NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: PeterN on August 23, 2015, 16:18:45

Title: Zeiss 135mm APO Sonnar F2 ZF.2
Post by: PeterN on August 23, 2015, 16:18:45

If there is one thing I regret, it is selling the Zeiss 135mm Apo Sonnar lens. I sold it because my eyes started to fail me in manual focusing (even with an EVF) but to me it is one of those special lenses. It is like no other lens I owned (which does not mean a lot, I am afraid).

Herewith some photos taken with the Fuji X-T1 and the Zeiss lens:

(http://www.visualcue.photography/img/s9/v18/p1416962963-4.jpg)

(http://www.visualcue.photography/img/s5/v124/p1416963803-4.jpg)

(http://www.visualcue.photography/img/s7/v153/p1416966349-4.jpg)

(http://www.visualcue.photography/img/s4/v67/p1416960001-4.jpg)

(http://www.visualcue.photography/img/s4/v67/p1416959235-4.jpg)

(http://www.visualcue.photography/img/s3/v41/p1416960907-4.jpg)

(http://www.visualcue.photography/img/s8/v75/p1416968969-4.jpg)

A close to 1:1 crop:
(http://www.visualcue.photography/img/s8/v83/p1416969896-4.jpg)

Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm APO Sonnar F2 ZF.2
Post by: pluton on August 23, 2015, 19:38:13

I tried the ZF.2 135 for a few days, and found that my ability to eye focus was affected by the [in my opinion]incorrectly designed focusing grip of the lens barrel.  They made the active focusing surface take up almost the whole barrel, instead of leaving a broad, non-rotating portion that allows one to grip the lens solidly. 

Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm APO Sonnar F2 ZF.2
Post by: Jakov Minić on August 23, 2015, 20:12:44

Here is a cheap version of the Zeiss, just not sure if the quality matches, but it does say APO :)

http://shop.zenit-foto.ru/ob-ektivy/telezenitar-n-2-8-135-detail

Your images are nice :)
The mountain top being my favorite.

Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm APO Sonnar F2 ZF.2
Post by: PeterN on August 24, 2015, 08:55:49

Quote from: Jakov Minic on August 23, 2015, 20:12:44

Here is a cheap version of the Zeiss, just not sure if the quality matches, but it does say APO :)

http://shop.zenit-foto.ru/ob-ektivy/telezenitar-n-2-8-135-detail

Your images are nice :)
The mountain top being my favorite.

Thank you. I don't have clue what is written there. My Russian language skills are a bit rusty these days. ;-)
So I browsed for "review zenit 135mm APO" and could not find anything except for the price, which is pretty good!
But no MF lens for me; that will make me regret selling the lens even more.

I've heard that the Zeiss should have been part of the Otus line but that name was not "invented" at the time of the launch of the lens. So basically it is a steal for that price if you compare to the other Otus lenses. I think it combines well with the high resolution cameras.

Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm APO Sonnar F2 ZF.2
Post by: PeterN on August 24, 2015, 09:05:53

Quote from: pluton on August 23, 2015, 19:38:13

I tried the ZF.2 135 for a few days, and found that my ability to eye focus was affected by the [in my opinion]incorrectly designed focusing grip of the lens barrel.  They made the active focusing surface take up almost the whole barrel, instead of leaving a broad, non-rotating portion that allows one to grip the lens solidly.

I did not have any problems with that. Actually I was quite pleased with the design and handling. The lens enables accurate focusing. Unfortunately my eyes did not. Inside the house it worked well with an EVF. Outside was a problem (I also wear glasses).

Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm APO Sonnar F2 ZF.2
Post by: Jørgen Ramskov on August 27, 2015, 15:13:52

it's very easy to see why you like that lens.

Title: Re: Zeiss 135mm APO Sonnar F2 ZF.2
Post by: PeterN on August 27, 2015, 15:46:59

Quote from: Jørgen Ramskov on August 27, 2015, 15:13:52

it's very easy to see why you like that lens.

Yes, it is tempting to look for another one. If only...