I just have the Ee-s screen for the 5D. I know there are some Brightscreens or what not for the 5D but I've read too much regarding how they mess up exposure, sometimes consistently, sometimes not. So I'm holding off on them... for now, MF is ok, I usually take 3 or so shots with some focus play.
I usually don't shoot this dark so 90% of the time I'm ok. And the other 9% my angle finder with 2.25x magnification does wonders.
I'm actually thinking on the 1Ds II because they have their own canon split prism screen and not third party... oh well. =)
Does anyone have a sample image that shows the "ninja star" bokeh thing? This thread has been really helpful, I already knew that I wanted the zeiss over the canon 1.4, but now it is coming down to details (like the price, and the ninja star)
McManagan wrote:
Does anyone have a sample image that shows the "ninja star" bokeh thing? This thread has been really helpful, I already knew that I wanted the zeiss over the canon 1.4, but now it is coming down to details (like the price, and the ninja star)
The Ninja Star is specific to some of the Contax-mount Zeiss 50/1.4 and 85/1.4 Planars. You won't see it on the ZE as it as a 9-blade aperture rather than the 6 blade of the C/Y versions and its one particular variation in the 6-blade aperture that produces the Ninja Star.
looking at these examples -- the new version of Planar 1.4/50 (ZE, ZF) is not my taste ...
the bokeh is --- how to say -- -shame ...
and also the new pictures from new planar look like 'plastic bag' instead 'nice clothes'
bokeh -- shortly -- unacceptable -- picture with the feet .. what a shame ...
that's my feeling, my taste -- please, don't kill me for that --
I'll post some bokeh shots of the Contax 50 later tonight. I do see the Ninja star effect, but not always. I must admit I had higher expectations of the ZE, especially wide open. I can live with stop down metering, but aperture control would be nice, but it's not enough to sway me. For the same reason, I'm keeping my COntax 85 f/1.4 as well. I think I'll be looking at Sigmalux, Canon 50L or maybe Nikkor 50 f/1.2 AI-S.
Pixel Perfect wrote:
I'll post some bokeh shots of the Contax 50 later tonight. I do see the Ninja star effect, but not always. I must admit I had higher expectations of the ZE, especially wide open. I can live with stop down metering, but aperture control would be nice, but it's not enough to sway me. For the same reason, I'm keeping my COntax 85 f/1.4 as well. I think I'll be looking at Sigmalux, Canon 50L or maybe Nikkor 50 f/1.2 AI-S.
My personal experience with the ZE is that it is not as sharp as the Contax wide open, but catches up quickly as you stop it down.
I have said it before and I'll say it again, Planars have harsher bokeh and I don't like them.
Exceptions are:
Contax 50/1.4 which close up produces pretty nice bokeh.
Contax 85/1.4 which looks fine, by my standards.
Contax 135/2 which is smooth, for a Planar.
When there is grass or naked branches in the background the result is a bit too jagged with all the other Planars I have owned, which is most of them.
The Makro Planar 60 is ok, as long as there are no round shapes in the background, they come out pretty ugly. The lens makes up for that in other aspects. One of my favourites.
Contax 200/3.5 is not too bad
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The Contax 50/1.7 is ugly all over, as is the 100/2, regardless of subject distance. But hey, that's me and my pref's talking. IF the background is smooth the Planar 100/2 does make things pop out from the background in a nice way. Last job I did with the 100/2 was horse portraits and the owners were delighted but I was very annoyed with the jaggedness of the background when it showed, very disturbing.
PS
Hi Ed, I am drawing closer to getting the A900, just need to get them adapters and ridden me of the 5D + gear.
PS
Hi Ed, I am drawing closer to getting the A900, just need to get them adapters and ridden me of the 5D + gear.
You can always try out mine on your next trip before you committ to switching between systems, but I have the impression your mind is already made up anyway
PixelPerfect: yes, the 50mm/1.4 Planar was on my nice-bokeh-list. Your examples show it well.
EddyCareer: Yes, more or less. My eyesight has gotten a wee bit poorer so the 5D is not too easy on the eyes at the moment. Just not sure whether to buy a like-new use one with spare battery, LCD cover and 8GB card for a little less than a Demo unit with full warranty. Or I trade in my gear through a source in the UK. We'll see...