I posted this as a topic on the main thread. Then realized I should probably post here as well:
Fewer examples appear here from the Zeiss 28mm lens than most of the popular Zeiss offerings. I have reviewed what I can find on the web, and know about field curvature, etc. Any comments or cautions from people who know this lens from experience?
Does it deliver Zeiss colors and contrast when stopped down to f/4 to f/8—and is the field curvature gone at that point? I presume that even at wide apertures field curvature becomes less troublesome at greater focal distances. Am I correct? If so, is there some distance short of infinity where you don't have to worry about it at any aperture?
My typical use of the lens would involve a focal point about 20 feet in front of the camera, and hopefully an aperture of f/5.6. I'm looking for maximum image quality edge-to-edge and corner-to-corner—the sort I have become accustomed to from my Zeiss 21, 35 f/1.4, 50 MP, and 100 MP. Would I be disappointed by the Zeiss 28mm if I were willing to work around the field curvature quirk?
My work demands high image quality for fine art prints, typically > 30-inches wide. I'm trying to find the best 28mm lens I can readily mount on my Canon 5D II, regardless of manufacturer, but it isn't a price-no-object search for a Leica-plus-adapter solution, or anything like that.
Alkaphel, really love Supertrees.
Akul, the shadow detail that you are holding in your city shots is amazing.
Picture This, love the coastal shots from last few pages.
50P. Only had it for a couple weeks. I've heard it's a difficult lens to make shine and I'm still trying to 'get it right'. Even though this shot isn't brittle sharp I like the softer "vintage" feel to it. (does that sound like an excuse?)
Johnny B Goode - Nice shot into the sun, The BW shot is superb. Regarding ZF21's distortion. Here is a un-corrected version. ( Also in color )
For straight-on architecture shot, unless my intent is not about the straight line, I get the urge to correct it on this lens. I feel a bit defeated to alter image in PP ( I usually do not like cropping either ), but the distortion is a bit too strong for shots like this.
Phil - Classic ! Love the bag of onions frozen in the air. Well done !!
Johnahilll - Beautiful color.
splathrop - When question like yours come out, I wish Philippe ( Philber ) or Carsten to be hanging out here more often. I have CY 2.8/28 but not ZF 2/28. CY28 also has strong field curvature, and I do feel it is always there, but I have not done analytical examination. I also would not know the case with 2/28. Philippe always said 28 is the least contrasty of all Z series lenses. ( I believe he sold it in the end ) I have seen very lovely results from this lens though, most recently from Carsten ( Check in the Zeiss Lens Photos and discussion thread. https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1009161 ) 28 is my favorite focal length, if I did not have CY28, I probably would have got one, but as I have the focal length covered already, it is on more of the last on my wish list.
Grenache - the first shot is awesome. Great color. Also love the arch shot.
Gary - Nice shots from river. Also really like the log shot. Great texture.
LIeutenant - Great framing.
ZF.2 100 Leaves are beginning to change in the Harriman State Park.
