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Replace Zeiss 24 with a Canon EOS lens?

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The Tracksuit Barber

The Tracksuit Barber

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I really love the Zeiss 24 for its sharpness but I dislike the feel of it in the hand compared to using the larger lenses by Canon. I also dislike how the focus ring just keeps moving past infinity and beyond the minimum focusing length. Another complaint is not knowing what the distance is of where the focus point is (if I ever wanted to do some focus stacking). Thats another thing I like about using my Rokinon 85 1.4 and the Canon 100 2.8L (which I haven't used yet)




I am contemplating on selling the Zeiss and getting myself a similar focal length but by Canon. It would work out fine when I receive my AF adapter and everything works like it should. Any suggestions? Comments? Thoughts?
 
The Tracksuit Barber said:
ChefAlex wrote:

I really love the Zeiss 24 for its sharpness but I dislike the feel of it in the hand compared to using the larger lenses by Canon. I also dislike how the focus ring just keeps moving past infinity and beyond the minimum focusing length. Another complaint is not knowing what the distance is of where the focus point is (if I ever wanted to do some focus stacking). Thats another thing I like about using my Rokinon 85 1.4 and the Canon 100 2.8L (which I haven't used yet)

I am contemplating on selling the Zeiss and getting myself a similar focal length but by Canon. It would work out fine when I receive my AF adapter and everything works like it should. Any suggestions? Comments? Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Hi Alex, I can't comment on the Zeiss lens, but I can suggest a couple of good 24mm manual lens alternatives to the Canon 24, which is quite expensive. Same for the 28's. My first choice might be a Minolta MD/MC, these are very good and less costly. Then I would look at Vivitar lenses...look for a serial number beginning with 28...that will be made by Komine. The Series One were the premier Vivitars. Konica are great, too. The lenses from the late 70's and 80's have improved coatings to control flare and so on.

PS the Canon 50's are cheaper, plentiful and excellent.
 
The Tracksuit Barber said:
ChefAlex wrote:

I really love the Zeiss 24 for its sharpness but I dislike the feel of it in the hand compared to using the larger lenses by Canon. I also dislike how the focus ring just keeps moving past infinity and beyond the minimum focusing length. Another complaint is not knowing what the distance is of where the focus point is (if I ever wanted to do some focus stacking). Thats another thing I like about using my Rokinon 85 1.4 and the Canon 100 2.8L (which I haven't used yet)

I am contemplating on selling the Zeiss and getting myself a similar focal length but by Canon. It would work out fine when I receive my AF adapter and everything works like it should. Any suggestions? Comments? Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I've heard great things about the 24L but it's a huge lens compared to the Zeiss. Personally, I prefer the ergonomics of my L lenses for my Canon DSLRs and my NEX lenses for my 6 and 5. I tried a Canon adapter (not the AF one) and for me it's inconvenient to shoot with MF plus I don't like holding a big lens like a 50L on a small camera.

José
 
the canon 24mm f2.0 fd is highly regard. i'd suggest it as the sweet spot, considering price, quality, and size. there's also the f1.4, but some suggest it isn't as sharp. my friend has one, and i wasn't blown away by the sharpness (but haven't tried the f2.0 to compare).
 
I have big hands and I don't mind the small body to large glass ratio. The added weight seems to benefit support and comfort for holding the camera steady during shooting. I am also considering maybe a UWA Zoom. Any suggestions for that?




As far as the 50's go, I actually enjoy the E-mount 50 1.8 especially for the price that I had bought it at, you can't go wrong...

I currently have:
  • Zeiss 24 1.8
  • Sony 50 1.8
  • Sony 55-210 (Which is being sold on Ebay now)
  • Rokinon 85 1.4
  • Canon 100 2.8L Macro (this one replaced the 55-210)



@Captura I will look into the legacy glass you suggested right now. Thanks




@Jose B I don't mind the Manual focus because I don't use AF. I find that manually focusing, takes longer, gives sharper images than what CDAF can offer.




Another reason I am looking into getting EF glass is that the adapter that I have on order offers AF, IS and all exif data (allegedly)
 
...myth, this might be a lens for you TS-E 24/3.5L MkII or even better one TS-E 17/4L , of course there are plenty of other rectilinear EF L's, starting from 14mm, but I'm sure you already know that :)

jpr2
 
jpr2 said:
jpr2 wrote:

...myth, this might be a lens for you TS-E 24/3.5L MkII or even better one TS-E 17/4L , of course there are plenty of other rectilinear EF L's, starting from 14mm, but I'm sure you already know that :)

jpr2
Click to expand...
Lol thanks but I am not looking to spend $2k on a lens. I am looking for something in the same price range (or cheaper) as the Zeiss
 
I can relate somewhat - I enjoy working with old lenses with real (as opposed to virtual) focus rings, distance scales and aperture rings. But what the SEL24 lacks in classic feel it more than makes up for in portability, AF and performance IME.

If AF speed is a concern, this new EOS adapter may slow things down considerably.

I personally wouldn't be very tempted to go with Canon's EF 24/2.8. First off, I really like having that extra stop and a half for shallow focus. Also, based on user reviews, I expect the optical performance would be nothing special. Been there done that with my Nikkor & Minolta 24/2.8s - I'll stick with the Zeiss, thank you very much! :)

I would love to try the older FD 24/2 sometime but my mild-wide needs are SO well covered with the SEL24, it's become a low priority. I find I can deal with focus-by-wire on my 2 e-mount lenses, even though it isn't my preference. (FWIW I actually hit my target better with the SEL24 than with my old MF 24s, aiming for a ruler marking when testing for focus shift. SEL24 kicked the old lenses' butts in that department as well.)
 
Jefenator said:
Jefenator wrote:

I can relate somewhat - I enjoy working with old lenses with real (as opposed to virtual) focus rings, distance scales and aperture rings. But what the SEL24 lacks in classic feel it more than makes up for in portability, AF and performance IME.

If AF speed is a concern, this new EOS adapter may slow things down considerably.

I personally wouldn't be very tempted to go with Canon's EF 24/2.8. First off, I really like having that extra stop and a half for shallow focus. Also, based on user reviews, I expect the optical performance would be nothing special. Been there done that with my Nikkor & Minolta 24/2.8s - I'll stick with the Zeiss, thank you very much! :)

I would love to try the older FD 24/2 sometime but my mild-wide needs are SO well covered with the SEL24, it's become a low priority. I find I can deal with focus-by-wire on my 2 e-mount lenses, even though it isn't my preference. (FWIW I actually hit my target better with the SEL24 than with my old MF 24s, aiming for a ruler marking when testing for focus shift. SEL24 kicked the old lenses' butts in that department as well.)
Click to expand...
AF speed is not a concern because I use MF 95% of the time. I too enjoy that extra stop & a half. I would like to find another 1.8 lens and similar IQ as the Zeiss. But if I can't, I'll live with it :)
 
The Tracksuit Barber said:
ChefAlex wrote:

I really love the Zeiss 24 for its sharpness but I dislike the feel of it in the hand compared to using the larger lenses by Canon. I also dislike how the focus ring just keeps moving past infinity and beyond the minimum focusing length. Another complaint is not knowing what the distance is of where the focus point is (if I ever wanted to do some focus stacking). Thats another thing I like about using my Rokinon 85 1.4 and the Canon 100 2.8L (which I haven't used yet)

I am contemplating on selling the Zeiss and getting myself a similar focal length but by Canon. It would work out fine when I receive my AF adapter and everything works like it should. Any suggestions? Comments? Thoughts?
Click to expand...
There several AF Canon EF lenses, new and old, at 24mm. Examples are 24/1.4L, 24/1.4L II, 24/2.8, 24/2.8 IS.

At below $1,000, the candidates are EF 24/1.4L used about $650, and 24/2.8 IS new $700. As others said, AF lens has less focus range sensitivity on the focus ring. But a prime manual focus EF, while not as sensitive as a manual focus lens, is sufficient.


This is the size of NEX-7 with EF 24/1.4L II. The lens with adapter is about same length as an iPhone 4. I have other EF f/1.2, f/1.4 and f/2.0 primes; also waiting to get a smart adapter.





e5ac59da332344aaa170fd70e6fb155d.jpg
 
The Tracksuit Barber said:
ChefAlex wrote:

AF speed is not a concern because I use MF 95% of the time. I too enjoy that extra stop & a half. I would like to find another 1.8 lens and similar IQ as the Zeiss. But if I can't, I'll live with it :)
Click to expand...
If you do, be sure to let me know! :)

Shame on Canon and Nikon for not having a fast 24mm prime for APS-C. ;)
 
Hmm, that's not TOO humongous!

Think I'll stick with the SEL, though. :)
 
Steven-T said:
Steven-T wrote:
Steven-T said:
ChefAlex wrote:

I really love the Zeiss 24 for its sharpness but I dislike the feel of it in the hand compared to using the larger lenses by Canon. I also dislike how the focus ring just keeps moving past infinity and beyond the minimum focusing length. Another complaint is not knowing what the distance is of where the focus point is (if I ever wanted to do some focus stacking). Thats another thing I like about using my Rokinon 85 1.4 and the Canon 100 2.8L (which I haven't used yet)

I am contemplating on selling the Zeiss and getting myself a similar focal length but by Canon. It would work out fine when I receive my AF adapter and everything works like it should. Any suggestions? Comments? Thoughts?
Click to expand...
There several AF Canon EF lenses, new and old, at 24mm. Examples are 24/1.4L, 24/1.4L II, 24/2.8, 24/2.8 IS.

At below $1,000, the candidates are EF 24/1.4L used about $650, and 24/2.8 IS new $700. As others said, AF lens has less focus range sensitivity on the focus ring. But a prime manual focus EF, while not as sensitive as a manual focus lens, is sufficient.

This is the size of NEX-7 with EF 24/1.4L II. The lens with adapter is about same length as an iPhone 4. I have other EF f/1.2, f/1.4 and f/2.0 primes; also waiting to get a smart adapter.

e5ac59da332344aaa170fd70e6fb155d.jpg
Click to expand...
I don't know where you saw it for $650 but I can't find it cheaper than $950...
 
The Tracksuit Barber said:
ChefAlex wrote:
The Tracksuit Barber said:
Steven-T wrote:
The Tracksuit Barber said:
ChefAlex wrote:

I really love the Zeiss 24 for its sharpness but I dislike the feel of it in the hand compared to using the larger lenses by Canon. I also dislike how the focus ring just keeps moving past infinity and beyond the minimum focusing length. Another complaint is not knowing what the distance is of where the focus point is (if I ever wanted to do some focus stacking). Thats another thing I like about using my Rokinon 85 1.4 and the Canon 100 2.8L (which I haven't used yet)

I am contemplating on selling the Zeiss and getting myself a similar focal length but by Canon. It would work out fine when I receive my AF adapter and everything works like it should. Any suggestions? Comments? Thoughts?
Click to expand...
There several AF Canon EF lenses, new and old, at 24mm. Examples are 24/1.4L, 24/1.4L II, 24/2.8, 24/2.8 IS.

At below $1,000, the candidates are EF 24/1.4L used about $650, and 24/2.8 IS new $700. As others said, AF lens has less focus range sensitivity on the focus ring. But a prime manual focus EF, while not as sensitive as a manual focus lens, is sufficient.

This is the size of NEX-7 with EF 24/1.4L II. The lens with adapter is about same length as an iPhone 4. I have other EF f/1.2, f/1.4 and f/2.0 primes; also waiting to get a smart adapter.
Click to expand...
I don't know where you saw it for $650 but I can't find it cheaper than $950...
Click to expand...
It's the (original) 24/1.4L (version I), not the 24/1.4L II. Need some search and patience, not that many available like the II.
 
Steven-T said:
Steven-T wrote:

It's the (original) 24/1.4L (version I), not the 24/1.4L II. Need some search and patience, not that many available like the II.
Click to expand...
That's the one I'm talking about. The II version is $1100+

But I'll keep my eyes open for it
 
The Tracksuit Barber said:
ChefAlex wrote:
The Tracksuit Barber said:
jpr2 wrote:

...myth, this might be a lens for you TS-E 24/3.5L MkII or even better one TS-E 17/4L , of course there are plenty of other rectilinear EF L's, starting from 14mm, but I'm sure you already know that :)

jpr2
Click to expand...
Lol thanks but I am not looking to spend $2k on a lens. I am looking for something in the same price range (or cheaper) as the Zeiss
Click to expand...
you didn't mention cost as a factor in OP = anyway, don't believe that tse17 can't be used freehandedly = it is no more difficult than using the EF-S 10-22 @10mm :) ,

and btw. I should mention the 10-22 first thing, but got distracted by the Sony-Zeiss's f/1.8:


EF-S 10-22 @ 16mm (through Conurus smart adapter) om N7

jpr2

--
street candids (non-interactive):
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/qmusaget/sets/72157609618638319/
music and dance:
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/qmusaget/sets/72157600341265280/
B&W:
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/qmusaget/sets/72157623306407882/
wildlife & macro:
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/qmusaget/sets/72157600341377106/
interactive street:
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/qmusaget/sets/72157623181919323/
Comments and critique are always welcome!
~
 
Last edited:
Steven-T said:
Steven-T wrote:

Yep, you get what you asked for!

C3 + CV35/1.4 vs NEX7 + EF17/4L TSE <=> Mouse on left vs Elephant on right :P

7169c53375f44f12846794608d766e0d.jpg
Click to expand...
WOW that thing looks HUGE! I can't wait to see what my NEX 7 will look like with the 100mm 2.8L
 
The Tracksuit Barber said:
ChefAlex wrote:

WOW that thing looks HUGE! I can't wait to see what my NEX 7 will look like with the 100mm 2.8L
Click to expand...
...than the 135/2L (bottom right corner), but I just don't have a pic. handy:

7171688356_903ebe84f1_c.jpg


jpr2


--
street candids (non-interactive):
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/qmusaget/sets/72157609618638319/
music and dance:
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/qmusaget/sets/72157600341265280/
B&W:
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/qmusaget/sets/72157623306407882/
wildlife & macro:
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/qmusaget/sets/72157600341377106/
interactive street:
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/qmusaget/sets/72157623181919323/
Comments and critique are always welcome!
~
 
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