NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: atpaula on November 22, 2016, 22:51:03

Title: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: atpaula on November 22, 2016, 22:51:03
Just a few pics to compare some aspects.
Many more things to be compared, I know.
D5 w/ Zeiss and D4s w/ Nikkor.
I moved the tripod a little closer to the subject when using the Nikkor.
Thanks for looking.

(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD4S_5574_zpsfklrakfh.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD4S_5574_zpsfklrakfh.jpg.html)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD5S_4641_zpsqxb4oih7.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD5S_4641_zpsqxb4oih7.jpg.html)


(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD4S_5575_zpstqosk2zr.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD4S_5575_zpstqosk2zr.jpg.html)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD5S_4642_zps6zqdkno3.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD5S_4642_zps6zqdkno3.jpg.html)


(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD4S_5576_zpsc470se43.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD4S_5576_zpsc470se43.jpg.html)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD5S_4643_zpszz1x7wzg.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD5S_4643_zpszz1x7wzg.jpg.html)


(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD4S_5577_zpsifqedefx.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD4S_5577_zpsifqedefx.jpg.html)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD5S_4644_zpshimumpco.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD5S_4644_zpshimumpco.jpg.html)


(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD4S_5578_zpsgxk0ldnd.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD4S_5578_zpsgxk0ldnd.jpg.html)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD5S_4645_zpsxh3xo9ox.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD5S_4645_zpsxh3xo9ox.jpg.html)


(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD4S_5579_zpsfnlu1sck.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD4S_5579_zpsfnlu1sck.jpg.html)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD5S_4646_zpsr1cxbddk.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD5S_4646_zpsr1cxbddk.jpg.html)

CLOSEST FOCUS
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD4S_5580_zpsnc7hxggu.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD4S_5580_zpsnc7hxggu.jpg.html)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD5S_4647_zpsh6smmalt.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD5S_4647_zpsh6smmalt.jpg.html)

CLOSEST FOCUS
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD4S_5581_zpsbhznwsxj.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD4S_5581_zpsbhznwsxj.jpg.html)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD5S_4648_zpspwgkivtw.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD5S_4648_zpspwgkivtw.jpg.html)

CLOSEST FOCUS
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD4S_5582_zpshcmgut1f.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD4S_5582_zpshcmgut1f.jpg.html)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD5S_4649_zpsq6bzgqsc.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD5S_4649_zpsq6bzgqsc.jpg.html)


(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD4S_5583_zpsqiq2kbhn.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD4S_5583_zpsqiq2kbhn.jpg.html)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD5S_4650_zpstz7ex5bc.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD5S_4650_zpstz7ex5bc.jpg.html)


(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD4S_5584_zpshpfb01lv.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD4S_5584_zpshpfb01lv.jpg.html)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD5S_4651_zpslaecuz9o.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD5S_4651_zpslaecuz9o.jpg.html)


(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD4S_5585_zps5xnpdta5.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD4S_5585_zps5xnpdta5.jpg.html)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af237/atpaula/atpaula012/aD5S_4652_zpsqb5qmtwq.jpg) (http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/atpaula/media/atpaula012/aD5S_4652_zpsqb5qmtwq.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: bobfriedman on November 22, 2016, 22:57:35
a little mixing of apples and oranges i would say..

why not use the D5 for both??
Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: atpaula on November 22, 2016, 23:06:52
a little mixing of apples and oranges i would say..

why not use the D5 for both??

Because I don't like switching lenses all the time.
I have only one D5.
Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: PedroS on November 22, 2016, 23:13:09
Many thanks, you made my decision easier...
 :P
Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: Airy on November 22, 2016, 23:14:37
indeed, the first two pics shot at f/3.5 have quite different tones that are probably due to the camera (sensor, settings...) rather than the lens. By the way I prefer the shot done with the 105/1.4 in this particular case - tone spectrum is much more rich.
Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: Tristin on November 22, 2016, 23:18:31
Didn't notice the different bodies, I was initially surprised by the better color of the Zeiss.  Surprised to see the Nikon exhibiting smoother bokeh. 
Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: atpaula on November 22, 2016, 23:32:30
Many thanks, you made my decision easier...
 :P

Which is.... and why?
Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: PedroS on November 22, 2016, 23:41:38
Which is.... and why?

I always consider the Zeiss 135mm as a landmark... never bought it because of MF. I know, I know, but I'm lazy...
Now I could have the same, better (?), IQ, booked, more speed and AF...
Now you know my decision  8)
Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: atpaula on November 22, 2016, 23:47:34
I always consider the Zeiss 135mm as a landmark... never bought it because of MF. I know, I know, but I'm lazy...
Now I could have the same, better (?), IQ, booked, more speed and AF...
Now you know my decision  8)

Now I have to ask Nikon for some $$$$.
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: Roland Vink on November 23, 2016, 21:38:28
It's never easy comparing lenses with different focal length and aperture, at least they have similar entrance pupil wide open so that equalises things a bit. Framing the subject similarly (by changing the distance for each lens) seems like a sensible approach in this case.

In terms of colour, the Zeiss looks a little cleaner, brighter. The Nikon looks slightly more muted and mellow. This could be due to the different cameras, so cannot come to any firm conclusions here.

In terms of bokeh, the Nikon looks a little smoother, rounder, in spite of its shorter focal length. The Zeiss is good but the backgrounds have a slightly more textured appearance.

The close focus ability of the Zeiss is impressive and a point in its favour.

On the basis of this comparison, the Zeiss lives up to its reputation for a very clean "clinical" rendition. The Nikon is a smoother, a bit more character. For portraiture I'd choose the Nikon. For landscape and closeups, I'd go with Zeiss. Actually I go with neither, can't afford this type of glass! :o

Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: Erik Lund on November 23, 2016, 23:20:00
Very nice look and feel from both combinations:)


Thanks for sharing
Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: JohnBrew on November 26, 2016, 23:13:28
Thank you, Aguinaldo, for this terrific comparison. I think a buying decision comes down to personal preference.
Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: Hugh_3170 on November 27, 2016, 00:59:31
Aguinaldo, thank you very much for posting these comparisons.  Two great lenses.  Now all we need to do is to find a CV125 for you in good working order!  ;D
Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: atpaula on November 27, 2016, 17:05:58
It's never easy comparing lenses with different focal length and aperture, at least they have similar entrance pupil wide open so that equalises things a bit. Framing the subject similarly (by changing the distance for each lens) seems like a sensible approach in this case.

In terms of colour, the Zeiss looks a little cleaner, brighter. The Nikon looks slightly more muted and mellow. This could be due to the different cameras, so cannot come to any firm conclusions here.

In terms of bokeh, the Nikon looks a little smoother, rounder, in spite of its shorter focal length. The Zeiss is good but the backgrounds have a slightly more textured appearance.

The close focus ability of the Zeiss is impressive and a point in its favour.

On the basis of this comparison, the Zeiss lives up to its reputation for a very clean "clinical" rendition. The Nikon is a smoother, a bit more character. For portraiture I'd choose the Nikon. For landscape and closeups, I'd go with Zeiss. Actually I go with neither, can't afford this type of glass! :o

Thank you Roland for seeing the positive aspects of my incomplete test.

Thanks too Erik and Hugh.
Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: PeterN on December 20, 2016, 08:49:47
Thank you for sharing your findings. It is helpful. I find the bokeh of the Zeiss more pleasing in the photos where you use an equal aperture but it may have been influenced by other factors (eg distance). It does not surprise me that zeiss renders warmer.

The Zeiss is indeed a benchmark lens (at least to me) so this is helpful despite the limitations of your field test.
Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
Post by: Erik Lund on December 20, 2016, 09:38:57
Yes it is becoming quite clear that the Bokeh of the 105mm can be/often is swirly due to the out of focus highlight circles are cut off quite abruptly in the outer zones of the lens.

A feature that one can use or disguise in several ways,,,

The differences in white balance is mostly due to post processing IMHO