Zeiss 35mm F/1.4 Distagon ZE

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dancook

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I'm in the business for a 35mm 1.4, been looking at the Canon until I came across this Zeiss.

I can find very few online retailers who sell this in the UK, maybe it's not even officially out here yet.

Out of interest.... where would people recommend sourcing one of these?

Thanks
 
Looks like Clifton Cameras have one in stock. More expensive though.
 
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If you want manual focus I'd probably save £1k and buy a Samyang. I'd get the 35L if I wanted a fast 35 for Canon. What are you using it for primarily?
 
Primarily: nature, creative-still life, portrait photos of my partner

I don't have a vast array of lenses, I enjoy primes. My main lens currently is 85mm 1.2L II, I just find there are times when I need to get wider.

Knowing the AF is slow on the 85mm, and not a strong point of the 5D II - I really only using manual focus anyway

photostream here http://www.flickr.com/photos/62198876@N02/

I have read a lot of wonderous things about the Zeiss.
 
The Canon 35mm f/1.4L is one of the best reasons I can think of for owning a 5d2. I'm a bit of a Zeiss fanboy but the thought of a 5d2 with the 35L is very tempting indeed.
 
Thanks, I'm still edging towards the Zeiss.. even though the Samyang is great value for money - I just can't help myself:)
 
dancook said:
- I just can't help myself:)
Click to expand...

Welcome to the slippery slope :D

I have the 35/2 and 25/2.8 now looking to add the 50/1.4 ... I have avoided the temptation of the really expensive 21/2.8 and the 100/2 so far.

Beautifully engineered lenses, but really naff lens caps ;)
 
I have tried 35mm/1.4 ZF version and own 35mm/2 ZF.2 and recently have bought 25mm/2.8 ZF.2.

All I can say is if had money, would have gone for 35/1.4 but more than satisfied with my 35/2 and it does outperform any nikon versions including new AFS ones..:D
 
Is there a difference between ZE and ZF? I've seen HFT mentioned too?

jeez..
 
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dancook said:
Is there a difference between ZE and ZF? I've seen HFT mentioned too?

jeez..
Click to expand...

Physically yes, as most of ZE ones are shaped different to ZF but optically are same.
Not aware of any HFT coating on any of ZE or ZF lenses.

You should have a look at FM Forums and this particular thread about 35/1.4

:thumbs:
 
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dancook said:
Is there a difference between ZE and ZF? I've seen HFT mentioned too?

jeez..
Click to expand...

Apart from the mount, the only other difference I'm aware of is that the focus ring direction is reversed for the ZF mount to match Nikon's own lenses.

Bob
 
You won't be disappointed in the Zeiss if you go for it. Just bear in mind punting it on you might take a hit. You can rent the Zeiss from lenspimp might save you a fortune in the long run.
 
If you're steering clear of the 35L because you're worried about 5D2 AF after using the 85L on it, don't. The 85L is a hell of a lot of glass, the 35L is a fair bit less; AF is much faster.
 
Thanks Ksanti, hmm 2 AF or not 2 AF.... that is the question :)

I just want the most magical image a lens can 'draw' :)
 
Another thumbs up for the Samyang 35mm f/1.4 lens, I love what it does, and it's not that expensive either.

Shot this today, hand-held at f/1.4, NO editing at all, straight j-peg from Canon 5D Mk1;


7681_vivid.jpg
 
Ordered it from Amazon marketplace, "used - like new" - spoke with the seller and I'm happy.

Glad I found a used one really, it was over my budget new.. and only a little over my budget used.
 
I just hope I can still find a place for my 85mm 1.2L - I must share the love..
 
The 85L I like for portraits, the 35 Zeiss for a walkabout or environmental portraits. If I was a big landscape shooter the 21mm Zeiss would get the nod giving a 21/35/85 combo which is a nice spread. Congratulations on the lens though, not one you see everyday.
 
No need to be jealous when faced with the option of Zeiss some people recommend Samyang :)
 
I'm don't really know how to review a lens.. and what you're all actually interested in seeing.

I haven't had much opportunity to take interesting photographs but I thought I'd share this, whilst it isn't anything to write home about - I think having taken it at 1.4 the sharpness is pretty impressive. (even before it was tweaked in LR4.)


Zeiss @ 1.4 by dancook1982, on Flickr

I also took this, not that it's any testament to the lens...:) just something I saw whilst going to get a spot of lunch.


Robot Torture Device by dancook1982, on Flickr
 
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Have a look at the 1.4 thread in FM forums.

Here is a shot taken at f2 with my Zeiss 35mm:D

7146495911_c12eda42ee_b.jpg
[/url]
_DSC8022 by raj_kemp, on Flickr[/IMG]
 
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