Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 ZE

[Eldar]

I gave up on the Sigma 35/1.4 Art and I gave up waiting for the Canon 35mm f1.4L II, so yesterday I got the Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 ZE. Like the other Zeiss lenses, this has optical performance and a mechanical feel, second to none. Focusing is quite simple, using the 1DX with a Ec-S focusing screen (unsupported, but it works).

I realized that this lens did not have a thread already, so I thought it was time to start one. I have only had time to play with it indoors so far, so I do not have anything great to show. This is a minimum focus distance shot, hand held, of my pickup, going through the groves of Joe Bonamassa´s latest record, where I wanted to check out the bokeh. And, as with all the other Zeisses, I think it is fantastic.

So sorry Canon, you were too late with the 35/1.4L II update for me ...

1DX, 1/30s, f1.4, ISO320.

 

[meywd]

I gave up on the Sigma 35/1.4 Art and I gave up waiting for the Canon 35mm f1.4L II, so yesterday I got the Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 ZE. Like the other Zeiss lenses, this has optical performance and a mechanical feel, second to none. Focusing is quite simple, using the 1DX with a Ec-S focusing screen (unsupported, but it works).

I realized that this lens did not have a thread already, so I thought it was time to start one. I have only had time to play with it indoors so far, so I do not have anything great to show. This is a minimum focus distance shot, hand held, of my pickup, going through the groves of Joe Bonamassa´s latest record, where I wanted to check out the bokeh. And, as with all the other Zeisses, I think it is fantastic.

So sorry Canon, you were too late with the 35/1.4L II update for me ...

1DX, 1/30s, f1.4, ISO320.

Great shot, though i would like to ask, if you didn't mind the manual focus, why did you gave up on the Sigma, is it Image Quality?

 

[sanj]

It is a fantastic lens. I have been using it for last 2+ years. Use it mostly for video but will post some stills in few days when I get back home.

 

[Eldar]

Great shot, though i would like to ask, if you didn't mind the manual focus, why did you gave up on the Sigma, is it Image Quality?

Most AF lenses (almost all) have an inferior manual focusing mechanism, compared to fully manual focus lenses, like this one. It is a Lot easier to focus these lenses than any Sigma, Canon or other. So to me, keeping the Sigma as a manual lens, was not an option. You should stop by a camera store and try for yourself.

The missing link though is for Canon to support the Ec-S focusing screen for the 1DX (firmware update) and for their next (whenever that might be) high resolution/high DR body (no, I don´t believe in Santa and Unicorns ...)

I bought this lens second hand also. Looks like it comes straight from passing the quality control in the production line, at 60% of full price.

 

[drjlo]

Nice to capture one hobby with another

It's a curse, kind of like a money-sucking vampire permanently attached to your pocket :'(

I had the Zeiss Distagon 35 f/2, which I sold. Zeiss 35 f/1.4 has superior optics, but still, I use 35 mm for mostly environmental portraits and events, and MF is really not an option.

Stax SR009 1 by drjlo1, on Flickr

 

[leGreve]

Nice.... Its a great lens, as a hybrid as well.

Will give you a nice almost complete kit when you buy the 24mm Otus next year

 

[meywd]

Great shot, though i would like to ask, if you didn't mind the manual focus, why did you gave up on the Sigma, is it Image Quality?

Most AF lenses (almost all) have an inferior manual focusing mechanism, compared to fully manual focus lenses, like this one. It is a Lot easier to focus these lenses than any Sigma, Canon or other. So to me, keeping the Sigma as a manual lens, was not an option. You should stop by a camera store and try for yourself.

The missing link though is for Canon to support the Ec-S focusing screen for the 1DX (firmware update) and for their next (whenever that might be) high resolution/high DR body (no, I don´t believe in Santa and Unicorns ...)

I bought this lens second hand also. Looks like it comes straight from passing the quality control in the production line, at 60% of full price.

yeah at that price it makes sense, the 35mm focal length is low on my wish list (14 and 24 are needed more for astro), and it will be covered by the 24-70 f2.8 II (soon i hope), but keep the photos coming, maybe this will be my first Zeiss

 

[Eldar]

I still have not shot anything of value, but I am playing around with it, to get a better feel for what it can do. I really like how it look wide open. I have done some f5.6 - f8 also, which looks great, but then you may as well use the 24-70 zooms.

This is the fence on the scenic route on the east side of Oslo. I really like its shallow DOF and nice bokeh.

1DX, 1/50s, f1.4, ISO320

 

[leGreve]

Go go, take it to Hammen and document when it falls apart.

Hope noone gets hurt :/

 

[risc32]

oh snap!

5d,1/30th,1.4,iso400
-sigma, manual focused.

 

[Eldar]

oh snap!

5d,1/30th,1.4,iso400
-sigma, manual focused.

Vintage

 

[Eldar]

I think this lens deserves a thread that lasts a bit longer, so here´s one more.

This is a famous clock tower from the UNESCO World Heritage listed town Røros, with the very beautiful and newly restored church in the background. The clock was used for anything from calling for start and end of shifts, time for food, fires etc. In all its simplicity, the clock tower is one of the most photographed places in town.

I don´t do B&W very often, but this seemed to fit the format.

1DX, 1/100s, f5.6, ISO1250