The L35 is just outstanding - but only in the center and out to just short of the wide edge. Even in the small 100% crops above you can see it visibly deteriorate as it heads into the very corner, as the tan lines plunge off a cliff, and take 50% of the performance with them.
The f2.8 crop is about the best for the L35 in the bottom right cnr of the crop, due to less astigmatism even at a low level of contrast, with well drawn tiled roofs and window frames. Zeiss are marketing this pure ZM design legacy lens as a video friendly street/walk around character lens.
Zeiss really need to remedy the situation for this key but troublesome focal length with a Batis 35/2, along the lines of the near impeccable B25, which would be good to see against the zoom's performance, as its 'telephoto corners' are better than the L21, plus a great f2 IQ. How good was the RX1/2 Sonnar's center, even f2.8! The zoom appears highly viable. cheers.
Just FYI my mid range testing of the Loxia 35 I had awhile back does match what Fred has posted. Not surprised by the the results. It's great centrally. It reminds me of the Sigma 35mm 1.4 and VC 35mm 1.7 tests I posted awhile back just takes to about F8 in those corners. Must be the field curvature to a certain extent with these lenses. More the people type lenses if you will
Also you can go back to this testing thread with the Sigma 24-35, Sigma 35 1.4 with Batis 25 and Loxia 21 and start getting a reference because once I shoot the Sony next week I will be using that Sigma 24-35 test as the head to head even though I returned that lens. Just casually looking at 24 mm in the corners it needs 5.6 so I'm guess the Sony and Sigma will be close on the wall tests but the Sony will kill it on bokeh balls, onion rings and OOF areas plus have a smoother look. This is exactly why I jumped on the Sony this fast. I saw that on some images posted with the look , crappy shots but I got a pretty good eye for picking up on those things. I liked the Sigma 24-35 but it was not as pleasant looking as I'm seeing in what Fred has posted so far. But do take a look at this test and get a reference going. Than once I test the Sony I will add on here on this great thread Fred has started. I think as we move forward with more tests and images we can certainly get a better idea on this lens. Their is going to be a lot going on as the GM 85 hits our hands next week as well.
That we just don't know yet as for me never shot the canon but my guess if you ask for the secret it's going to be in the look of the Sony. Personally my belief is this just from what I'm seeing so far . You will have a choice Sony great look to lens great falloff, great bokeh, no onion rings or very diminished and round bokeh balls. Canon just maybe the more clinical in look lens. It may come down to pick your poison . But let me add something if I can get away from that Metabones adapter I will do everything in my power to do it even buy all Sigma with there new adapter. I love having all the AF functionality that Sony gave us and I don't want to use a half baked solution like the MB unless I have to like the 135 right now. I did not even mention Eye AF. So for me canon glass is off the table. If I was forced into adapters than I would go Sigma and with their new adapter we get full AF function. Now if you have canon cams as well than you have the MB at limited abilities. Until Metabones can get full AF function it will remain a half baked solution. so for me could care less what the canon zoom does or how good it maybe the AF abilities alone in Sony will make me buy native or Sigma now. I still may go back and buy the Sigma 35 1.4 Art lens but not until that adapter is on the market.
Maybe if someone has both lenses which would be rare than hopefully they can test them.
Honestly I'm at the point I dont want A mount and I don't want Canon glass as both system lenses are a half baked solution. We now have new native options and if your commuted to Sony than one may want to consider selling them off. Many might not agree with this and totally understand we are talking more investment dollars and limited budgets for folks. Buying and selling stuff for me at least is a royal PITA and it stresses me out. I have come to hate it but I have to do this crazy stuff sometimes and it really gets under my skin. I got caught with my pants down with cash to get the 24-70 and 85 at the same time and had to sell my Loxia 50 which I did not want to do. I can't blame anyone but myself here as I have zero patience and wanted both now. So I wind up kicking myself and my dear friends here think I'm a nut case. Their probably right. Lol it's called moving money behind the closed prying eyes of spouses. ROTFLMAO . My lovely wife would have no problem putting me in a white panel truck with a new white suit on me. Lol
I'm kidding of course I have a great wife of 27 years.
dpap1978 wrote:
I have a Canon 24-70 f2.8L II. It focuses well on the A7r2 with MB4
Is there a strong argument to be made in favor of switching to the Sony GM in terms of IQ?
It all depends. Do you like excellent bokeh? Bokeh is a huge factor for me, but not all. For me, this alone would have me consider an upgrade. But, I also pay attention to the color cast of the lens. Since I am just about rubbish with PP, the native look of a lens is vital. Its why I like a lot of older Minolta lenses. They really had an excellent, uniform color. Sure, there is CA, but even I can use LR enough to check the remove CA box when I need it. The other thing to consider is low light usage, eye af, etc. I don't know enough about the MB4, but these are things to consider. And really, only you can decide.
Myself, I am keep doing mental arithmetic to see if I can get the GM. There is nothing I don't like (yet), and the emphasis on this lens is exactly what I emphasize in lens evaluation.
p.11 #11 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
dpap1978 wrote:
I have a Canon 24-70 f2.8L II. It focuses well on the A7r2 with MB4
Is there a strong argument to be made in favor of switching to the Sony GM in terms of IQ?
We will see. The weather isn't co-operating, blowing snow and rain right now, but I plan to do a comparison since I now have both lenses in my hand. May have to wait another week to have time to get outdoors and take both to a good location for the comparison. I'm think of trying to compare the Sony GM 24-70, Canon 24-70 f/2.8L II, Batis 25, and possibly the Canon 24-70mm f/4L IS. I'm thinking Portland Head Light would be a good place.
p.11 #12 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
For overall look it would work. Problem is your not going to have subject matter in all four corners to judge but that is a nice spot to shoot. I did a workshop up there a couple years ago up there and loved the area. Imagery rich shooting spot.
p.11 #13 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
BTW guys, this is a community rolling review thread and all members are welcome to post samples and comparisons here if desired.
I'm leaving to Mono Lake right now and should have some real world landscape images taken with this lens.
Something to keep in mind: I had to get a bigger backpack to be able to bring my 24-70/2.8GM and 70-200/4G lenses. I was getting a way with a much smaller bag until now.
The big 82mm filter thread made me add my classic Lee filters and that is another bulk compared to the Seven5.
However, I mainly use ND filters and may get 82mm ND filters (0.9 and 1.5) instead of the Lee system next time.
Best,
Fred
p.11 #14 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
swldstn wrote:
We will see. The weather isn't co-operating, blowing snow and rain right now, but I plan to do a comparison since I now have both lenses in my hand. May have to wait another week to have time to get outdoors and take both to a good location for the comparison. I'm think of trying to compare the Sony GM 24-70, Canon 24-70 f/2.8L II, Batis 25, and possibly the Canon 24-70mm f/4L IS. I'm thinking Portland Head Light would be a good place.
I am definitely interested in the f4L IS comparison - thanks in advance!
Chris
p.11 #17 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
BTW guys, this is a community rolling review thread and all members are welcome to post samples and comparisons here if desired.
I'm leaving to Mono Lake right now and should have some real world landscape images taken with this lens.
Something to keep in mind: I had to get a bigger backpack to be able to bring my 24-70/2.8GM and 70-200/4G lenses. I was getting a way with a much smaller bag until now.
The big 82mm filter thread made me add my classic Lee filters and that is another bulk compared to the Seven5.
However, I mainly use ND filters and may get 82mm ND filters (0.9 and 1.5) instead of the Lee system next time.
Best,
Fred...Show more →
Appreciate the tests Fred!
You should load-up that handsome dog's panniers with your kit, it worked for Jim Brandenburg back in the day....
p.11 #18 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
For those wanting to see a size comparison between the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II and the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM here it is. The Canon has the Metabones IV adapter on it. The filters are a different thickness so to me these are almost identical in size (a few millimeters different) and weight (30-40 grams different).
You can see they rotate in different directions for the zoom. The Sony is the same as the FE 16-35 and FE 70-200.
Sorry for the very slow shutter speed. Done hand held,
