Had a chance to try the Zeiss Ikon 21mm F4.5

I shot a wedding over the weekend for a friend of the family and had a chance to grab a few shots with the new Zeiss Ikon 21mm F4.5 that I just got.

Overall I thought it was a great lens.... I can't wait to use it some more.

I've included a couple images for your viewing pleasure. It was shot on Ilford XP2 and scanned from the neg.

I would say it was about F8.

-Rob

Rob, the image is great. I too have an IKON and am strongly considering this lens. I currently use only the 35mm f2 lens and it is incredible.

Regards,
John

John Simmons said:

Rob, the image is great. I too have an IKON and am strongly considering this lens. I currently use only the 35mm f2 lens and it is incredible.

Regards,
John

Click to expand...

For someone who already has a 35, do you think that a 21 is a better choice than a 25?

There is no best choice... you can't go wrong with either one.

I think if you just had a 35mm and a 21mm you might find the gap too large... but it depends what you like to shoot.

Using a 21mm for people allows you to get really close to the subject which is great if you like that look, but if you don't feel comfortable getting that close than I think the 25mm is a better choice.

Of course if you have just the 35 and 21 then in two lenses and a lightweight kit you have covered a large range of lenses.
-Rob

Love the hammock shot. We're just about to send a 21/4.5 back to Zeiss. Lovely lens. If I didn't already have two 21mm lenses for the Leicas I'd seriously consider it.

Then again, if I could afford the 16-18-21 Tri-Elmar there'd be no contest. The Biogon has far less distortion, but the Tri-Elmar distortion is still tiny and it's a gorgeous lens.