So I went to my local store that specializes in used gear (though they have plenty of new stock too), and they had a used 35GM, so I picked one up after trading in a few lenses I was going to sell anyway.
I did some head to head comparisons on the Z8. I will say, when not shooting test images, the Z 35/1.4 does a good enough job for the most part. It's still flawed, for sure, but not as bad as when shooting test charts or something. In fact, at full body height distance, the 35GM is only marginally sharper (though with much smoother bokeh and a little more contrast). Moving closer up, the differences become quite apparent, however. It appears that the differences in sensor stack thickness do slightly affect the GM's corner performance when focused closer up on the Z8, but it's fairly minor at a distance, and stopping down brings the corners up to snuff.
Still, the 35GM is a great lens, and definitely the superior optic (as it should be for over twice the price retail). Surprised how minimal the size and weight difference is, though..it's pretty marginal. Focusing works great on my Z8 with the Megadap, and it essentially feels native. Very quick to focus and lock.
Some comparisons:
Wide open at that same fence as my earlier photos (100% crop):
And at f:2:
100% crop of bokeh at f/1.4:
Relatively close focus (100% crop), f/1.4:
Some test shots indoors: f/1.4 at center:
And left side (80% to edge):
And fairly close up near the corner (Here the Z shows very little focus breathing while the GM shows quite a lot, but the GM is way better, though still not perfect here. Stopping down to f/2.8 brings the GM up to very sharp territory.
So I went to my local store that specializes in used gear (though they have plenty of new stock too), and they had a used 35GM, so I picked one up after trading in a few lenses I was going to sell anyway.
I did some head to head comparisons on the Z8. I will say, when not shooting test images, the Z 35/1.4 does a good enough job for the most part. It's still flawed, for sure, but not as bad as when shooting test charts or something. In fact, at full body height distance, the 35GM is only marginally sharper (though with much smoother bokeh and a little more contrast). Moving closer up, the differences become quite apparent, however. It appears that the differences in sensor stack thickness do slightly affect the GM's corner performance when focused closer up on the Z8, but it's fairly minor at a distance, and stopping down brings the corners up to snuff.
Still, the 35GM is a great lens, and definitely the superior optic (as it should be for over twice the price retail). Surprised how minimal the size and weight difference is, though..it's pretty marginal. Focusing works great on my Z8 with the Megadap, and it essentially feels native. Very quick to focus and lock.
Some comparisons:
Wide open at that same fence as my earlier photos (100% crop):
And at f:2:
100% crop of bokeh at f/1.4:
Relatively close focus (100% crop), f/1.4:
Some test shots indoors: f/1.4 at center:
And left side (80% to edge):
And fairly close up near the corner (Here the Z shows very little focus breathing while the GM shows quite a lot, but the GM is way better, though still not perfect here. Stopping down to f/2.8 brings the GM up to very sharp territory.
So I went to my local store that specializes in used gear (though they have plenty of new stock too), and they had a used 35GM, so I picked one up after trading in a few lenses I was going to sell anyway.
I did some head to head comparisons on the Z8. I will say, when not shooting test images, the Z 35/1.4 does a good enough job for the most part. It's still flawed, for sure, but not as bad as when shooting test charts or something. In fact, at full body height distance, the 35GM is only marginally sharper (though with much smoother bokeh and a little more contrast). Moving closer up, the differences become quite apparent, however. It appears that the differences in sensor stack thickness do slightly affect the GM's corner performance when focused closer up on the Z8, but it's fairly minor at a distance, and stopping down brings the corners up to snuff.
Still, the 35GM is a great lens, and definitely the superior optic (as it should be for over twice the price retail). Surprised how minimal the size and weight difference is, though..it's pretty marginal. Focusing works great on my Z8 with the Megadap, and it essentially feels native. Very quick to focus and lock.
Some comparisons:
Wide open at that same fence as my earlier photos (100% crop):
And fairly close up near the corner (Here the Z shows very little focus breathing while the GM shows quite a lot, but the GM is way better, though still not perfect here. Stopping down to f/2.8 brings the GM up to very sharp territory.
And two shots close up with the 35 GM @ f/1.4:
Near MFD:
100% crop:
Jul 23, 2024 at 12:35 PM
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