28 June 2008
What’s included?
This lens review covers the Zeiss ZF lens line as of June 2008, and covers the following seven lenses in detail:
- 25mm f/2.8 Distagon T*
- 28mm f/2 Distagon T*
- 35mm f/2 Distagon T*
- 50mm f/1.4 Planar T*
- 50mm f/2 Makro-Planar T*
- 85mm f/1.4 Planar T*
- 100mm f/2 Makro-Planar T*
Hundreds of hours of shooting, tests, and analysis went into preparing this review from June 2007 through February 2008; this is the most complete and comprehensive review of the Zeiss ZF lens line available today. Nothing like it is available anywhere else, at any price. The following are included as general topics:
- A general overview and discussion of the Zeiss ZF lens line, based on eight months of shooting all seven ZF lenses (6 weeks for the 28/2 Distagon);
- MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) discussion in general, and for each lens;
- Curvature of field (for certain models);
- Extensive discussion of resolution chart and testing issues;
- A general discussion on bokeh (out of focus image rendition) with extensive examples for each lens;
- Sensor size and lens performance on different sensor sizes;
- Sample variation discussion based on two samples of each lens;
- Subtleties of image rendition;
- Focus shift and how to mitigate it;
- Tips for accurate focusing.
- Advice and recommendations
Of course, there are numerous examples, minimally compressed—that’s why the review is nearly 300MB! In addition, each lens in the review includes the following:
- Overview and discussion of each lens;
- Multiple examples, including 1536-pixel-wide images (some larger), actual-pixels crops, all minimally compressed for maximum detail and fidelity to the originals;
- Bokeh (out of focus image rendition);
- Resolution chart;
- Direct A/B comparison(s) with other lenses (Canon EF and/or Nikon).
The review is approximately 290 megabytes due to the size and number of the examples. You may print it for reading if you prefer, but it’s best read using your web-browser to allow easy navigation, “mouse overs” for comparisons and ease of viewing the larger images.
Learn about lenses
Not sure you’re really interested in a manual focus lens in Nikon mount? Well, if you have interest in high performance optics, this review offers so much more than just lens-specific tests; the supporting material offers tremendous value all on its own, even if you’re sticking with Nikon or Canon lenses. You will gain insight into what lens performance really means, how to evaluate lenses, and how to sidestep the pitfalls and myths that so many photographers encounter. You’ll never look at a generic lens review (elsewhere) quite the same way again.
Practical advice
The Zeiss ZF Lenses review captures what was learned in eight months of ongoing use of Zeiss ZF lenses under field conditions. You’ll get a head start understanding the strengths and limitations of these remarkable lenses. It is not one of those misleading “by the numbers” reviews (although resolution charts do form a part it). It’s a review from the perspective of a photographer wishing to make satisfying and compelling images.
Save money
Buy what will be most useful to you! Understand in advance whether the Zeiss ZF line is appropriate for your photography, what the limitations and compromises are, and which lenses you might find most useful.
Nikon mount, tested on Canon
The Zeiss ZF lens line uses the Nikon “F” lens mount, but most testing was done using Canon digital bodies: the 10.1-megapixel Canon EOS 1D Mark III and the 16.7-megapixel Canon EOS 1D Mark II, mounting the ZF lenses using adapters (but see 2nd paragraph below).
Using Canon bodies was really the only choice to explore the full performance of the ZF lenses because prior to December 2007 because no full-frame Nikon camera existed. Testing the lenses on the relatively small Nikon “DX” sensor cameras would have meant testing only 43% of the sensor/film area the lenses are designed to cover. So the decision was made to test on Canon EOS bodies so as to provide a more accurate view of lens performance on large sensors.
The current version of Zeiss ZF Lenses is not a “redo” for the Nikon D3, but it does include examples for all lenses using either/or the 12.2MP Nikon D3, and the 21.1MP Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III. However, the 28/2 Distagon was reviewed entirely on the full-frame Nikon D3 and Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III. All future updates will use the Nikon D3 and Canon 1DsM3. Commentary is included on smaller and larger sensor sizes; the review is eminently suitable for all sensor sizes.
Update policy
Minor updates, corrections, etc have always been free with diglloyd.com reviews.
A major update would likely require a reasonable upgrade fee because it would include new lenses, which means a huge amount of new effort, not to mention the cost of purchasing the lens(es).
What does it cost?
Zeiss ZF Lenses offers tremendous value—it’s a true bargain. Even if you don’t plan on buying a Zeiss ZF lens, there is a wealth of supporting material, valuable when considering any optic from any manufacturer! Presentation is high quality, with numerous examples, cross-links, etc to make reading easy and pleasant. The writing quality is professional, and the content is written to be accessible to beginners and advanced users alike, taking care to explain (with examples) important concepts.
The Zeiss ZF Lenses review costs $48.95 USD, payable via PayPal (preferred) or personal check or money order (contact diglloyd Inc for the latter). That price represents less than 1% of the cost of the ZF lens line. Here in California, it’s also about the same as the sales tax on just the least expensive ZF lens. So it’s really a bargain as the closest thing to “try before you buy”. You will not be disappointed.
Licensing
The review is licensed to a single person only; providing it/leaving it available, etc to another person/party in any form is theft—thank you for respecting the time and effort that went into preparing it. You may read it/view it on up to two computers. The license is tied to the beneficial purchaser; you may not transfer or resell it, and you may not post images or samples or text from it in any form.
Purchase
Before purchasing, please check current delivery status—email responses to purchases are handled manually, and out of town trips sometimes lack internet access.
Download only, $48.95 USD
PLEASE READ: Within 24 hours of receiving payment, you will receive an email containing a password to download the review. The password is usually good for 48 hours. If you run out of time, simply contact us for a new password.
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For various reasons (spam filters, etc), diglloyd email sent to purchasers is sometimes not received. If you do not receive a response within 24 hours, check this page, and also check the delivery status page. Otherwise, contact diglloyd.com.
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Comments from readers
These are unsolicited comments.
Discussion groups
“The review is payable, but worth every penny”@ dpreview.com forum
“These are some of the most thorough well presented lens tests I've ever had the pleasure of reading@ FredMiranda.com forum
Email comments
Dennis C., May 26, 2008:
Lots of good information in your review. I can't say I've compared every pixel, but in general it answered my big questions about the Zeiss ZF line. Super job! Having attempted some lens comparisons myself I know how much effort you put into this...Regardless, you've provided ample useful information to make informed purchasing decisions in these areas. For which I am very grateful. Your reviews provide a level of substance seriously lacking in other reviewers.
Beng C., May 15, 2008:
Thanks for the wonderful review. Thinking of buying these lenses...
Molly H., May 10, 2008:
...Excellent report, by the way.
Oren G., May 09, 2008:
It's got lots of useful information and must have taken a huge amount of work...It does a terrific job of making clear just how complex the behavior of a lens can be, and how challenging it is to do a good job of characterizing it.
Frank B., May 08, 2008:
I've read it over and over, just love it. And reading it is going to cost me way more than your fee...
Jeffrey S., May 03, 2008:
I've read and enjoyed very much your review. Lots of rich information that we never see on other reviews. Well worth the cost, and I'm very satisfied.
Ivo N., May 01, 2008:
I read your review and I think It's wonderful and really well done. I think you've done a really great
job and produced IMHO the best review and comparison of lenses that I've ever seen (I'm currently buying
4-5 photographic magazines a month and surf around all international sites), because done with different samples, a lot
of similar lens test (Nikon, Canon, Zeiss) on the same DSLR basing on real examples and basing on all the parameters:
test chart, bokeh, tonal color rendition, curvature of field, contrast with real life examples images 100% crop (it would
be fantastic to have images at full resolution not only crops). My congratulations.
DIGLLOYD: full-resolution images would balloon the 300MB download size to 10-20GB or more, so it’s not really feasible at present. But a future online version will offer at least some full-res images, and possibly raw files too. The entire-frame examples are complemented by one or more generously-sized and minimally-compressed actual-pixels crops for each image.
Jeff B., April 30, 2008:
I wanted to pass along a few comments about your Zeiss ZF article. First of all, the practical photographic examples are very helpful as these demonstrate the unique image rendering characteristics of this lens line versus resolution targets. I was sold after reading your article and made my first investment in the 100/2 makro and the 28/2 to go with my Nikon D3...I will certainly be adding to my lens arsenal with a few more Zeiss ZF lenses. And thanks to you for your very complete and informative analysis of this wonderful lens line.
Nico G., April 30, 2008:
Anyway, thanks again for your reviews. I'd much rather pay for thorough, well executed and documented reviews than left wanting with so many free reviews that one can find on the internet.
Matthew C., April 26, 2008:
I liked your Zeiss ZF review - perfect for making an exhaustively informed purchasing decision.
Richard L., April 25, 2008:
Great review article on Zeiss ZF lens! Thanks for all your help the article answered all my questions.
Ivo N., April 20, 2008:
I've learned of your site on ... and found your tests very interesting and well done.
Jaka S., April 20, 2008:
Thanks again for your fantastic review of Zeiss ZF lenses, they are most used on my D3. Have 28,35,50,100/2 and 85/1.4 and the pictures coming out are simply stunning using Nikon/Zeiss combination.
F.G., April 8, 2008:
Your Zeiss lens review was well worth the money. I learned a lot about lenses in general besides the Zeiss line. I look forward to purchasin
Hans V, March 29, 2008:
The review is very interesting. I'm not halfway through it yet and I already learned a lot of things.
I'm getting a better understanding of these wonderful lenses and I'll get more out of them after reading your
review...The review is great and is worth every penny.
Gary K, March 19, 2008:
I compare your work in this review of the ZF lenses to the appraisal of the value versus price of the
ZF 100/2....A BARGAIN! Very well done! ... Back to your review, your comparisons lens vs lens are priceless. The depth
you enter into is wonderful. I like the mouse overs! Your writing style gave me the feeling of talking with a peer, relaxed,
looking at slides atmosphere, but someone who knows his stuff.
I learned a lot about field curvature, (25 & 28mm) and its uses to enhance photos. Very useful. I can see a use for
this "predictable defect" with trains at night. Again, the review brings this out, knowing the lens displays
this defect and buying it is one thing, etc. Very helpful. I can only recall seeing this defect mentioned in ANY lens
review on one other reviewers site!
Very helpful writing contrasting the 25 and 28. I will take your advice and go for the 28/2 and the 100/2. For
now. I can see where the 100/2 could be "different" focusing for night shots, after focusing the 35/2. I believe
using these ZF lenses, and reading your review of them make me a better photographer. Not easy to do, LOL!
I'm very impressed and grateful for your time and effort in this masterful review. Well Done!
Michael G, March 12, 2008:
I just wanted to say, that after reading your Zeiss Lens review over and over again (it is really worth the money, I can easily see how much effort has gone into it). Your example images show so much rendered beauty, that I need to get them...
Mike Johnston of The Online Photographer, Feb 19 2008:
One bright spot in this otherwise dull month is that I've whiled away a number of hours perusing Lloyd Chambers' voluminous and detailed reviews of the Zeiss manual-focus single-focal-length lenses manufactured in Japan and available for both Nikon and Pentax mounts ... Lloyd's lens reviews may not say everything that could possibly be said, but they invite that conclusion, and he hits a nice balance between technical tests and descriptions and practical visual information. I can certainly appreciate the immense amount of work and preparation that go into his reviews. [more]
Samuli V, 25 February 2008
Your Zeiss ZF review was very good and informative.
Al D, 08 February 2008
I have read a good portion of the review and am very pleased to say the least. There is a lot more in there to digest other than just the information about the Zeiss lens. I think it is great and I know I will use it as a resource again and again over time.
Janez S, 28 january 2008
Thank you for extremely useful/interesting and differently prepared review, got some new ideas...
Jim K, 28 january 2008
Thank you again for the advice and the excellent ZF review...thanks again and keep shooting!
Mike S, 13 january 2008
Thanks for the review!
Erwin B, 12 january 2008
...totally enjoy your thorough work and clear explanations
Mike S, 06 january 2008
I’ve started glancing through the review and it looks excellent...your review was exactly what I needed to (I think) convince me that for my intended use the Zeiss glass will offer performance advantages over the canon 35L.
Trond S, 01 january 2008
I am reading your report with great interest!
Luis G, 24 December 2007
Very good Zeiss article! Makes me want to get the 100 Makro. My new Zeiss 85/1.4 is waiting for me at the post office.
MichaeL J, 12 December 2007
...I've spent quite a bit of time with it already. Nice job!
Jack G, 01 December 2007
I am still reading your Zeiss ZF lenses review. A lot of useful great information. Actually I like it a lot!
Pete Myers, fine arts photographer, Nov 29 2007
Lloyd Chambers provides masterful insight into the function and performance of the Zeiss ZF series lenses through his review. It is a 'must read' for any one interested in the realm of high performance imaging, and I highly recommend it!
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