on splashed onto my clothes, but never had anything nasty first day it's way to my sensor.
Just curious why some people have the problem and I don't. Is it a difference in technique, difference of venue, or a difference in worry/tolerance? A difference in gear is another possibility - if my usual lenses were the size of a Sony FE 35mm f/1.4, I'd definitely have to change the way I worked.
An abundance of glitter would give me pause. Never shot a show like that, but if glitter was in the air all night I would probably start cutting down lens changes to our a minimum. Burning Man during a sandstorm would make me nervous as well.
As an aside, the only gunk I've had something other than dust on my sensor was my fault. I was doing a clean with my rocket blower and accidentally touched the tip of the blower to the sensor.
Actually, I take that back. I did once trap a bug in the flange/mount area while shooting aurora in the summer. :-P Noticed a big dust spot and after a few frames I noticed it was moving, heh. A puff with the rocket blower and it was just dandy again.
Edit: yikes, sorry that was so long!
Jan 23, 2016 at 04:07 PM
p.31 #4Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Often times it's not an issue--I have shot lots of outdoors music shows and changed lenses without issue. It's usually hiking--like last summer all over the Southwest and in the desert. Sand, sand everywhere...that and I don't use a tripod and usually hike 5+ miles, and just found between snow/rain/wind/sand and moisture I was getting some stuff in a couple lenses--but I probably had to clean off my sensor 12 or 15 times last summer
Jan 31, 2016 at 09:03 AM
p.31 #5Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Still undecided. The 35/2 has served me really well and is my favourite lens for the A7 series.
I was planning to use the 21/2.8 mostly for architectural/interior stuff paired with my A7R2, and print large. But the mixed reviews are somewhat discouraging. My local shop says they'll have one in 2 weeks. I guess it will come down to a (rather expensive) coin flip.
I was planning to use the 21/2.8 mostly for architectural/interior stuff paired with my A7R2, and print large. But the mixed reviews are somewhat discouraging. My local shop says they'll have one in 2 weeks. I guess it will come down to a (rather expensive) coin flip.
Feb 02, 2016 at 04:13 AM
p.31 #6Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Can you point me to some of the "bad" reviews? (Or luke warm?)
-Tim
alksv wrote:
Still undecided. The 35/2 has served me really well and is my favourite lens for the A7 series.
I was planning to use the 21/2.8 mostly for architectural/interior stuff paired with my A7R2, and print large. But the mixed reviews are somewhat discouraging. My local shop says they'll have one in 2 weeks. I guess it will come down to a (rather expensive) coin flip.
Feb 02, 2016 at 04:34 AM
p.31 #7Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I have a confession to make: I got mine last week (sold a lot of little used stuff to fund it). I have to admit that initially 1. I wasn't sure whether a 21mm 2.8 was worth that much money, and 2. skeptical of the many overly positive reviews of Zeiss lenses in general (not from folks here, but rather people who seem to complain about every other brand). I also have to admit that until the Loxia I hadn't owned a single Zeiss lens.
Well to make a long story short, after using the Loxia extensively over the weekend, I'm a believer. I usually don't bond easily with new glass or at least don't get overly excited, but the 21mm 2.8 quickly became a favorite of mine. Zeiss truly did an amazing job putting this high-perfoming optic in such a small body that is perfect for the a7 series. I really like the sun stars which the lens produces already at faster apertures. True, it's easy to move the focus ring when changing the aperture, but I have only had this problem when dismounting the lens. I guess, Philippe put it best, when he wrote that Zeiss created a 21mm lens for the 21st century.
The Loxia got me thinking really hard about that 85mm 1.8 again.
Well to make a long story short, after using the Loxia extensively over the weekend, I'm a believer. I usually don't bond easily with new glass or at least don't get overly excited, but the 21mm 2.8 quickly became a favorite of mine. Zeiss truly did an amazing job putting this high-perfoming optic in such a small body that is perfect for the a7 series. I really like the sun stars which the lens produces already at faster apertures. True, it's easy to move the focus ring when changing the aperture, but I have only had this problem when dismounting the lens. I guess, Philippe put it best, when he wrote that Zeiss created a 21mm lens for the 21st century.
The Loxia got me thinking really hard about that 85mm 1.8 again.
Feb 02, 2016 at 06:23 AM
p.31 #8Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I haven't seen those mixed reviews about the 21mm either - on the 35/2 I have though (which is a pity as I really like that vocal length and now love the Loxia size and feel!).
The rendering of detail and texture is wonderful even at pixel level on the A7R2. Very comparable to the ZE/ZF 21/2.8, but in a much much smaller package. To me the size difference is a great advantage, although it comes with some disadvantages. One being no real grip to hold the lens when mounting, Second I remember Samuli complaining about small barrel sizes causing ugly bokeh in the corners in Zeiss 'classic' lenses - considering the diminutive size of the Loxia I expect it here too. Then again I am much less of a connoisseur then Samuli.
Some sample images (will do better in spring!), to break the text -
The rendering of detail and texture is wonderful even at pixel level on the A7R2. Very comparable to the ZE/ZF 21/2.8, but in a much much smaller package. To me the size difference is a great advantage, although it comes with some disadvantages. One being no real grip to hold the lens when mounting, Second I remember Samuli complaining about small barrel sizes causing ugly bokeh in the corners in Zeiss 'classic' lenses - considering the diminutive size of the Loxia I expect it here too. Then again I am much less of a connoisseur then Samuli.
Some sample images (will do better in spring!), to break the text -
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 21mm 1 by Hans van den Bosch, on Flickr |
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 21mm 2 by Hans van den Bosch, on Flickr |
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Feb 02, 2016 at 12:23 PM
p.31 #9Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
alksv wrote:
Still undecided. The 35/2 has served me really well and is my favourite lens for the A7 series.
I was planning to use the 21/2.8 mostly for architectural/interior stuff paired with my A7R2, and print large. But the mixed reviews are somewhat discouraging. My local shop says they'll have one in 2 weeks. I guess it will come down to a (rather expensive) coin flip.
Mixed reviews?I think I have read every one out there, and they all love it. (modulo manual focus and speed; but the payoff for that is size)
It's only the 35 that has had some mixed reviews about performance - generally just that it's not great wide open or at f 2.8, being an older symmetrical design.
Still undecided. The 35/2 has served me really well and is my favourite lens for the A7 series.
I was planning to use the 21/2.8 mostly for architectural/interior stuff paired with my A7R2, and print large. But the mixed reviews are somewhat discouraging. My local shop says they'll have one in 2 weeks. I guess it will come down to a (rather expensive) coin flip.
Mixed reviews?I think I have read every one out there, and they all love it. (modulo manual focus and speed; but the payoff for that is size)
It's only the 35 that has had some mixed reviews about performance - generally just that it's not great wide open or at f 2.8, being an older symmetrical design.
Feb 02, 2016 at 03:53 PM
p.31 #10Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Maybe I phrased it wrong. I haven't seen any reviews that concluded the lens was bad. Verybiglobo comes to mind with a nice analysis. It's a pity there's apparently a pronounced moustache distortion present, but I guess it is to be expected.
Thanks, guys. You kinda cemented my wish to purchase it.
Thanks, guys. You kinda cemented my wish to purchase it.
Feb 02, 2016 at 04:53 PM
p.31 #11Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
So I woke up today (on my birthday) and found a Loxia 21 in stock. It was like kismet.
Tim
Feb 03, 2016 at 07:17 PM
p.31 #12Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Where'd you find the Loxia in stock? Mine's still backordered from B&H since Nov.
Feb 03, 2016 at 08:00 PM
p.31 #13Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Popflash, but it went to out of stock after I ordered. I think the latest batch is being delivered, and it's probably limited quantity spread around to all the dealers.
-Tim
lcd32bit wrote:
Where'd you find the Loxia in stock? Mine's still backordered from B&H since Nov.
-Tim
lcd32bit wrote:
Where'd you find the Loxia in stock? Mine's still backordered from B&H since Nov.
Feb 03, 2016 at 08:03 PM
p.31 #14Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Darn, lucky. I checked Popflash yesterday! Well, happy birthday! 
As of 6PM PST 2016/02/03, the Loxia 21 in stock at a local camera store. I'de grab it, but then I have to pay an extra $150 in tax: http://www.kenmorecamera.com/p-42124-zeiss-loxia-21mm-f28.asp
As of 6PM PST 2016/02/03, the Loxia 21 in stock at a local camera store. I'de grab it, but then I have to pay an extra $150 in tax: http://www.kenmorecamera.com/p-42124-zeiss-loxia-21mm-f28.asp
Feb 03, 2016 at 08:07 PM
p.31 #15Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Does anyone have experience, or have they seen a review that evaluates coma distortion in corners and outer edges? I am thinking about one for astro work, and haven't seen much on performance in that aspect yet.
Thanks
Bill
Thanks
Bill
Feb 03, 2016 at 08:11 PM
p.31 #16Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Yes, very lucky, no doubt about it.
That's tough, it's not a trivial amount of money and I can understand the quandary.
lcd32bit wrote:
Darn, lucky. I checked Popflash yesterday! Well, happy birthday!
As of 6PM PST 2016/02/03, the Loxia 21 in stock at a local camera store. I'de grab it, but then I have to pay an extra $150 in tax: http://www.kenmorecamera.com/p-42124-zeiss-loxia-21mm-f28.aspx
Feb 03, 2016 at 08:15 PM
p.31 #17Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
This is all I've seen.
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57206745
-Tim
billsnature wrote:
Does anyone have experience, or have they seen a review that evaluates coma distortion in corners and outer edges? I am thinking about one for astro work, and haven't seen much on performance in that aspect yet.
Thanks
Bill
Feb 03, 2016 at 08:27 PM
p.31 #18Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
There was some talk earlier in this thread about the use of the 17 and 24 tse's not being a good fit with the a7rii and that the lens had to stop down to about f16 to get sharp images when shifted. Is this just a matter of the lens out resolving the sensor?
Are there any other issue like the MB IV not allowing the lens to talk to the camera body. Once or twice I noticed that the 17tse went blank on the a7 body using the mb iv. Anyone noticed anything like this?
Any links to full res images taken with the a7rii and 17 tse that i can have a look at.
Thanks
Are there any other issue like the MB IV not allowing the lens to talk to the camera body. Once or twice I noticed that the 17tse went blank on the a7 body using the mb iv. Anyone noticed anything like this?
Any links to full res images taken with the a7rii and 17 tse that i can have a look at.
Thanks
Feb 03, 2016 at 11:55 PM
p.31 #19Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
karlfoto wrote:
There was some talk earlier in this thread about the use of the 17 and 24 tse's not being a good fit with the a7rii and that the lens had to stop down to about f16 to get sharp images when shifted. Is this just a matter of the lens out resolving the sensor?
Are there any other issue like the MB IV not allowing the lens to talk to the camera body. Once or twice I noticed that the 17tse went blank on the a7 body using the mb iv. Anyone noticed anything like this?
Any links to full res images...Show more →
Check out this thread on the Canon board. The issue with corner softening with lens movements is also visible on the 5DIII and specially on the 5DSR. I posted some crops at 1:1 down the thread.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1186421/1#13193755
There was some talk earlier in this thread about the use of the 17 and 24 tse's not being a good fit with the a7rii and that the lens had to stop down to about f16 to get sharp images when shifted. Is this just a matter of the lens out resolving the sensor?
Are there any other issue like the MB IV not allowing the lens to talk to the camera body. Once or twice I noticed that the 17tse went blank on the a7 body using the mb iv. Anyone noticed anything like this?
Any links to full res images...Show more →
Check out this thread on the Canon board. The issue with corner softening with lens movements is also visible on the 5DIII and specially on the 5DSR. I posted some crops at 1:1 down the thread.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1186421/1#13193755
Feb 04, 2016 at 12:04 AM
p.31 #20Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
tsdevine wrote:
Popflash, but it went to out of stock after I ordered. I think the latest batch is being delivered, and it's probably limited quantity spread around to all the dealers.
-Tim
Congrats Tim! I think you will love this lens.
Popflash, but it went to out of stock after I ordered. I think the latest batch is being delivered, and it's probably limited quantity spread around to all the dealers.
-Tim
lcd32bit wrote
Where'd you find the Loxia in stock? Mine's still backordered from B&H since Nov.Congrats Tim! I think you will love this lens.
Feb 04, 2016 at 12:06 AM