Interesting test: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 vs Zeiss ZA 85mm f/1.4

Sonyalpharumors sighted an interesting (simple) test( forum here and here) between the Sigma 85/1.4 and the ZA 85/1.4. The original poster noted the Sigma is better than Zeiss in almost every aspect. Is this the magic of exotic elements in the Sigma?

Zeiss ZF Distagon 35mm f/2.0 tested on FX by Photozone

Photozone is really testing quite many Zeiss lenses recently. Here comes the ZF Distagon 35/2.0 review.
If you have read their ZF 28/2.0 review, you may speculate that the ZF 35/2.0 will be better than the 28/2.0 because 35/2.0 is not as wide. Interestingly though, the result of this 35/2.0 looks almost like a direct copy of the 28/2.0 (read not much improvement).
Jump to Photozone.de to make your own judgement.

Links: http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/587-zeisszf3520ff

Zeiss ZF Distagon 28mm f/2.0 tested on FX by Photozone

Photozone has been testing quite a few Zeiss lenses recently. Today, they just added the review of the ZF Distagon 28mm f/2.0

We weren't really impressed by the T* 25mm f/2.8 but the Zeiss ZF Distagon T* 28mm f/2 plays in a very different (better) quality league. The lens is sharp straight from f/2 and it reaches excellent quality levels around f/5.6. There's some field curvature at f/2 and f/2.8 which may be a problem in certain scenes (out-of-focus corners) though. Lateral and longitudinal CAs are moderate and nothing to worry about for most subjects. The moderate degree of distortions is about average for a prime lens in this class. A real weakness is the annoyingly high amount of vignetting at large aperture settings. The bokeh is not the most pleasant one, but still ok for a wide angle lens.

This 28/2.0 seems like a pretty good lens.

Links: http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/586-zeisszf2820ff

Zeiss ZA Distagon T* 24mm f/2 SSM review by Kurt Munger

This test is by Kurt Munger obtained via Sonyalpharumor.


Kurt Munger's test is very detailed, it concerns both full frame and APS-C and every aspect of optics that one could imagine. 

The Sony Carl Zeiss 24mm F/2 lens is expensive, but is it worth the price?  As I explained above, it has some really good qualities, and a few flaws for a very expensive lens, it all depends on what's important to you.  Based on some preliminary tests, I'd say if you own the CZ 16-35mm and/or CZ 24-70mm, and won't need F/2, then you probably won't benefit from the CZ 24mm.  However, F/2 is a whole stop faster than F/2.8, that's a big part of the additional expense, and very important when doing hand-held shooting in low light.  Also, if you're a person that likes 24mm, and aren't interested, or not in need of a zoom, then by all means, go ahead and try it out, it's a lot lighter and smaller than the CZ zooms mentioned.

Kurt Munger's review method is close to real life test, even if you have already read the Photozone and dpreview reviews, it is still worthwhile to look at Kurt Munger's review.


Links: http://kurtmunger.com/sony_24mm_f_2_ssm_carl_zeissid125.html

Zeiss ZF Distagon 21mm f/2.8 tested on FX by Photozone

Photozone published a review of the Zeiss Distagon 21/2.8 on full frame this time.
Other than the usual aspects Photozone looks at, they also illustrate the difference between ZF and ZF.2

In the end, this is what they say about this lens:

The Zeiss Distagon ZF T* 21mm f/2.8 is not only a legendary lens - it is also capable of delivering its qualities on today's DSLRs. The sharpness is already impressive at f/2.8 and it does even get slightly better at medium apertures. Lateral CAs are very low and as such contributing to the high resolution perception. Distortions are also well controlled but if you want to correct the remaining artifacts this may not be all that easy due to the secondary mustache style here. A weakness is the level of vignetting at f/2.8 and, to a lesser degree, at f/4.

Last time I mentioned that the distortion on this Distagon is rather pronounced on APS-C from my biased point of view. Interestingly enough, the distortion becomes small as you extend to the outer frame. Go to Photozone.de to check out their distortion chart yourself.

Links: http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/446-zeisszf2128ff

What happened to Zeiss lens score on DxOMark?

Recently, DxOMark published their Carl Zeiss lens test scores. However, the Zeiss lenses score shockingly low, even lower than those Can0n brand and Nik0n brand zooms.
How could this be? Every Zeiss user knows how their Zeiss glasses perform, so you are asking DxOMark how could this be? Are you now doubting the Zeiss lenses because of DxOMark's score? You are now doubting this 150 year old German optic legend because dxomark.com says something negative about it?

There are some rather detailed discussions over at RFF and FM about what people are thinking. If you don't feel like reading all the posts, you may also look at Jose Antunes' article - Zeiss lenses: Nikon and Canon beat them.

CP.2 in mFT mount is already here

CP.2 lenses in micro four thirds mount are already here. Some lucky fellow(Chrispy Harrison) got to play with one from a Zeiss rep.
Take a look at this video clip he made on the GH2 with the Zeiss 85mm compact prime:

Panasonic GH2 with Zeiss 85mm CP.2 from Swimming Horse on Vimeo.

Links: http://vimeo.com/19963772 and http://www.flickr.com/photos/53551708@N07/sets/72157625928513257/

DigitalRev TV - Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 Hands-on Review

For those of you RF shooters, you are probably quite familiar with Kai Wong from Hong Kong already. He just presented another entertaining review on YouTube - Hands-on review of the Planar 50mm f/1.4 for SLR.
Wait no more, sit down and enjoy this 7 good minutes of entertainment.

DxOMark - Carl Zeiss lens scores

DxOMark had publish Carl Zeiss lens test score in their website including ZE and ZF mount.

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en/Lens-with-Camera/All-tested-lenses/Carl-Zeiss

The Zeiss E-mount lens for Sony NEX will be 24mm f/1.7

A rumor from Sonyalpharumors indicates that the Zeiss E-mount 24mm lens for NEX will be f/1.7. That's a pretty good speed for a 24mm lens, faster than the f/2.0 on Fujifilm x100. No words on its design yet. Perhaps someone could send us a block diagram for analysis?

Links: http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr4-zeiss-24mm-f1-7-for-nex-sr5-new-e-mount-lenses-within-the-next-2-3-months/

Zeiss E-mount prime for NEX - confirmed

The lens road map of the Sony E-mount (NEX) includes a Zeiss prime 24mm (36mm equiv).

No further details have been given yet, such as the aperture, the design, etc..
This only Zeiss lens in the entire E-mount lineup (upto 2012) seems more like a bragging feature, so sales at photostores can tell buyers that the NEX uses Zeiss lens(es).

Links: Photorumors

No digital Zeiss Ikon for now

Someone(anonymous) asked Zeiss Germany about digital Zeiss Ikon, Filomena Moore at Zeiss Germany replied the following:

Dear Mr.
Thank you very much for your inquiry and interest in our products.
Unfortunately, at this moment we are unable to give you a positive answer.
You never know, what the future might bring but at the moment we are not planning to manufacture it.
Best regards,
Filomena Moore

Zeiss to join MFT System Standard group, release Zeiss HD Video lenses

A news obtained from Engadget.
Not long ago, we heard Zeiss extending their CP.2 mounts to include MFT mount, and a rumor of NEX lenses on Sony. Today we hear Zeiss is joining the Micro Four Thirds Standard group, and will release Zeiss HD Video lenses. 
I believe those lenses will be more interesting than just snapping a MFT mount on their SLR line or ZM line lenses. Perhaps, it will be a specific line that's made for the new mirrorless with shorter flange distance and smaller image circle (read APS-C and MFT). Although unlikely, I am hoping they are autofocus lenses. With Olympus and Panasonic having released a bunch of Movie compatible lenses, Zeiss releasing some more manual lenses will hardly be interesting. After all, the CP.2 line already comes in MFT mount, and people have been using ZM lenses on their MFT ever since MFT came out already.

Links: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/carl-zeiss-joins-the-micro-four-thirds-revolution/