[Leica] OT - Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* lens

[robert.rose at mac.com (Robert Rose)]

Frank,

I have the Nikon version of this Zeiss lens.  You can buy a review here:
http://diglloyd.com/diglloyd/ReviewInfo.html

or read the review of the Nikon version (for free) here:
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/255-zeiss-planar-zf-t-50mm-f14-review--lab-test-report

The typical criticism of this lens is the harsh bokeh wide open.

Here is my experience on a D300.  I got a special split screen  
focusing screen so that I could focus the lens.  Without that it is  
very hard to focus with the typical screen in a DSLR.  Even so, it is  
still hard to focus.  You have a focus assist on the Nikon for manual  
lenses, but that makes use very slow, while you check the screen.   
Further, the assist isn't that accurate.  Manual focus on the M8 is  
way way better than the DSLR split screen.  I also found the focus  
ring to be a bit stiff; maybe that would release over time.   
Otherwise, the mechanical quality is very high; reminds me of Leica.

Now to the optical quality.  It is better than the Nikon f/1.4 D wide  
open for contrast and resolution, but the bokeh on the Nikon D is  
smoother.  I just got the new Nikon f/1.4 G lens, and this new lens  
seems better than the Zeiss wide open, and the auto focus on the D300  
is better and more consistent than the Zeiss.  Also, the bokeh on the  
G lens is smoother.

At f/8 I can't tell any difference between any of these lenses.

So, my feeling is that the Nikon version is not worth the premium over  
the new Nikon G lens, and I intend to sell it.  Actually, I think I  
will post it tonight.  I am not familiar with Canon 50 mm lenses,  
however.

In short, you got the Canon in part for auto-focus.  Stick with high  
end Canon glass.  If you want to manual focus, grab your Leica.

Regards,
Bob Rose


Message: 28
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:47:24 -0600
From: "Frank F.Farmer" <summicron@comcast.net>
Subject: [Leica] OT - Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* lens
To: Leica Users Group <lug@leica-users.org>
Message-ID: <2226960A-68D2-46B9-AB48-BFDEE3D853D4@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

Greetings all,

Has anyone had an opportunity to use this lens on a Canon digital
body?  I was hoping for a hands on review (particularly as is compares
to Canon's own f/1.4 50mm lens).

I think the lens is pretty new.  Dpreview doesn't have a review up
either.  Supposedly it has electrical contacts that preserve pretty
much every function the Canon digital bodies have, except autofocus.
Just wondering if it was worth the $600.

Thanks, as always, in advance.

Peace,
Frank Farmer
Jackson, Miss.

P.S. - forgive me if this has already been discussed.  I checked the
archives and didn't find anything on the Canon EF-mount Zeiss lenses.