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Archive 2018Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
p.10 #1Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Also, the 35/1.4 Milvus is exceptional for landscape; I bought one in November for that reason. It's a considerable upgrade from the earlier ZE/ZF Distagon that it replaced (and which it likewise replaced for me).
On another note, here's a collection of Loxia 25 samples on Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=loxia%202.4%2F25
On another note, here's a collection of Loxia 25 samples on Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=loxia%202.4%2F25
Mar 15, 2018 at 05:49 PM
p.10 #2Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
The real wins in the Loxia 25mm: (i) its curvature is pushed wide enough to not be readily noticeable, (ii) fine detail never falls below 60% for either sag/tan lines (rare), and (iii) the little things designers used to care about - low distortion, ultra low astigmatism, relative closeness of center/edge IQ. It extends center performance all the way to the short edge (12mm IH), by where the Loxia 21mm has dropped maybe 25% from center.
It may be the strongest 24/25mm yet for landscapes with the exception of the specialized Super Elmar 24/3.8 and possibly the Milvus 25mm if it evens out at f5.6-f8, but it won't match the M35/1.4's spectacular outer frame. They also did it with much less special glass in the Loxia 25/2.4. Buy with confidence!
It may be the strongest 24/25mm yet for landscapes with the exception of the specialized Super Elmar 24/3.8 and possibly the Milvus 25mm if it evens out at f5.6-f8, but it won't match the M35/1.4's spectacular outer frame. They also did it with much less special glass in the Loxia 25/2.4. Buy with confidence!
Mar 15, 2018 at 06:56 PM
p.10 #3Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
My Loxia 25 has arrived a couple of days ago (ordered at the Zeiss online webshop last weekend). Today I did a quick test for decentering. Looks nearly perfectly cengtered to me even wide open. Also field curvature seems to be non-existant. Focus was at the center and the corners are still perfectly sharp. There is very very slight midzone sharpness dip, but nothing that really matters and comparable to what I've seen with several high-end Leica lenses. For me it's a keeper.
The first real test for this lens will be my upcomming trip to New Zealand in summer.
I've also ordered to the Loxia 85 with it's current price reduction and plan to move to a Loxia only lens setup. I really like these small high performance lenses with the same great haptics (ok the apperture ring is not perfectly positioned) and it's identical small filter size.
Right now I'm just missing an ultra-wide Loxia (for example a 2.8/15mm), then I have everything I need.
Here are some links to my boring full size decentering test images (LR sharpening 100, 0.7, 100, 0), all shot wide open at f/2.4 and at changing light due to a cloudy and windy sky:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/39034132490/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/26973683398/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/40135039574/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/40135019734/
If someone really needs it, I can also provide any other apperture between f/2.4 and f/11 of the same scenes, but since f/2.4 looks already great I don't think it would be really useful.
Boris
The first real test for this lens will be my upcomming trip to New Zealand in summer.
I've also ordered to the Loxia 85 with it's current price reduction and plan to move to a Loxia only lens setup. I really like these small high performance lenses with the same great haptics (ok the apperture ring is not perfectly positioned) and it's identical small filter size.
Right now I'm just missing an ultra-wide Loxia (for example a 2.8/15mm), then I have everything I need.
Here are some links to my boring full size decentering test images (LR sharpening 100, 0.7, 100, 0), all shot wide open at f/2.4 and at changing light due to a cloudy and windy sky:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/39034132490/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/26973683398/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/40135039574/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/40135019734/
If someone really needs it, I can also provide any other apperture between f/2.4 and f/11 of the same scenes, but since f/2.4 looks already great I don't think it would be really useful.
Boris
Mar 16, 2018 at 11:11 AM
p.10 #4Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Bobu wrote:
My Loxia 25 has arrived a couple of days ago (ordered at the Zeiss online webshop last weekend). Today I did a quick test for decentering. Looks nearly perfectly cengtered to me even wide open. Also field curvature seems to be non-existant. Focus was at the center and the corners are still perfectly sharp. There is very very slight midzone sharpness dip, but nothing that really matters and comparable to what I've seen with several high-end Leica lenses. For me it's a keeper.
The first real test for this lens will be my upcomming trip to New Zealand in summer.
I've also...Show more →
Also field curvature seems to be non-existant
What
I hope that's true!
My Loxia 25 has arrived a couple of days ago (ordered at the Zeiss online webshop last weekend). Today I did a quick test for decentering. Looks nearly perfectly cengtered to me even wide open. Also field curvature seems to be non-existant. Focus was at the center and the corners are still perfectly sharp. There is very very slight midzone sharpness dip, but nothing that really matters and comparable to what I've seen with several high-end Leica lenses. For me it's a keeper.
The first real test for this lens will be my upcomming trip to New Zealand in summer.
I've also...Show more →
Also field curvature seems to be non-existant
What
I hope that's true!Mar 16, 2018 at 11:15 AM
p.10 #5Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
I just looked at your tests and I agree. Great copy and field curvature seems to be way lower when compared to Lox 21.
Mar 16, 2018 at 11:20 AM
p.10 #6Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Fred Miranda wrote:
The first real test for this lens will be my upcomming trip to New Zealand in summer.
I've also ordered to the Loxia 85 with it's current price reduction and plan to move to a Loxia only lens setup. I really like these small high performance lenses with the same great haptics (ok the apperture ring is not perfectly positioned) and it's identical small filter size.
Right now I'm just missing an ultra-wide Loxia (for example a 2.8/15mm), then I have everything I need.
Here are some links to my boring full size decentering test images (LR sharpening 100, 0.7, 100, 0), all shot wide open at f/2.4 and at changing light due to a cloudy and windy sky:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/39034132490/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/26973683398/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/40135039574/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/40135019734/
If someone really needs it, I can also provide any other apperture between f/2.4 and f/11 of the same scenes, but since f/2.4 looks already great I don't think it would be really useful.
BorisAlso field curvature seems to be non-existant
What I hope that's true!
Just check my full size images, Fred. But of course this test is only an indication for FC with focus close to infinity. This behavior could change signficantly if you focus closer as I know from the Zeiss 15mm ZF.2 lens.
Boris
Bobu wrote
My Loxia 25 has arrived a couple of days ago (ordered at the Zeiss online webshop last weekend). Today I did a quick test for decentering. Looks nearly perfectly cengtered to me even wide open. Also field curvature seems to be non-existant. Focus was at the center and the corners are still perfectly sharp. There is very very slight midzone sharpness dip, but nothing that really matters and comparable to what I've seen with several high-end Leica lenses. For me it's a keeper.The first real test for this lens will be my upcomming trip to New Zealand in summer.
I've also ordered to the Loxia 85 with it's current price reduction and plan to move to a Loxia only lens setup. I really like these small high performance lenses with the same great haptics (ok the apperture ring is not perfectly positioned) and it's identical small filter size.
Right now I'm just missing an ultra-wide Loxia (for example a 2.8/15mm), then I have everything I need.
Here are some links to my boring full size decentering test images (LR sharpening 100, 0.7, 100, 0), all shot wide open at f/2.4 and at changing light due to a cloudy and windy sky:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/39034132490/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/26973683398/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/40135039574/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wild-places/40135019734/
If someone really needs it, I can also provide any other apperture between f/2.4 and f/11 of the same scenes, but since f/2.4 looks already great I don't think it would be really useful.
Boris
What
I hope that's true!Just check my full size images, Fred. But of course this test is only an indication for FC with focus close to infinity. This behavior could change signficantly if you focus closer as I know from the Zeiss 15mm ZF.2 lens.
Boris
Mar 16, 2018 at 11:22 AM
p.10 #7Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
After much back-and-forth, I decided last night to get the Loxia 25. I had planned to get a Milvus 25, but I kept waiting in case something else came up. And it did! With the Loxia being so good for landscape, my only real want for the Milvus would be for flower closeups at f/1.4 wide open. I already have a ZE 25/2 that I use for that - edges are weak for landscape due to FC - and after thinking it over, the Milvus isn't all that worthwhile for so much additional weight and cost just to gain a stop, with a focal length that I won't use very often for flowers.
So...Loxia it is, and I can keep on track with having the whole set.
So...Loxia it is, and I can keep on track with having the whole set.
Mar 16, 2018 at 11:23 AM
p.10 #8Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Couple of samples at Diglloyd...
Looks great!
https://diglloyd.com/blog/2018/images/2018-0315-TrainBoxcarJustAfterSunset-f4,2592x1728.jpg
f4 @ 1/30 sec, ISO 50; 2018-03-12 17:37:43
Sony A7R III + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25
Looks great!
https://diglloyd.com/blog/2018/images/2018-0315-TrainBoxcarJustAfterSunset-f4,2592x1728.jpg
f4 @ 1/30 sec, ISO 50; 2018-03-12 17:37:43
Sony A7R III + ZEISS Loxia 2.4/25
Mar 17, 2018 at 04:43 AM
p.10 #9Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Going crazy waiting for this lens
Mar 17, 2018 at 05:03 AM
p.10 #10Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Just ordered the TAAB focusing ring for the aperture ring. You want the mini. I have one on my Loxia 85
https://www.lenstab.com/product/taab-mini/
https://www.lenstab.com/product/taab-mini/
Mar 17, 2018 at 05:13 AM
p.10 #11Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Btw please post if you get notification on shipping. I already paid cash for mine at B&H but was a little late on pre-order so I’m hoping to make the first wave.
Mar 17, 2018 at 07:38 AM
p.10 #12Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Bobu wrote:
My Loxia 25 has arrived a couple of days ago (ordered at the Zeiss online webshop last weekend). Today I did a quick test for decentering. Looks nearly perfectly cengtered to me even wide open. Also field curvature seems to be non-existant. Focus was at the center and the corners are still perfectly sharp. There is very very slight midzone sharpness dip, but nothing that really matters and comparable to what I've seen with several high-end Leica lenses. For me it's a keeper.
The first real test for this lens will be my upcomming trip to New Zealand in summer.
I've also...Show more →
Well that is great news! Glad to hear that Milvus 1.4 is also a great one. I wonder how that Milvus would perform on the Sony? And how it would compare to this Loxia?
My Loxia 25 has arrived a couple of days ago (ordered at the Zeiss online webshop last weekend). Today I did a quick test for decentering. Looks nearly perfectly cengtered to me even wide open. Also field curvature seems to be non-existant. Focus was at the center and the corners are still perfectly sharp. There is very very slight midzone sharpness dip, but nothing that really matters and comparable to what I've seen with several high-end Leica lenses. For me it's a keeper.
The first real test for this lens will be my upcomming trip to New Zealand in summer.
I've also...Show more →
Well that is great news! Glad to hear that Milvus 1.4 is also a great one. I wonder how that Milvus would perform on the Sony? And how it would compare to this Loxia?
Mar 17, 2018 at 03:17 PM
p.10 #13Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
stevesanacore wrote:
Well that is great news! Glad to hear that Milvus 1.4 is also a great one. I wonder how that Milvus would perform on the Sony? And how it would compare to this Loxia?
I asked those questions to Richard Schleuning of Zeiss last week. He's going to get back to me after doing some comparisons soon, and I'll post his response here, provided he gives me the OK.
I don't doubt that the Milvus will be great used on Sony; my main question was how it compares to the Loxia.
Well that is great news! Glad to hear that Milvus 1.4 is also a great one. I wonder how that Milvus would perform on the Sony? And how it would compare to this Loxia?
I asked those questions to Richard Schleuning of Zeiss last week. He's going to get back to me after doing some comparisons soon, and I'll post his response here, provided he gives me the OK.
I don't doubt that the Milvus will be great used on Sony; my main question was how it compares to the Loxia.
Mar 17, 2018 at 03:26 PM
p.10 #14Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
My Milvus 25 1.4 works exceptionally well on A7rii. It's the best wide angle lens I have ever tried on Sony, even better than my Loxia 21. I posted a quick comparison of center and corner performance here.
Mar 17, 2018 at 04:25 PM
p.10 #15Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
A request: any early buyers or those in touch with CZ staff, what is the actual focal length? Rather important to many buying decisions, a 24mm is very different to a 26mm. This is kind of a turning point for wide angle lenses.
Mar 17, 2018 at 06:46 PM
p.10 #16Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Milvus 25/1.4 vs Loxia 25/2.4 - comment by LLoyd. Think he's replying to Danny Burk.
"Danny B writes:
Do you plan a comparison of Milvus 25/1.4 vs Loxia 25/2.4?
I've been planning to get the Milvus sometime soon (for exclusive use on A7R3), but the Loxia put that on hold. For landscape use (say f/5.6 - 11), judging purely from optical quality (ignoring size and cost), would you say that the Loxia is as good as the Milvus?
DIGLLOYD: I don’t think that any such comparison is relevant in any practical usability sense—too many other factors come to bear that are more relevant. I’ve stopped adapting lenses to Sony with the possible exception of the Coastal Optics 60mm f/4 UV-VIS-IR APO macro, since it is one of a kind and not very large. In general there are few good reasons to adapt lenses here in 2018, a few specialty uses aside.
For starters, the idea of carrying the much larger and heavier Zeiss Milvus 25mm f/1.4 for landscape makes little sense to me unless it stands head and shoulders above any other option. While that is true for the Zeiss Milvus 25mm f/1.4 for DSLR cameras (it is my all time favorite 24/25mm lens now, for DSLR), the new Zeiss Loxia 25mm f/2.4 is far smaller and lighter and needs no adapter. And it gives up little to its faster sibling other than lens speed. The Zeiss Loxia 25mm f/2.4 is a gem. I consider it a must have for anyone looking for a 24/25mm lens.
Also, I see no reason to take the unacceptable risk of swinging around a heavy lens on a lens adapter almost certainly to put it off-planarity at least slightly, and sooner or later to nicely warp the lens mount with a modest whack (lever arm torque). Not to mention the huge usability hassle and much higher vibration risk."
"Danny B writes:
Do you plan a comparison of Milvus 25/1.4 vs Loxia 25/2.4?
I've been planning to get the Milvus sometime soon (for exclusive use on A7R3), but the Loxia put that on hold. For landscape use (say f/5.6 - 11), judging purely from optical quality (ignoring size and cost), would you say that the Loxia is as good as the Milvus?
DIGLLOYD: I don’t think that any such comparison is relevant in any practical usability sense—too many other factors come to bear that are more relevant. I’ve stopped adapting lenses to Sony with the possible exception of the Coastal Optics 60mm f/4 UV-VIS-IR APO macro, since it is one of a kind and not very large. In general there are few good reasons to adapt lenses here in 2018, a few specialty uses aside.
For starters, the idea of carrying the much larger and heavier Zeiss Milvus 25mm f/1.4 for landscape makes little sense to me unless it stands head and shoulders above any other option. While that is true for the Zeiss Milvus 25mm f/1.4 for DSLR cameras (it is my all time favorite 24/25mm lens now, for DSLR), the new Zeiss Loxia 25mm f/2.4 is far smaller and lighter and needs no adapter. And it gives up little to its faster sibling other than lens speed. The Zeiss Loxia 25mm f/2.4 is a gem. I consider it a must have for anyone looking for a 24/25mm lens.
Also, I see no reason to take the unacceptable risk of swinging around a heavy lens on a lens adapter almost certainly to put it off-planarity at least slightly, and sooner or later to nicely warp the lens mount with a modest whack (lever arm torque). Not to mention the huge usability hassle and much higher vibration risk."
Mar 18, 2018 at 03:24 AM
p.10 #17Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
philip_pj wrote:
A request: any early buyers or those in touch with CZ staff, what is the actual focal length? Rather important to many buying decisions, a 24mm is very different to a 26mm. This is kind of a turning point for wide angle lenses.
Philip, I have no idea how to test this without too much effort. I have no other 24/25mm lenses to compare and just using a tape measure in a certain distance is proabaly not precise enough to clearly find the differences between 24mm, 25mm and 26mm.
Boris
A request: any early buyers or those in touch with CZ staff, what is the actual focal length? Rather important to many buying decisions, a 24mm is very different to a 26mm. This is kind of a turning point for wide angle lenses.
Philip, I have no idea how to test this without too much effort. I have no other 24/25mm lenses to compare and just using a tape measure in a certain distance is proabaly not precise enough to clearly find the differences between 24mm, 25mm and 26mm.
Boris
Mar 18, 2018 at 03:26 AM
p.10 #18Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
SKumar25 wrote:
Milvus 25/1.4 vs Loxia 25/2.4 - comment by LLoyd. Think he's replying to Danny Burk.
"Danny B writes:
Do you plan a comparison of Milvus 25/1.4 vs Loxia 25/2.4?
I've been planning to get the Milvus sometime soon (for exclusive use on A7R3), but the Loxia put that on hold. For landscape use (say f/5.6 - 11), judging purely from optical quality (ignoring size and cost), would you say that the Loxia is as good as the Milvus?
DIGLLOYD: I don’t think that any such comparison is relevant in any practical usability sense—too many other factors come to bear that are more relevant. I’ve...Show more →
He is not going to say anything bad about a Zeiss lens , period. Let’s be clear on that. Not that he is wrong as it might be the cats meow and I believe it will be. Just always remember the source. I can’t wait to get mine myself but I like more unbiased reporting.
Milvus 25/1.4 vs Loxia 25/2.4 - comment by LLoyd. Think he's replying to Danny Burk.
"Danny B writes:
Do you plan a comparison of Milvus 25/1.4 vs Loxia 25/2.4?
I've been planning to get the Milvus sometime soon (for exclusive use on A7R3), but the Loxia put that on hold. For landscape use (say f/5.6 - 11), judging purely from optical quality (ignoring size and cost), would you say that the Loxia is as good as the Milvus?
DIGLLOYD: I don’t think that any such comparison is relevant in any practical usability sense—too many other factors come to bear that are more relevant. I’ve...Show more →
He is not going to say anything bad about a Zeiss lens , period. Let’s be clear on that. Not that he is wrong as it might be the cats meow and I believe it will be. Just always remember the source. I can’t wait to get mine myself but I like more unbiased reporting.
Mar 18, 2018 at 04:32 AM
p.10 #19Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Boris, a tape measure is perfectly adequate to measure your angle of view with reasonable precision. Use the distance to your camera sensor (shown on the outside of the camera) and subtract about 6.5cm, which is the entrance pupil distance from the sensor for the Loxia 25.
If the Zeiss data sheets are accurate, the specified angle of view corresponds to a focal length of about 25.3mm for the Loxia 25. For the Milvus 25, the data sheets were in very good agreement with my own FOV measurements, and both indicated a focal length of almost exactly 25mm,
If the Zeiss data sheets are accurate, the specified angle of view corresponds to a focal length of about 25.3mm for the Loxia 25. For the Milvus 25, the data sheets were in very good agreement with my own FOV measurements, and both indicated a focal length of almost exactly 25mm,
Mar 18, 2018 at 04:38 AM
p.10 #20Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Regarding IQ I think we're all in agreement that the Loxia 25 is likely a great lens, probably with little practical difference between it and the Milvus in most real world images. For most people, no doubt the Loxia 25 will make a lot more sense on Sony. In my case, however, I use the Milvus on a tilt adapter which can't be done with the Loxia.
I do disagree with Lloyd however about his comment regarding usability and vibration. I find the Milvus much easier to focus accurately than my loxia 21 (assuming the loxia 25 will be similar) thanks to both greater damping and increased focus throw. Vibration might be an issue if you mounted your tripod under the camera but as with any heavier lens, is easily avoided using an L-bracket under the adapter. The L-bracket under the adapter also makes for a very solid carry handle that makes the whole system a lot more manipulable, and means there is no stress on the camera lens mount when you're carrying the system.
I do disagree with Lloyd however about his comment regarding usability and vibration. I find the Milvus much easier to focus accurately than my loxia 21 (assuming the loxia 25 will be similar) thanks to both greater damping and increased focus throw. Vibration might be an issue if you mounted your tripod under the camera but as with any heavier lens, is easily avoided using an L-bracket under the adapter. The L-bracket under the adapter also makes for a very solid carry handle that makes the whole system a lot more manipulable, and means there is no stress on the camera lens mount when you're carrying the system.
Mar 18, 2018 at 04:49 AM