Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

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<p><strong>From B&H Photo

</strong>B&H Photo has posted a <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/indepth/photography/hands-reviews/zeiss-otus-55mm-f14-apo-distagon?BI=2466&KBID=3296" target="_blank">quick review by Lloyd Chambers</a> of the highly anticipated Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon lens. People are expecting this lens to set a new standard in SLR lens performance.</p>
<p><strong>Says Lloyd

</strong><em>“Photographers looking for the very best in imaging quality need look no further. When everything is considered, the Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon is without a doubt the finest lens ever produced for a 35mm SLR or DSLR (or rangefinder). It sets a new benchmark.</em></p>
<p><em>The Otus 55mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon on a high-resolution DSLR makes a strong challenge to medium format on total imaging quality (not just resolution). Moreover, in resolution terms, the 55mm f/1.4 has ample reserves for a future 60/70/80-megapixel DSLR.”</em></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1007599-REG/zeiss_2010_056_55mm_f_1_4_otus_lens.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon $3999</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/indepth/photography/hands-reviews/zeiss-otus-55mm-f14-apo-distagon?BI=2466&KBID=3296" target="_blank">Read Full Review</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>
 
#2
Re: Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

dilbert said:
Look, the reviewer obviously hasn't read the commentary on this website regarding the lens because quite clearly, without autofocus, this lens is not worth $4000 and nobody will buy it without autofocus, even if it is the sharpest lens since the big bang.
Click to expand...

True, but to get the most from a lens like this it needs to be on a tripod, lessening the need for auto focus. Now, I'd love to own a copy with AF for under $2000, but I'm not holding my breath waiting for that.
 
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#3
Re: Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

dilbert said:
Look, the reviewer obviously hasn't read the commentary on this website regarding the lens because quite clearly, without autofocus, this lens is not worth $4000 and nobody will buy it without autofocus, even if it is the sharpest lens since the big bang.
Click to expand...

Manual focusing is a very minor inconvenience.
 
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#6
Re: Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

dilbert said:
Look, the reviewer obviously hasn't read the commentary on this website regarding the lens because quite clearly, without autofocus, this lens is not worth $4000 and nobody will buy it without autofocus, even if it is the sharpest lens since the big bang.
Click to expand...
Nobody will buy it? Leica's entire M lens line is manual focus and in the price range of $1,500 to $11,000. They sell as many as they can make, so photographers certainly do buy expensive manual focus lenses. Not every photographer has the same needs, or the same budget.
 
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#7
Re: Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

zlatko said:
dilbert said:
Look, the reviewer obviously hasn't read the commentary on this website regarding the lens because quite clearly, without autofocus, this lens is not worth $4000 and nobody will buy it without autofocus, even if it is the sharpest lens since the big bang.
Click to expand...
Nobody will buy it? Leica's entire M lens line is manual focus and in the price range of $1,500 to $11,000. They sell as many as they can make, so photographers certainly do buy expensive manual focus lenses. Not every photographer has the same needs, or the same budget.
Click to expand...

"as many as the make" indeed, there's ONE guy putting them together. But the Leica people have a completely different patience than Canikon people do. I used to work at a shop were we sold Leica and if a lens had to be serviced 3 months was FAST, and 5-6 months the average to wait, lol. And here their 24 f1.4 is 8400 usd ;D
 
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#8
Re: Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

Viggo said:
zlatko said:
dilbert said:
Look, the reviewer obviously hasn't read the commentary on this website regarding the lens because quite clearly, without autofocus, this lens is not worth $4000 and nobody will buy it without autofocus, even if it is the sharpest lens since the big bang.
Click to expand...
Nobody will buy it? Leica's entire M lens line is manual focus and in the price range of $1,500 to $11,000. They sell as many as they can make, so photographers certainly do buy expensive manual focus lenses. Not every photographer has the same needs, or the same budget.
Click to expand...

"as many as the make" indeed, there's ONE guy putting them together. But the Leica people have a completely different patience than Canikon people do. I used to work at a shop were we sold Leica and if a lens had to be serviced 3 months was FAST, and 5-6 months the average to wait, lol. And here their 24 f1.4 is 8400 usd ;D
Click to expand...

One guy? Not really. And they do sell. The idea that "no one" will buy a $4k manual focus lens is unfounded. It won't sell a lot, but it will sell. The initial samples online look superb, easily comparable with Leica lenses in the same price range. Based on that, this lens will sell.
 
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#9
Re: Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

zlatko said:
Viggo said:
zlatko said:
dilbert said:
Look, the reviewer obviously hasn't read the commentary on this website regarding the lens because quite clearly, without autofocus, this lens is not worth $4000 and nobody will buy it without autofocus, even if it is the sharpest lens since the big bang.
Click to expand...
Nobody will buy it? Leica's entire M lens line is manual focus and in the price range of $1,500 to $11,000. They sell as many as they can make, so photographers certainly do buy expensive manual focus lenses. Not every photographer has the same needs, or the same budget.
Click to expand...

"as many as the make" indeed, there's ONE guy putting them together. But the Leica people have a completely different patience than Canikon people do. I used to work at a shop were we sold Leica and if a lens had to be serviced 3 months was FAST, and 5-6 months the average to wait, lol. And here their 24 f1.4 is 8400 usd ;D
Click to expand...

One guy? Not really. And they do sell. The idea that "no one" will buy a $4k manual focus lens is unfounded. It won't sell a lot, but it will sell. The initial samples online look superb, easily comparable with Leica lenses in the same price range. Based on that, this lens will sell.
Click to expand...

I wasn't really being that literal ::) But you can see the name of the guy who put it together, that says something.

And I have never said the 55 is too expensive, I am the first person who posted about this here lens when I first heard about it and have been waiting a long time for. Unfortunately they took too long so I bought the 200 f2 instead. Someday I will buy the Zeiss, it looks to perform in the way they hyped it.

I saw (almost) the same 3D pop from a 55 image as I get with the 200, and that is waaay above any other 50 I've seen.
 
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#12
Re: Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

I hate to say it but I do find the lack of autofocus a little bummer at the price point of this lens... Hasselblad and Schneider lenses are at a similar price point (and market according to the review) and offer autofocus. That being said, Zeiss doesn't have much footwork in autofocus, so maybe it's just best they stick with that they know.

I love Zeiss products, own a full set of primes for my Contax 35mm SLR, but this lens isn't in my price point. I'm sure it'll sell though!
 
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#13
Re: Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

dilbert said:
Look, the reviewer obviously hasn't read the commentary on this website regarding the lens because quite clearly, without autofocus, this lens is not worth $4000 and nobody will buy it without autofocus, even if it is the sharpest lens since the big bang.
Click to expand...

And how would you conclude this?
 
Upvote 0
#16
Re: Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

dilbert said:
Look, the reviewer obviously hasn't read the commentary on this website regarding the lens because quite clearly, without autofocus, this lens is not worth $4000 and nobody will buy it without autofocus, even if it is the sharpest lens since the big bang.
Click to expand...

um....for you.
I cannot afford/justify the lens, especially as a manual focus normal lens. ....but there are many who will buy the lens for its extremely high IQ. The fact that it has the highest IQ for FF makes it worth $4000. That is some high praise in the review..highest I have ever heard and lets face it....ALL of the Canon, Nikon, Sigma, (previous) Zeiss 50mm primes to date are mediocre if you are a pixel peeper. This lens blows them away...So just because you cannot afford it or you would never use a manual focus lens to state that "nobody will buy it" ...shows a very large lack of awareness in the photography world. There are photographers who will buy this, are deserving of it, AND will put it to good use.
I just want to see some of THOSE images!!!!!!
My only hope is an Art Series 50mm from Sigma!!!! ...I am waiting..........
 
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#17
Re: Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

Reminiscent of automatic/manual transmission discussions over the years. As in - why would you every buy an expensive car with a manual transmission? ::)
 
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#18
Re: Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

back when I had an xs, 50 f1.8 and other entry level lenses, I remember hearing about the 135L and it's price tag and saying I would never be in the market for one of those. And it doesn't even have image stabilization. I still don't own one, but five years later, I'm in the market.

I have the same reaction about this... how much? and it doesn't even have auto focus?
 
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#19
Re: Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

dcm said:
Reminiscent of automatic/manual transmission discussions over the years. As in - why would you every buy an expensive car with a manual transmission? ::)
Click to expand...

I don't like the fake manual transmissions. it is like driving an automatic with more work to do.

give me a stick shift, a clutch, and a babe at my side... or on my lap.
 
Upvote 0
#20
Re: Zeiss Otus 55 f/1.4 APO-Distagon Review by B&H Photo

infared said:
Well the holidays are just around the corner...so all of you guys know what you can give me as a gift now! ;D
Click to expand...

Likewise. But I must insist: Dont spend more than $10,000 please. $6000 for the Canon 200/f2 L and $4000 for this lens. I dont want to appear greedy. ;D
 
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