I've been away for some time.
This thread is so fast-moving. Great work everyone!
I'm still lusting the new 35 1.4, but I want to try it before I buy to see if the size/weight doesn't bother me. That's difficult right now because all the stores over here are out of stock for some time now...
B SMOOTH wrote:
Can you, or anyone of the other Zeiss aficionados comment on your experiences with the 85? I know that it seems the be the red headed step child of the Zeiss line up. Many seem to be indifferent about it, but from what I can tell, it's because they don't fully understand its strengths and shortcomings.
The more I read about this lens, the more intimidated I am.I know about the focus shift, and that you probably don't want to use it up close, but my intention is to use it as a short tele for street work. I love the "look" of the Zeiss lenses, but would I be better served going a different route for now(by no means to I have the photographic skill or experience of some of the members in here), or should I just jump in feet first and take my lumps as I learn how to use this tool?
I have the 100/2MP and the 85/1.4, and I love my 85/1.4 to bits, although I rarely use it at it's strongest (f/5.6, distance) and most frequently at it's worst (f/1.4, close-up). The pictures are often soft, maybe a little bit out of focus - compared to the shots from 100/2MP which never fails. But still, there's just something about the 85/1.4 :-)
I can highly recommend it, it's very compact compared to other 85/1.4's, not THAT expensive and it's just plain gorgeous to look at as well!
ubetcha- congrats on your 35. Great capture of volume and detail. Looking forward to see more !
Abram - Great night shot. B/W looks really good on the shot
Phillip - I like the B/W. Do you think you may get into it more ? By the way, if that bicycle is not yours, I can't believe it does not locked.
Partitura - Great perspective and composition, line below water adds to the shot very nicely
John - Nice capture of a lone tree with 21.
alkpanphel - love the symmetry of incense burner shot.
R.Young- welcome to the thread. Nice capture of mood and composition on #2.
Jochen - Wow, spectacular shot.
kiddik - Your point on 85 is convincing with your proof. Very nice.
Here is my on-going little project. Bridges in Central Park. I am still pondering how I'd approach it.
Been drooling over this thread for a while now, ever since getting the 35ZE a couple of weeks ago. Already wondering if my bank account could handle a 21ZE in the future... May have to sell one of two lenses to help with the plunge.
Some really amazing photos on here:
Akul, thanks for the welcome, great B+Ws. Very nice feeling and amazing detail!
Jochenb, Wow!
kiddik, stunning contrast of sharp and soft
Long exposure with a 110ND filter. Was lucky there was someone taking the photo on the bridge as this was the only shot I took!
AbramG wrote:
Hey there, sure I don't mind chiming in.
I agree that the Zeiss 85 does have some quirks to it, but now that I understand it better, I have no problem using it (so far) The focus shift is very similar in behavior to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L. I also own that lens and it's honestly one of my favorites, so far (for me) the only time the ZE 85 has a problem is when you're trying to shoot inside the MFD range and near wide open. This lens is clearly optimized for stopped down work, however I find that it can be wonderful at even f/2.
I would definitely give it a shot if the 85mm focal lengths interests you, find a used copy, and if you don't like it you can always turn around and re-sell it. Or better yet, rent it from a place like lensrentals.com for a week or so and see if it suits your shooting style.
I'm happy to have this lens again, it takes a little effort to appreciate, but it's a very capable optic in my opinion.
kiddik wrote:
I have the 100/2MP and the 85/1.4, and I love my 85/1.4 to bits, although I rarely use it at it's strongest (f/5.6, distance) and most frequently at it's worst (f/1.4, close-up). The pictures are often soft, maybe a little bit out of focus - compared to the shots from 100/2MP which never fails. But still, there's just something about the 85/1.4 :-)
I can highly recommend it, it's very compact compared to other 85/1.4's, not THAT expensive and it's just plain gorgeous to look at as well!
Abram and kiddik, thank you for the valuable feedback. kiddick, the colors on that shot are incredible. As suggested, I think renting the lens and giving it a spin, may be the safest investment at this time.
My oh my, this thread is going to be the end of me...AND my bank account.
Jochenb wrote:
I've been away for some time.
This thread is so fast-moving. Great work everyone!
I'm still lusting the new 35 1.4, but I want to try it before I buy to see if the size/weight doesn't bother me. That's difficult right now because all the stores over here are out of stock for some time now...
Philippe: thanks for the offer. I'll keep that in mind if I'm in Paris for some reason.
I still have a soft spot for the 85 too Kiddik. When used right (like your shot) I love the look of the lens.
Akul and flypenfly: Nice shots of the bridges
R.Young: Both are cool.
Alkanphel: Nice street shot.
Abramg: I like the mood.
Central Park is one of my favorite places to shoot when i am in the city.Next time you make it to the Bridal Bridge See if you can find this angle.I really like how the tree frames the bridge.IMO someone had to have made the tree grow this way.This shot i took a few years ago not with Zeiss but i thought you might like the angle.
-Jim
Also while i have everyone's attention, Can someone consider selling me their Zeiss 100 ZE Makro been looking for one and so far no one is selling.
