Zeiss ZF.2 for Nikon F100

ZugPhoto

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• May 22, 2010

• #1

Hello APUGers:

I am seriously considering a 50mm/f1.4, Zeiss ZF.2 for my beloved F100. I use a Nikkor 50mm 1.8 a lot with great results. I'm wondering if anyone else has "upgraded" to this Zeiss lens and if they think it was worth the cost. Thanks!

Peter

 

phaedrus

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• May 22, 2010

• #2

My Zeiss ZF (NOT ZF.2, though I don't know that they changed the optics) has Dead Link Removed (sorry for the german text but you'll see it in the photos). This is compensated for by a, at least to my eyes, beautiful transition from in-focus to out-of-focus-areas. Just don't use it for night shots at f/1.4.

 

lns

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• May 22, 2010

• #3

I'm happy with my Nikkor 50mm f1.8 and consider it a bargain. I have never used either of the Zeiss ZF 50mm lenses, but it is the 50mm f2 macro that is supposed to be the good one. I have seen and heard a lot of reports that the f1.4 has strange bokeh in some situations. I don't think Bjorn really liked it, for instance.

On the other hand, I have the ZF 35mm, and I concur with Michael R that this lens is a gem. It is big and heavy, but gives great results and I think totally outclasses the Nikkor. If you're using it on an F100, the size and weight won't be too much of an issue, as the camera should balance it nicely.

-Laura

 

Pumal

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• May 22, 2010

• #4

I use the 20mm AF f/2.8 D and quite happy with it, but I'm not looking for gargantuan appertures.

 

Russ - SVP

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• May 23, 2010

• #5

That's not much of an upgrade. Save your money or use it for a wiser purchase.

 

Rol_Lei Nut

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• May 23, 2010

• #6

You might get some improvement at full aperture and in flare resistance, but IMHO the biggest advantage of (the better) Zeiss lenses over good Nikkors will often be in the "look" and other subjective factors.

Bokeh, colour balance, 3D effect, tonality are things which not everyone sees or notices.
I find them important and my favorite lenses are those which excel in those parameters (that they're otherwise technically good is a given).

If you're a real fan of such things, buy it, otherwise as has been said, you'd be better off buying a different focal length.