Author Topic: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E  (Read 6811 times)

atpaula

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Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« 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.
























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Aguinaldo
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bobfriedman

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #1 on: November 22, 2016, 22:57:35 »
a little mixing of apples and oranges i would say..

why not use the D5 for both??
Robert L Friedman, Massachusetts, USA
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atpaula

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #2 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.
Aguinaldo
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PedroS

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #3 on: November 22, 2016, 23:13:09 »
Many thanks, you made my decision easier...
 :P

Airy

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #4 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.
Airy Magnien

Tristin

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #5 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. 
-Tristin

atpaula

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #6 on: November 22, 2016, 23:32:30 »
Many thanks, you made my decision easier...
 :P

Which is.... and why?
Aguinaldo
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PedroS

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #7 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)

atpaula

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #8 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
Aguinaldo
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Roland Vink

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #9 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


Erik Lund

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #10 on: November 23, 2016, 23:20:00 »
Very nice look and feel from both combinations:)


Thanks for sharing
Erik Lund

JohnBrew

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #11 on: November 26, 2016, 23:13:28 »
Thank you, Aguinaldo, for this terrific comparison. I think a buying decision comes down to personal preference.

Hugh_3170

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #12 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
Hugh Gunn

atpaula

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #13 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.
Aguinaldo
Nikon / Zeiss
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PeterN

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Re: Zeiss 135mm f/2 vs AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E
« Reply #14 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.
Peter