I adore my one modern Zeiss lens - the 35mm ZF.2 f/2.0 Distagon T - on my D700. It's an absolute pleasure to use (although, like any lens, it took a bit of time to learn). I am definitely a Zeiss convert and am more than happy with them being manual focus. At the beginning of the year, when i was upgrading my kit for wedding work, i very nearly bought the 25mm f2 and the 100mm f2 - well, i did actually get them but neither were in stock for a long time so i changed my order. I ended up getting the Nikon 24mm f1.4G which is superb and even, i feel, has some of that 'pop magic' micro contrast you talk about. It was probably the best choice as a nearly all manual focus kit (apart from my trusty Nikon 85mm) for weddings might have been pushing it a bit at this stage.
I did get the 35mm later and, as i say, i love it and am using it more and more during weddings. It generally comes out pre and post ceremony as a documentary walk around although, as i've learnt to use it, it has started to come out more during couple portraits. It's also now my first choice for group shots where, at f8 or something, i don't have to worry too much about tricky focusing. Like i said, as a documentary lens is where i love it. Shots like this one...
So, yea, i've definitely got the Zeiss bug. I've actually been contemplating this last week, getting another one. There is a used 100mm f2 going but, being sensible, i'll probably hold off and get one of those in the future. I am close to getting a used 50mm f1.4 planer or the 50mm f2 makro planer though. Haven't quite decided yet. They are two very different lenses for different purposes. I can see me selling a lot of my Nikon ais lenses and getting more Zeiss in the future. Of course, i'm also drooling over the new 135mm f2 but that's a bit out of my price range for the time being!
Message edited by author 2013-10-28 07:42:49. |
