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The Zeiss Makro PLanar T* 100mm F/2 ZF lens was optically tested in a laboratory and field tested by a professional photographer. Several cameras were used including the NikonD90,Nikon D3,Nikon D7000,Canon7D and Canon5D. Three other lens were tested the same time and in the same way. These were the Nikon 105F2 DC, leica 100F2.8 APO and the Canon 100mm F/2. Final ranking for the above tests: Zeiss 100F2 and Leica 100F2.8- First, each lens at F/2.8. At F/2, Zeiss exhibited more resolving power due to F-stop. Both lens "Diffraction Limited" Nikon 105F2 DC- Second,slightly less contrast/resolution Canon 100 F2-Third,chromatic abberation limited this lens from obtaing performance levesl seen form other lens. Notes: the Zeiss and Leica are so sharp, that even the smallest pixel dimensions found in the Canon 7D and Nikon D7000 could not fully reveal the performance capability of them. Focus for these lens is manual, and is very critical. The use of "Live View" is required at full aperture on critical subjects at full aperture. The Leica APO is better corrected in the blue end of the spectrum than the Zeiss. The Zeiss lens has the highest transmission factor at any f-stop compared to the other lens. The Zeiss is nearly free of any ghosting as well. While the Zeiss shows a very small amount of "blue fringe' on high contrast white subjects at F/2, it is fully controlled by F/2.8 to F/4. The construction and overall build quality of the Zeiss is superb. For the APS or FX DSLR formats, the Zeiss Makro Planar T* 100mm F2 is the world's best mid-range telephoto lens today.Read full review
The down sides are- cost and bulk. The upsides are- extremely bright through the viewfinder aids focussing, even in low light; very sharp even at f2.0; weight actually helps in balancing with a Contax camera; 100mm focal distance lets you catch portraits with the subject unaware of what you are doing for a more natural pose (which also works for wildlife); at f2/2.8/4 you can throw the background out of focus for startling in-focus images; highest build quality. With an adapter, it can be used on Canon EOS film and digital SLR's. On digital SLR's the focal length becomes 160mm, but the aperture stays at f2. A 160/f2.0 telephoto lens. Just imagine. Of course, you focus manually, you must sop down manually and you can't use auto metering.
If you're reading this, than you have some understanding as to the reputation of this lens. Let me begin by saying that I shoot with a d90 and 50mm f/1.8. So why did I spend so much money on one lens when I could easily buy 2 or more f/2.8 zooms from sigma or tamron? Easy, the images it produces are absolutely gorgeous. I compared this directly to the nikkor 105mm f/2.8G VR in a store, in some terrible lighting conditions. The autofocus and VR of the nikkor were nice; but the focus did hunt quite a bit which bothered me. Also, having the aperture close down to f/4.2 at 1/1 magnification was "interesting". I must say, upon returning home the images that the zeiss produced wowed me much much more than the nikkor. The nikkor is a good bit larger; much thicker and longer than the zeiss. Both are built very well, but the all metal lens body of the Zeiss will leave you speechless if you've never held such a solid lens. I'm a sucker for build quality, and after feeling a few of the Zeiss primes I quickly made up my mind that I would have to own one (at least!). The 2/100 makro-planar is unique in that it is nearly as sharp as it gets wide open! Seriously, this is absolutely true (at least on a crop body). The sharpness is unbelievable. To have the luxury of not worrying about stopping down to improve sharpness is incredible. Although, the DOF wide open is SHALLOW; I mean very shallow. I did find this much easier to focus than the 1.4/85 Zeiss due to the lack of focus shift on the makro-planar, even with a crop sensor viewfinder. The precision of the focus and the quality of the lens almost makes the subject "pop" into focus. I do find myself wishing it went to a full 1/1 magnification, but quite honestly if I find I need this feature I'll just go out and buy a Tamron 90mm macro. This lens shines for me as a portrait lens and this is the main reason I bought it. You can always take sharpness away, but it is very difficult to add it in post.. personally, i like the ultra-sharp look. Manual focus is indeed much slower, but if you have the time and the eyes to do it I encourage it, I love it. It does get annoying at times when a picture is missed, but I remind myself that I'm using a world class manual focus lens and this is what I got myself into. I'd recommend this lens without hesitation. However, I do realize that the majority of photographers will get the Nikon 105mm VR for its autofocus and other nifty electronic features. If you're a working pro and you need autofocus, than get the Nikon. If you're like me, an amateur shooting for fun and want the best there is and have the time to make your images, than I say buy the Zeiss if you can get it. This lens makes me slow down and think, a quality I think is lost with many modern lenses. This lens really is world class, an optic that will still outresolve 30mp+ bodies when that time comes. I bought this to last me decades, and I intend to use it for that long.Read full review
This is a really nice lens on Canon systems. I own about 40+ lens including the Zeiss / Leica R lens / Pentax / Canon L lens. This lens is one of the best I have used so from Zeiss. The CA is noticeable at wide open. The flare resistance is quite good. Only wish they have 1:1 option instead of 1:2. However, I don't really shot macro photography as much, it is a good all around lens.
very high quality lens, sharp at the diaphragm 1 / 2, 0. Very good choice for shooting video on DSLR