This topic is in the 2015 archive. You can read it and like its posts here. It is read only.
Archive 2015Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
p.52 #1Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I already had a good selection of B+W (ND, VND, CPL) in the 77mm size, left over from my DSLR days. Rather than change out to smaller sizes, I thought I'd initially try using step up rings for each of the lenses I had. It works fine, but I only use them for landscape work.
Mar 08, 2016 at 12:10 PM
p.52 #2Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Performed the first quick indoor test for decentering today, with good results if I interpret correctly 
.
I tested for decentering using the guide from lensrentals.com: "Testing for a Decentered Lens: an Old Technique Gets a Makeover", together with the Siemens star chart from photographylife.com.
I used an a7RII positioned at aprox. 0.75m from my screen and aligned it with diag. + Square grid and inbuilt Digital level gauge seated nicely on a tripod.
I detected a perfect even-spaced circle and no flare-out on the out-of-focus photo, which is a good sign for now
. I say "for now", as this test is indoors/short-range and to quote Roger Cicala from lensrentals.com:
"The screening test I'm going to describe is not perfect: a few lenses (particularly ultra-wide and 10x zooms) will give false-positive results; and this test won't detect other causes of softness like problems with spacing of elements."
*As doing this test I learned that I have to tweak my diopter-adjustment a bit as the in-focus photo appeared sharper in the evf.
Please provide some critique if I did something wrong
.
Test shots @ F/8:
Quick Decentering testshot in-focus:
Quick Decentering testshot out-of-focus result
I'm performing these tests, because I like to learn about them and like to know my lens better at the same time.
Now I'm hoping for good weather to continue .
.I tested for decentering using the guide from lensrentals.com: "Testing for a Decentered Lens: an Old Technique Gets a Makeover", together with the Siemens star chart from photographylife.com.
I used an a7RII positioned at aprox. 0.75m from my screen and aligned it with diag. + Square grid and inbuilt Digital level gauge seated nicely on a tripod.
I detected a perfect even-spaced circle and no flare-out on the out-of-focus photo, which is a good sign for now
. I say "for now", as this test is indoors/short-range and to quote Roger Cicala from lensrentals.com:"The screening test I'm going to describe is not perfect: a few lenses (particularly ultra-wide and 10x zooms) will give false-positive results; and this test won't detect other causes of softness like problems with spacing of elements."
*As doing this test I learned that I have to tweak my diopter-adjustment a bit as the in-focus photo appeared sharper in the evf.
Please provide some critique if I did something wrong
.Test shots @ F/8:
Quick Decentering testshot in-focus:
Quick Decentering testshot out-of-focus result
I'm performing these tests, because I like to learn about them and like to know my lens better at the same time.
Now I'm hoping for good weather to continue
.Mar 08, 2016 at 12:52 PM
p.52 #3Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Decided to play the Lotto, and try a second copy of the Loxia 21mm. Looks like I make have won!
I haven't determined if this copy is perfect, but it is wildly better than the first copy I got, and looks like it is a keeper.
Anyone looking for one in North East may want to try Hunt's Photo in Boston area as they seemed to have gotten a shipment in recently and they were great about taking back first copy and replacing with one with a much higher serial number.
I haven't determined if this copy is perfect, but it is wildly better than the first copy I got, and looks like it is a keeper.
Anyone looking for one in North East may want to try Hunt's Photo in Boston area as they seemed to have gotten a shipment in recently and they were great about taking back first copy and replacing with one with a much higher serial number.
Mar 12, 2016 at 12:34 PM
p.52 #4Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
billsnature wrote:
Decided to play the Lotto, and try a second copy of the Loxia 21mm. Looks like I make have won!
I haven't determined if this copy is perfect, but it is wildly better than the first copy I got, and looks like it is a keeper.
Anyone looking for one in North East may want to try Hunt's Photo in Boston area as they seemed to have gotten a shipment in recently and they were great about taking back first copy and replacing with one with a much higher serial number.
What's your serial number range? Have one on preorder with adorama since I want to make sure I get a new copy (not a return) and not in a hurry to get mine.
Decided to play the Lotto, and try a second copy of the Loxia 21mm. Looks like I make have won!
I haven't determined if this copy is perfect, but it is wildly better than the first copy I got, and looks like it is a keeper.
Anyone looking for one in North East may want to try Hunt's Photo in Boston area as they seemed to have gotten a shipment in recently and they were great about taking back first copy and replacing with one with a much higher serial number.
What's your serial number range? Have one on preorder with adorama since I want to make sure I get a new copy (not a return) and not in a hurry to get mine.
Mar 12, 2016 at 03:33 PM
p.52 #5Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Looks like it was about a 1000 lenses later 51633XXX for the current lens. The problem lens I had was 51632YYY, Maybe that is not significant enough to be indicative of anything but in a lens as specialized as the Loxia, 1000 might be a meaningful gap.
Mar 12, 2016 at 06:46 PM
p.52 #6Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
billsnature wrote:
Looks like it was about a 1000 lenses later 51633XXX for the current lens. The problem lens I had was 51632YYY, Maybe that is not significant enough to be indicative of anything but in a lens as specialized as the Loxia, 1000 might be a meaningful gap.
My copy has nr# 516328XX, and I haven't spotted any issues yet with mine and I'm very happy with the images it produces . Keep the good copies coming .
Looks like it was about a 1000 lenses later 51633XXX for the current lens. The problem lens I had was 51632YYY, Maybe that is not significant enough to be indicative of anything but in a lens as specialized as the Loxia, 1000 might be a meaningful gap.
My copy has nr# 516328XX, and I haven't spotted any issues yet with mine and I'm very happy with the images it produces
. Keep the good copies coming .Mar 13, 2016 at 12:38 PM
p.52 #7Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I've been to a couple of shoots, interiors as well as exteriors, and I can say I enjoy the lens immensely. Yes, there's some curvature and vignetting, but otherwise the glass is top-notch. My copy seems to be quite alright, also. Will see what the clients have to say, but it's a lot of fun handling the lens.
Mar 13, 2016 at 01:59 PM
p.52 #8Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
FYI: Loxia 21 is in stock at B&H as of now!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1189220-REG/zeiss_2131_999_loxia_21mm_f_2_8_lens.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1189220-REG/zeiss_2131_999_loxia_21mm_f_2_8_lens.html
Mar 14, 2016 at 06:54 PM
p.52 #9Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I have been monitoring this thread with a lot of interest as it is potentially a lens that i want to get.
There appear to be a few unhappy incidences of decentering. I am not sure if this is just indicative of those with issues mention it, and those without don't. As a result it appears that there are a larger than usual % that are not correctly aligned.
A few have sent them back and they have been corrected, can i take it then that zeiss is actually able to correct these lenses, there was some talk that this was not possible?
The potential of getting a decentered lens is a bit of a worry here in Australia, as it is hard enough to get the lens in the first place. To have to send it back to zeiss would be quite a process!
To check for decentering is it just a matter of setting the lens and camera up on a tripod, setting it to infinity and then shooting four images with the same element in each corner by just moving the camera slightly left right and up down?
The other alternative was to flip the camera upside down...how does one do this unless hand holding the camera or inverting the tripod column?
What was the reason for them designing this lens without an auto-bellows?
Thanx
There appear to be a few unhappy incidences of decentering. I am not sure if this is just indicative of those with issues mention it, and those without don't. As a result it appears that there are a larger than usual % that are not correctly aligned.
A few have sent them back and they have been corrected, can i take it then that zeiss is actually able to correct these lenses, there was some talk that this was not possible?
The potential of getting a decentered lens is a bit of a worry here in Australia, as it is hard enough to get the lens in the first place. To have to send it back to zeiss would be quite a process!
To check for decentering is it just a matter of setting the lens and camera up on a tripod, setting it to infinity and then shooting four images with the same element in each corner by just moving the camera slightly left right and up down?
The other alternative was to flip the camera upside down...how does one do this unless hand holding the camera or inverting the tripod column?
What was the reason for them designing this lens without an auto-bellows?
Thanx
Mar 14, 2016 at 08:56 PM
p.52 #10Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
A few pages before this someone posted that he is very happy with his Loxia 21.
The comment of one poster was:
"Maybe you didn´t test it right" ??!!!
Isn´t that funny?
Well I have one, I love it and I am taking pictures with it instead of testing until I find something.
Sorry, If someone feels patronized.
The comment of one poster was:
"Maybe you didn´t test it right" ??!!!
Isn´t that funny?
Well I have one, I love it and I am taking pictures with it instead of testing until I find something.
Sorry, If someone feels patronized.
Mar 15, 2016 at 12:14 AM
p.52 #11Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I think it was meant as a light hearted reference to the problems some had with early examples, a sense of humour is an advantage, its no joke to spend so much money on a lens and find that its not good, at that price QC should be better. Its also reassuring to hear that it seems possible to adjust the lens. Unlike the Sony ones which seem to be a lottery in the first place, and if you do drop it in 5 years time then its probably a goner.
Gery
Gery
Mar 15, 2016 at 05:13 AM
p.52 #12Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Got mine back from service today with a short note from technician:
'Diagnosis: Image quality within tolerances. Symmetry acceptable, although strongly dependent on defocussing' (whatever that wants to tell me ...)
'Service done: Lens disassembled' (why that if it was within tolerance?), 'cleaned, reassembled, adjustment of image quality, function test, test images.'
I did a quick and dirty test shoot (Gletscherbruch), and although it's close to dark outside I can already say it's way better than before. All corners are close to perfect now @ f/4. The right corners didn't get sharp @ f/8 before service.
So, well done, ZEISS. I'm very satisfied with the result.
This proves, they can fix decentering issues with this lens, I recommend to send it to service, if you find some in yours.
'Diagnosis: Image quality within tolerances. Symmetry acceptable, although strongly dependent on defocussing' (whatever that wants to tell me ...)
'Service done: Lens disassembled' (why that if it was within tolerance?), 'cleaned, reassembled, adjustment of image quality, function test, test images.'
I did a quick and dirty test shoot (Gletscherbruch), and although it's close to dark outside I can already say it's way better than before. All corners are close to perfect now @ f/4. The right corners didn't get sharp @ f/8 before service.
So, well done, ZEISS. I'm very satisfied with the result.
This proves, they can fix decentering issues with this lens, I recommend to send it to service, if you find some in yours.
Mar 15, 2016 at 01:29 PM
p.52 #13Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Got email from my dealer, Zeiss have accepted that their is an issue with the lens and it is being serviced. Hope to have it back next week
Mar 16, 2016 at 03:35 AM
p.52 #14Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Great, that your Loxia will get fixed too. I am really glad that I kept mine - to be honest, I am seriously in love with that lens and I am pretty sure to keep it as long as I have E-Mount-cameras.
The MP100 got back from Zeiss now. The service took pretty long (~4 weeks) but they disassembled, cleaned and readjusted the lens. I'd bet it performs better than many new samples now
The MP100 got back from Zeiss now. The service took pretty long (~4 weeks) but they disassembled, cleaned and readjusted the lens. I'd bet it performs better than many new samples now
Mar 16, 2016 at 03:43 AM
p.52 #15Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I gotta say that I was really excited when this lens was announced but then I found this thread and got worried about getting this lens after reading about the issues some of you have been having.
Well got mine today and it is stellar! Another happy customer - just to offset the bad feedback..
Well got mine today and it is stellar! Another happy customer - just to offset the bad feedback..
Mar 16, 2016 at 09:47 PM
p.52 #16Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Well I got mine back today after a 3 week turnaround (a lot better than leica) Accompanying letter says:
Disassembing and cleaning. Adjusting image quality and flange focal distance. Performance and function tests. I am very happy with the time it has taken and the service received. My Dealer said it was a pleasure dealing with Zeiss which he couldn't say for Sony who are nightmare!!
Disassembing and cleaning. Adjusting image quality and flange focal distance. Performance and function tests. I am very happy with the time it has taken and the service received. My Dealer said it was a pleasure dealing with Zeiss which he couldn't say for Sony who are nightmare!!
Mar 17, 2016 at 11:38 AM
p.52 #17Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I just got mine.
There is one problem with it........now I want more Loxias!
Rick
There is one problem with it........now I want more Loxias!
Rick
Mar 17, 2016 at 12:24 PM
p.52 #18Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Buy the 50. It's a sweetheart of a lens
Mar 17, 2016 at 12:47 PM
p.52 #19Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Yeah the 50 got me to get the 21. What a line! Now we need something at the long end..
Mar 17, 2016 at 01:04 PM
p.52 #20Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Okay folks let me tell you how good the Loxia 21mm really is. I need to post this test but The Loxia 21mm at F4 in the corners is maybe even a touch sharper than the Sigma 24-35 at 24mm at F8. Now these are the same angle of view as i moved the Sigma back to match the Loxia. Here is the killer at 2.8 on the Loxia in the center it equals the zoom 24-35 at 2.8. Thats a wide open Loxia compared to a 1 stop down Sigma on center. Corners on the Loxia are killer good
Now I actually consider the Sigma to be pretty good here for a zoom since the widest end is usually the worst end but it does take several more stops to get the corners good compared to the Loxia. Another way to look at it the Loxia is just a flat out kick ass wide angle lens. Thats my story and sticking to it.
Honestly Im not sure when the Batis 18mm comes out if it could possibly be better than the Loxia 21mm. Not sure about everyones copy but mine is outstanding and I'm putting security guards on it
Now I actually consider the Sigma to be pretty good here for a zoom since the widest end is usually the worst end but it does take several more stops to get the corners good compared to the Loxia. Another way to look at it the Loxia is just a flat out kick ass wide angle lens. Thats my story and sticking to it.
Honestly Im not sure when the Batis 18mm comes out if it could possibly be better than the Loxia 21mm. Not sure about everyones copy but mine is outstanding and I'm putting security guards on it
Mar 17, 2016 at 01:22 PM