I am considering getting either the EF 85 1.2L or the Zeiss 85 1.2. Manual focus/stop down metering does not deter me and I am looking for optical quality in the sharp zone, with in exceptional bokeh. I am having a hard time finding info about the Zeiss. Were they only produced as 50 and 60 Anniversary lenses? What is the difference, if any, between the designs (different coatings, optical forumlas etc)? I read in a post somewhere that they have floating element design which I would like to know as I will be primarily be using them fairly close up (1-3 meters).
Has anyone used the zeiss and can comment on bokeh, CA in the bokeh, and things of that nature. I also read somewhere that some versions have poor bokeh and some are legendary, but no samples or specifics.
Any reliable info, or links to sources of historical and reliable info, will be appreciated, and sample photos most of all!!
I am new here. Just started my "alt gear" experience with a Voigtlander 125 Macro APO Lanthar in EF mount on my 5dII. WOW! It is like creating a dream-like experience in photos. Never saw any bokeh like it! Will try to post some photos later.
There is close to no change between the 50Y and the 60Y. Some will say the 60 Years has the better bokeh and some will say the opposite, I doubt that anybody would notice a difference.
If you have concern about CA you might go for the Canon and use the DPP CA removal tool. I have to say you must be ready to work very carefully with the Zeiss, otherwise you will not see a benefit from it.
Unlike the Voidlander it does come with a Contax/Yashica mount and it will be different to handle it than native EOS mount lenses. This as a word of warning, if you like to collect nice lenses however, this one should be on the top of your list.
Andi: you are not supposed to drop the lenses! Keep a tight grip on them and use rubber gloves for better grip.
The 85/1.2 is an elusive and exclusive lens. I know of two sources that have it for sale - one new in box - but in both cases the asking price is astronormous.
Rubber gloves to handle a lens? Sounds perverted, I have to try that BTW I got 3500$ for dropping a mint copy of this lens Will be difficult to get it for this price though, usually they sit around for 5K, and occasionally they go for 3-4K maybe more.
You are aware that the Zeiss lens will set you back a lot more than the Canon. The Zeiss will probably cost you around $6K these days.
They are no different "versions" of the lens (as Andi indicates, the 50 and 60 Jahre versions are essentially identical) and they all have lovely bokeh and exceptional sharpness.''
Six grand seems a bit steep. I think $4000~$4500 is easy to do these days. It seems to have turned into a buyer's market for the 85/1.2, while the 50/1.2 still dictates a "collector's price".
there are a few on the bay now. I wonder if this]this[/url] is a scratch from the 5D mirror? Quite frankly I never really took the risk to use one of the normal Contax adapters
Lotusm50 wrote:
Possibly. It doesn't seem to be in great shape...
The market however, as Steven suggests, does seem to have come down from its $6K highs.
Also some people split up the hood and the lens to make more money, they ask 300 for the hood alone
Why consider only the Zeiss and the EF-LII?...Not considered the much cheaper FD-L instead?
I have just translated and read the article Ulff linked to and it states that the FD is a better lens than the EF-LII and its the next best thing to the Zeiss without having to remortgage your house to pay for one.
I am currently using 50Yr Contax 85/1.2L on Canon 5D Mk II with and adapter and no scratches on the rear glass so far. I have 85L II as well and both are comparable wide open in terms of CA and sharpness. Closed down Contax gets sharper than Canon. I prefer its bokeh and 3D look as well. Pictures from Canon look flatter to my eyes.
Alf Beharie wrote:
Why consider only the Zeiss and the EF-LII?...Not considered the much cheaper FD-L instead?
I have just translated and read the article Ulff linked to and it states that the FD is a better lens than the EF-LII and its the next best thing to the Zeiss without having to remortgage your house to pay for one.
He really wants infinity, which is not a reality with the FDs and an unshaved 5D/5DII mirror.
(But I agree that the FDs are by far the best value. The SSC Aspherical is the ultimate Canon 1.2, IMO).
I can't imagine spending the insane amounts of money for the Contax 85/1.2, when the Canon 85/1.2 is simply spectacular, and has extremely accurate AF to go with it, for less than half the price.
Jman13 wrote:
I can't imagine spending the insane amounts of money for the Contax 85/1.2, when the Canon 85/1.2 is simply spectacular, and has extremely accurate AF to go with it, for less than half the price.
It's the law of luxury world... Every extra 1% in quality means 100% increase in price. Some people are perfectionists and just can't sleep well knowing that there is a piece of glass out there that is better than what they have (even though their own photographic skills may not justify even owning SLR altogether). Considering that there were only 2,000 or so Zeiss 85/1.2 lenses made, is it so hard to find 2,000 such people around the globe? Besides, at least half of those lenses are in new condition and kept in boxes, so finding Contax 85/1.2 that you can afford and shoot with it too is really a challenge. Right now the tide is low so nobody wants it, but from my last experience they only come at this price on eBay maybe once or twice a year.
You simply love or hate Contax 85mm 1.2 for the price you pay. Very different from FD 85/1.2L or EF 85mm 1.2L.
Or sometimes love and sometimes hate. Because on different body can be really lousy or a stellar performer.
I dream to convert one for a FF body with IS. Not enough courage yet. There are no portrait lens F1.2 with IS and probably not going to be.
BTW I got 3500$ for dropping a mint copy of this lens