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Archive 2015Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
p.53 #1Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
It is amazing, isn't it. I think it's the nicest lens I've owned of any focal length, and it's an ultra wide. Bizarre.
The first time I put it on the camera I had peaking turned on: there were little yellow sparkles dancing around in all the extreme parts of the frame where, on most lenses, there is never enough contrast to get significant peaking.
By the way: it's not a bad quick and dirty way to check for centering. set peaking high, focus on the centre and watch the pattern of peaking around the frame - and look for corners where however you focus you can't get much peaking. It's not going to give fine grained results, but it will week out duds.
The first time I put it on the camera I had peaking turned on: there were little yellow sparkles dancing around in all the extreme parts of the frame where, on most lenses, there is never enough contrast to get significant peaking.
By the way: it's not a bad quick and dirty way to check for centering. set peaking high, focus on the centre and watch the pattern of peaking around the frame - and look for corners where however you focus you can't get much peaking. It's not going to give fine grained results, but it will week out duds.
Mar 17, 2016 at 03:04 PM
p.53 #2Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
The Loxia 21 is the most amazing lens I have at the moment. It's a my go-to landscape lens.
I'm hoping for a new compact design of the Zeiss 15/2.8, although the new CV 15/4.5 will do the trick until that happens.
We now have precedent for miniaturized high IQ ultra wides and I believe it's possible for Zeiss to design a small 15/2.8 with great IQ. (Comparable to the 15/2.8 ZM on Leica)
Here is an image from 2 days ago. Death Valley (bracked shot with many stops of DR beyond the camera's sensor)
I'm hoping for a new compact design of the Zeiss 15/2.8, although the new CV 15/4.5 will do the trick until that happens.
We now have precedent for miniaturized high IQ ultra wides and I believe it's possible for Zeiss to design a small 15/2.8 with great IQ. (Comparable to the 15/2.8 ZM on Leica)
Here is an image from 2 days ago. Death Valley (bracked shot with many stops of DR beyond the camera's sensor)
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Mar 17, 2016 at 03:57 PM
p.53 #3Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
There is already 15/2.8 ZM (with Leica-like price) which is not that bad compared to most ZM wides without Kolari mod. So yea, perhaps 15/2.8 Loxia is possible.
Mar 18, 2016 at 07:41 AM
p.53 #4Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Got mine - need to do some testing this weekend.
This is my first loxia - absolutely love the feel of the lens.
This is my first loxia - absolutely love the feel of the lens.
Mar 18, 2016 at 12:50 PM
p.53 #5Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
sidd wrote:
Got mine - need to do some testing this weekend.
This is my first loxia - absolutely love the feel of the lens.
Careful its addicting.
Got mine - need to do some testing this weekend.
This is my first loxia - absolutely love the feel of the lens.
Careful its addicting.
Mar 18, 2016 at 12:59 PM
p.53 #6Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
MJKoski wrote:
There is already 15/2.8 ZM (with Leica-like price) which is not that bad compared to most ZM wides without Kolari mod. So yea, perhaps 15/2.8 Loxia is possible.
If a Loxia 15mm 2.8 came out , i would most likely get it but I do love my VC 15mm III. So that might be a tough decision for me and thats IF its a 2.8, if it turns out any slower than no.
There is already 15/2.8 ZM (with Leica-like price) which is not that bad compared to most ZM wides without Kolari mod. So yea, perhaps 15/2.8 Loxia is possible.
If a Loxia 15mm 2.8 came out , i would most likely get it but I do love my VC 15mm III. So that might be a tough decision for me and thats IF its a 2.8, if it turns out any slower than no.
Mar 18, 2016 at 01:01 PM
p.53 #7Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
After following this thread, I was so concerned with lens element decentration, that I took my new Loxia 21mm out within twenty minute of receiving it and it is sharp wide open ...everywhere in the frame. I haven't a clue regarding the other attributes of this lens.
This board has put me through yet another expense, in that my Sigma Art 35mm arrive two days ago. Wide open, the left side is a bit blurry, especially lower left, but clears up around f/2.8. I'm not so sure how critical I should be here, or what others have experienced with this lens. My Loxia 35mm will spend much more time on my A7rII, so I will only use this lens for f/1.4-2.8.
This board has put me through yet another expense, in that my Sigma Art 35mm arrive two days ago. Wide open, the left side is a bit blurry, especially lower left, but clears up around f/2.8. I'm not so sure how critical I should be here, or what others have experienced with this lens. My Loxia 35mm will spend much more time on my A7rII, so I will only use this lens for f/1.4-2.8.
Mar 18, 2016 at 04:27 PM
p.53 #8Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Early days for me with the Loxia 21mm but so far so good...it's tiny when compared to my ZF15mm f2.8 
Mar 18, 2016 at 04:45 PM
p.53 #9Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Fred Miranda wrote:
The Loxia 21 is the most amazing lens I have at the moment. It's a my go-to landscape lens.
Well, coming from you that is pretty high praise. If I wasn't using the mod, I'd order this one on your word alone, but be sure I could return it, then carefully test.
I've learned recently the Sony mounts can be a bit soft laterally in some cases:
Such a condition could show decentering of a good lens. So I think I would be sure to test another lens along side the new 21
I'm very happy for those who love this lens, seriously. The lack of great UWA options in the early days is what pushed me to Leica, so I really relate to the joy of a wonderful 21. Let's hope 18 is next!
The Loxia 21 is the most amazing lens I have at the moment. It's a my go-to landscape lens.
Well, coming from you that is pretty high praise. If I wasn't using the mod, I'd order this one on your word alone, but be sure I could return it, then carefully test.
I've learned recently the Sony mounts can be a bit soft laterally in some cases:
Such a condition could show decentering of a good lens. So I think I would be sure to test another lens along side the new 21
I'm very happy for those who love this lens, seriously. The lack of great UWA options in the early days is what pushed me to Leica, so I really relate to the joy of a wonderful 21. Let's hope 18 is next!
Mar 18, 2016 at 08:58 PM
p.53 #10Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
uhoh7 wrote:
Well, coming from you that is pretty high praise. If I wasn't using the mod, I'd order this one on your word alone, but be sure I could return it, then carefully test.
I've learned recently the Sony mounts can be a bit soft laterally in some cases:
Such a condition could show decentering of a good lens. So I think I would be sure to test another lens along side the new 21
I'm very happy for those who love this lens, seriously. The lack of great UWA options in the early days is what pushed me to Leica, so I...Show more →
I've never seen this wobble with any of my cameras. I have own a A7R, A7S and currently shoot with the A7RII.
The A7R had the weakest mount. It didn't wobble but was not as firm as the others. The A7S was way better and the A7RII has a solid mount. I would not worry about mounting heaving lenses on it (GM lenses).
The ~400g Loxias are feathers for it.
Fred Miranda wrote
The Loxia 21 is the most amazing lens I have at the moment. It's a my go-to landscape lens.I've learned recently the Sony mounts can be a bit soft laterally in some cases:
Such a condition could show decentering of a good lens. So I think I would be sure to test another lens along side the new 21
I'm very happy for those who love this lens, seriously. The lack of great UWA options in the early days is what pushed me to Leica, so I...Show more →
I've never seen this wobble with any of my cameras. I have own a A7R, A7S and currently shoot with the A7RII.
The A7R had the weakest mount. It didn't wobble but was not as firm as the others. The A7S was way better and the A7RII has a solid mount. I would not worry about mounting heaving lenses on it (GM lenses).
The ~400g Loxias are feathers for it.
Mar 19, 2016 at 10:38 AM
p.53 #11Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I changed the mount in my A7r to the Fotodiox one. Not sure the S is the same though
Mar 19, 2016 at 10:50 AM
p.53 #12Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
GMPhotography wrote:
I changed the mount in my A7r to the Fotodiox one. Not sure the S is the same though
The A7S already has an all-metal mount and does not benefit from the Fotodiox Tough E-Mount.
The Fotodiox replacement mount was mainly designed for the A7R and A7.
I changed the mount in my A7r to the Fotodiox one. Not sure the S is the same though
The A7S already has an all-metal mount and does not benefit from the Fotodiox Tough E-Mount.
The Fotodiox replacement mount was mainly designed for the A7R and A7.
Mar 19, 2016 at 11:20 AM
p.53 #13Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
This is certainly crap.
If your mount wobbles that much, no lens whatsoever can produce a sharp image.
Send the body to sony service, it should be under warranty.
If your mount wobbles that much, no lens whatsoever can produce a sharp image.
Send the body to sony service, it should be under warranty.
Mar 19, 2016 at 04:11 PM
p.53 #14Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Fred Miranda wrote:
Well, coming from you that is pretty high praise. If I wasn't using the mod, I'd order this one on your word alone, but be sure I could return it, then carefully test.
I've learned recently the Sony mounts can be a bit soft laterally in some cases:
Such a condition could show decentering of a good lens. So I think I would be sure to test another lens along side the new 21
I'm very happy for those who love this lens, seriously. The lack of great UWA options in the early days is what pushed me to Leica, so I really relate to the joy of a wonderful 21. Let's hope 18 is next!I've never seen this wobble with any of my cameras. I have own a A7R, A7S and currently shoot with the A7RII.
The A7R had the weakest mount. It didn't wobble but was not as firm as the others. The A7S was way better and the A7RII has a solid mount. I would not worry about mounting heaving lenses on it (GM lenses).
The ~400g Loxias are feathers for it.
Same experience here. The A7r was the weakest mount, and with some old Leica M lenses the mount was loose to the point I tested a number of adapters until the movement/slack was reduced. The A7s was great and improved with the A7II. The A7rII is great now... no issues here now.
uhoh7 wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
The Loxia 21 is the most amazing lens I have at the moment. It's a my go-to landscape lens.I've learned recently the Sony mounts can be a bit soft laterally in some cases:
Such a condition could show decentering of a good lens. So I think I would be sure to test another lens along side the new 21
I'm very happy for those who love this lens, seriously. The lack of great UWA options in the early days is what pushed me to Leica, so I really relate to the joy of a wonderful 21. Let's hope 18 is next!
The A7R had the weakest mount. It didn't wobble but was not as firm as the others. The A7S was way better and the A7RII has a solid mount. I would not worry about mounting heaving lenses on it (GM lenses).
The ~400g Loxias are feathers for it.
Same experience here. The A7r was the weakest mount, and with some old Leica M lenses the mount was loose to the point I tested a number of adapters until the movement/slack was reduced. The A7s was great and improved with the A7II. The A7rII is great now... no issues here now.
Mar 19, 2016 at 04:43 PM
p.53 #15Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Fred Miranda wrote:
The A7S already has an all-metal mount and does not benefit from the Fotodiox Tough E-Mount.
The Fotodiox replacement mount was mainly designed for the A7R and A7.
Thanks Fred as i mentioned I did it on my A7r and after removal it was pretty clear it was getting chewed up pretty good and starting to fall apart. It never caused any image issues but I just felt more comfortable with changing it since i change lenses a lot and also the A7r was getting a lot of use. More a comfort factor than anything else but maybe in time I would have started to have issues. Im glad Sony realized it and made the changes to the mount.
GMPhotography wrote
I changed the mount in my A7r to the Fotodiox one. Not sure the S is the same thoughThe Fotodiox replacement mount was mainly designed for the A7R and A7.
Thanks Fred as i mentioned I did it on my A7r and after removal it was pretty clear it was getting chewed up pretty good and starting to fall apart. It never caused any image issues but I just felt more comfortable with changing it since i change lenses a lot and also the A7r was getting a lot of use. More a comfort factor than anything else but maybe in time I would have started to have issues. Im glad Sony realized it and made the changes to the mount.
Mar 19, 2016 at 05:49 PM
p.53 #16Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Fred Miranda wrote:
The Loxia 21 is the most amazing lens I have at the moment. It's a my go-to landscape lens.
I'm hoping for a new compact design of the Zeiss 15/2.8, although the new CV 15/4.5 will do the trick until that happens.
We now have precedent for miniaturized high IQ ultra wides and I believe it's possible for Zeiss to design a small 15/2.8 with great IQ. (Comparable to the 15/2.8 ZM on Leica)
Here is an image from 2 days ago. Death Valley (bracked shot with many stops of DR beyond the camera's sensor)
Would it be your impression, Fred, that the A7RII/Loxia 21 is a match for the RX1RII/35 Sonnar? I know comparing the two lenses is not a fare comparison, though both are probably current state of the art. And apparently the above image is a combination of several exposures. But, I think the 42Mp sensor's output is very distinctive, and I could mistake your image above for one from a RX1RII. There is something about the detail across the frame - solely a property of the lens? Perhaps, but that's why I was interested in your impression, since you have both cameras, I believe.
The Loxia 21 is the most amazing lens I have at the moment. It's a my go-to landscape lens.
I'm hoping for a new compact design of the Zeiss 15/2.8, although the new CV 15/4.5 will do the trick until that happens.
We now have precedent for miniaturized high IQ ultra wides and I believe it's possible for Zeiss to design a small 15/2.8 with great IQ. (Comparable to the 15/2.8 ZM on Leica)
Here is an image from 2 days ago. Death Valley (bracked shot with many stops of DR beyond the camera's sensor)
Would it be your impression, Fred, that the A7RII/Loxia 21 is a match for the RX1RII/35 Sonnar? I know comparing the two lenses is not a fare comparison, though both are probably current state of the art. And apparently the above image is a combination of several exposures. But, I think the 42Mp sensor's output is very distinctive, and I could mistake your image above for one from a RX1RII. There is something about the detail across the frame - solely a property of the lens? Perhaps, but that's why I was interested in your impression, since you have both cameras, I believe.
Mar 20, 2016 at 08:02 AM
p.53 #17Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
uhoh7 wrote:
Well, coming from you that is pretty high praise. If I wasn't using the mod, I'd order this one on your word alone, but be sure I could return it, then carefully test.
I've learned recently the Sony mounts can be a bit soft laterally in some cases:
Such a condition could show decentering of a good lens. So I think I would be sure to test another lens along side the new 21
I'm very happy for those who love this lens, seriously. The lack of great UWA options in the early days is what pushed me to Leica, so I...Show more →
Charlie,
My take is that we won't see any Loxia wider than 21, at least for the first five that have been planned. They haven't announced what the last two that were planned will be, but I am willing to bet they will have 52mm filter threads and a 61.1mm diameter like the first three. Having similar specs on diameter and filter threads are important for many videographer as it allows them to change lenses with minimum changes to their follow focus reg and matte box. I think that pretty much rules out something wider than 21mm. In addition, Cosina, that also makes the Loxia lenses (it seems), makes the CV 15, 12, and 10 covering the very wide end pretty well.
I expect one of the final two lenses to be a 28mm (probably an f/2.8) and I think the final lens will an 85mm, a 25mm or a 50 or 60 macro.
Fred Miranda wrote
The Loxia 21 is the most amazing lens I have at the moment. It's a my go-to landscape lens.I've learned recently the Sony mounts can be a bit soft laterally in some cases:
Such a condition could show decentering of a good lens. So I think I would be sure to test another lens along side the new 21
I'm very happy for those who love this lens, seriously. The lack of great UWA options in the early days is what pushed me to Leica, so I...Show more →
Charlie,
My take is that we won't see any Loxia wider than 21, at least for the first five that have been planned. They haven't announced what the last two that were planned will be, but I am willing to bet they will have 52mm filter threads and a 61.1mm diameter like the first three. Having similar specs on diameter and filter threads are important for many videographer as it allows them to change lenses with minimum changes to their follow focus reg and matte box. I think that pretty much rules out something wider than 21mm. In addition, Cosina, that also makes the Loxia lenses (it seems), makes the CV 15, 12, and 10 covering the very wide end pretty well.
I expect one of the final two lenses to be a 28mm (probably an f/2.8) and I think the final lens will an 85mm, a 25mm or a 50 or 60 macro.
Mar 20, 2016 at 11:36 AM
p.53 #18Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Steve Spencer wrote:
but I am willing to bet they will have 52mm filter threads and a 61.1mm diameter like the first three. Having similar specs on diameter and filter threads are important for many videographer as it allows them to change lenses with minimum changes to their follow focus reg and matte box. I think that pretty much rules out something wider than 21mm.
Hmm..why so? The voigtlander 15 is quite close to this size - within a few mm. Even the leica WATE diameter is 54mm - so I don't think physics is an issue here.
Mar 20, 2016 at 01:40 PM
p.53 #19Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
sidd wrote:
Hmm..why so? The voigtlander 15 is quite close to this size - within a few mm. Even the leica WATE diameter is 54mm - so I don't think physics is an issue here.
The Leica WATE uses a 67mm filter thread though despite having a compact body....
Steve Spencer wrote
but I am willing to bet they will have 52mm filter threads and a 61.1mm diameter like the first three. Having similar specs on diameter and filter threads are important for many videographer as it allows them to change lenses with minimum changes to their follow focus reg and matte box. I think that pretty much rules out something wider than 21mm.The Leica WATE uses a 67mm filter thread though despite having a compact body....
Mar 20, 2016 at 02:04 PM
p.53 #20Zeiss Unveils the Loxia 21mm f/2.8
sidd wrote:
Hmm..why so? The voigtlander 15 is quite close to this size - within a few mm. Even the leica WATE diameter is 54mm - so I don't think physics is an issue here.
The Voigtlander 15mm has an f/4.5 max aperture, however. Many videographers would not want to go slower than f/2.8. Remember in video you can't slow down the shutter speed when light is low; all you can do is turn up the ISO, so a lens slower than f/2.8 would be problematic for a lot of people interested in video. Second, I would expect a 15mm Loxia that was slower might run into issues with competition with the Voigtlander. Remember Cosina makes both lenses and they own the Voigtlander brand. I expect that there is some agreement between Zeiss and Cosina about competition and I don't think it is a coincidence that the CV lenses basically don't compete with the Zeiss lenses for either M mount or FE mount. Third, if there were a Loxia 18mm coming up, then that might compete at least somewhat with the Batis 18mm that seems to be coming soon. So far Zeiss has not made Loxia and Batis lenses with the same focal length and if they do I would expect it at 35mm or 50mm and not 18mm. So, I don't think we will see a wider Loxia, but this is just my reasoning. I could of course be wrong.
Steve Spencer wrote
but I am willing to bet they will have 52mm filter threads and a 61.1mm diameter like the first three. Having similar specs on diameter and filter threads are important for many videographer as it allows them to change lenses with minimum changes to their follow focus reg and matte box. I think that pretty much rules out something wider than 21mm.The Voigtlander 15mm has an f/4.5 max aperture, however. Many videographers would not want to go slower than f/2.8. Remember in video you can't slow down the shutter speed when light is low; all you can do is turn up the ISO, so a lens slower than f/2.8 would be problematic for a lot of people interested in video. Second, I would expect a 15mm Loxia that was slower might run into issues with competition with the Voigtlander. Remember Cosina makes both lenses and they own the Voigtlander brand. I expect that there is some agreement between Zeiss and Cosina about competition and I don't think it is a coincidence that the CV lenses basically don't compete with the Zeiss lenses for either M mount or FE mount. Third, if there were a Loxia 18mm coming up, then that might compete at least somewhat with the Batis 18mm that seems to be coming soon. So far Zeiss has not made Loxia and Batis lenses with the same focal length and if they do I would expect it at 35mm or 50mm and not 18mm. So, I don't think we will see a wider Loxia, but this is just my reasoning. I could of course be wrong.
Mar 20, 2016 at 02:04 PM