Wide Zeiss Glass

Digifrog

Digifrog

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Scott
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Hi TP

Just wondered if anyone had any opinions on a choice of 2 lenses. The 2 lenses in question is the Zeiss 18mm T* and the Zeiss 21mm T*. I know it's only 3mm but what would choose and why?

Ta
 
There is no such thing as "only 3mm" at the wide end it make a masive diffrence. The 21mm and 100mm zeiss get write ups that say that it is as good as you can exspect a lens to be,

the 18mm isn't quite so good but still a pretty amazing lens.

however it is always better to here from somebody that owns the lens and I don't own either,

Stuart
 
I know it does not help much but I would love the 21mm. Unless you want to go crazy with the perspective 21mm is as wide as I would ever need. But I am on full frame..
 
Thanks. Aye, I like messing with perspectives too, especially when it comes to interior/exterior architecture. This is where I think 18mm would be better. My main interest though is landscape and here I suppose it wouldn't matter too much if it were 18mm or 21mm. I agree though, 3mm can make a lot of difference. It's a tough choice.
 
Can I ask what sort of lens do you currently have?

I have a friend who's looking for really wide for landscape, same situation you're in. He's already got the 24-70 AF-S, 50/1.8, 70-300 VR and 85/1.4 .. my advice would be to simply upgrade the D90 (his) to a D700 and issue solved.

The 21 CZ is simply amazing, can't say anything more about it. I wanted to go for it, or the 18mm, but saw the 21 to be better. The price had kept me off either, hence why I went for the Voigtlander 20mm.
 
The 21mm without any doubt.

The 21mm Distagon is a classic. The 18mm is a bit "meh!" from what I've seen, and I reckon the Voightlander 20mm would be a better choice there.
 
Wail said:
Can I ask what sort of lens do you currently have?

I have a friend who's looking for really wide for landscape, same situation you're in. He's already got the 24-70 AF-S, 50/1.8, 70-300 VR and 85/1.4 .. my advice would be to simply upgrade the D90 (his) to a D700 and issue solved.

The 21 CZ is simply amazing, can't say anything more about it. I wanted to go for it, or the 18mm, but saw the 21 to be better. The price had kept me off either, hence why I went for the Voigtlander 20mm.
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Presently I'm shooting with the Sigma 10-20mm. But this is on the Nikon D80. I'm looking to attach the Zeiss to FF, possibly the 5DMkii.

If you're friend wants to stay with DX format, you can't go far wrong with the Tokina 11-16, or better still the Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G DX ED. Ken Rockwell will explain more thoroughly
 
Yes, the Tokina is a very good and for the price it's going at, it's excellent.

Personally, I'm not too keen on anything wider than 24mm on FF, and even the 20mm Voigt. hardly gets much use other than for very weird landscapes that I toy with.

Since you're looking to put this on FF, I'd suggest either the 21mm CZ or the 20mm Voigt.
 
I owned a Nikon fit 18mm and it was simply stunning. Colour, sharpness and contrast were out of this world and distortion levels very good for such a wide lens.

However, from what I understand the 21 is equally good so I guess it comes down to how wide you want to go, the difference between 21 and 18 is actually pretty big
 
21mm is the better lens in terms of IQ for MTF, CA, and distortion.

the main problem with these zeiss lenses is the levels of vignetting while the 18mm has a complex mustache distortion.
 
Thanks for the input.

POAH said:
21mm is the better lens in terms of IQ for MTF, CA, and distortion.

the main problem with these zeiss lenses is the levels of vignetting while the 18mm has a complex mustache distortion.
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Vignetting? As in fall off? From what I've read there is very little fall off on a lens of this quality. BTW what is MTF? :s

Ian - any particular reason for your answer? I know 21 on a FF will be wide but is it wide enough? Needless to say I'm still undecided.
 
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