Generally speaking the zeiss lens give very good tonal rendition (I guess this might be the same as microcontrast or perhaps contrast). That is subtle changes in colour show up. This is best illustrated in pictures of flowers or reflections or similar where subtle shades are very visible in the images.
I've just bought a ZF 35/2, and from the snapshots i've taken so far (a day!) I can see that this lens gives me extremely high micro contrast, smooth gradation to oof areas, punchy colors and smoooooth tonal values
you2 wrote:
Generally speaking the zeiss lens give very good tonal rendition (I guess this might be the same as microcontrast or perhaps contrast). That is subtle changes in colour show up. This is best illustrated in pictures of flowers or reflections or similar where subtle shades are very visible in the images.
This is the CZ 35-70/3.4 Vario-Sonnar on 30D. I like the tones in this one.
The 3D look is what especially appeals to me as well as the color that the zeiss lenses are able to achieve.Also the precision focus ring is what allows you to compose your shots the way you want the picture to look.You are not worried about lock focus recompose etc., of course all mf lenses allow you to do this but the Zeiss precision makes it very enjoyable
-Jim
Here is a shot the i took today with my Sonnar 85 T* that is no longer for sale because of beautiful shots like this Taken wide open at f2.8 on 5D
ashrafazlan wrote:
I've just bought a ZF 35/2, and from the snapshots i've taken so far (a day!) I can see that this lens gives me extremely high micro contrast, smooth gradation to oof areas, punchy colors and smoooooth tonal values
I'll also nominate the 85/2.8 Sonnar for wonderful 'Zeissness'. Wonderful color saturation, microcontrast out the wazoo, and sharp as heck. Decent bokeh too. The 50/1.7 Planar might be the sharpest lens I've ever used...that thing could absolutely cut glass...but the bokeh left a lot to desire (but had huge contrast and color pop).
Not to mention that the "Zeiss look" makes for great Black and White conversions Sure you lose the nice color rendition but the contrasty rendering makes for great B&W images.
You do yourself an injustice. Of all the splendid photographs on this thread, the one of the monument in France, forgive my ignorance for not recognizing it or its location, epitomizes the Zeiss look -- the colours, rendition and especially the 3-D effect.
My own humble efforts, and I stress the word humble because at times I struggle with manual focusing on my Canon 40D even with the Ef-s focusing screen, can be seen at http://calvininjaxfotos.wordpress.com/. I apologize for not including examples with this post but I cannot afford the subscription.
Despite many disappointing results, when I do occasionally get it right, at least to my eyes, all those failures don't seem quite so frustrating.
bluetsunami wrote:
Not to mention that the "Zeiss look" makes for great Black and White conversions.
as other stated, its not just one think that provide the Zeiss look, pop or 3 D; it's a combination of color rendering as well as a dedicated tonal °separation°, especially in the shadows (3/4 tones to black), while keeping fine details and remaining smooth.
A image having these attributes will look 3 D, as in photography, space is created by light and shadows. If the tonal separation is flat, the image will look flat...
