Zeiss 135mm F2 APO on Nikon D810

mikeodial · Jul 28, 2015

I rented the above lens for a long weekend at Block Island, off the coast of New England. This lens has razor thin DOF, is heavy, and will take some getting used to.

However, the results are incredible. While I didn't master then lens in the few days I had it, the color rendering, gradual bokeh, and sharpness make this a multi purpose tool.

Here are a few shots from the weekend.

Only one has been altered, the BW one in Nik tools.

All the above were hand held, mostly at 1/250 or higher.

anotherMike · Jul 28, 2015

I remember you asking about landscape lenses for the D810 both here and over at Luminous Landscape and you've gotten to use one of the very, very best lenses there is.

I've owned a lot of glass over the past 35 years, and have shot over 55 Nikon lenses, a handful from every other major brand (with a particular affinity to the old Rokkor X Minolta glass, which maybe not the sharpest, had lovely render, and some of the older Olympus glass from the OM film camera era) and the Zeiss 135/2 Apo Sonnar is IMO one of the two best lenses I've ever used; the other is the (extremely expensive) Zeiss 85/1.4 Apo Planar. I am lucky to own the Apo Sonnar myself, but the budget isn't quite ready for the 1.4 Apo Planar just quite yet...

Take a serious look at the Sigma arts; the 50/1.4 Sigma Art is staggeringly good - it has similar transparency-to-source honesty and clarity that the best lenses have, and while it doesn't have any distinct "character" (because it is designed to be honest and transparent as opposed to having a strongly additive or subtractive effect on the scene), it is so good I'm not so sure even the Otus 55 is that much better at things distant (I do believe the Otus is at things close). The Sigma 24/1.4 Art is also my new reference standard for landscape 24 options; while there is no currently available wide angle that is perfect (there is room for an Otus in the wide end of things for sure), it is IMO the best of the bunch for landscape subjects at distance.

-m

chuhsi · Jul 28, 2015

this is my fav lens that i don't use

it really produces phenomenal results

mikeodial · Jul 28, 2015

anotherMike said:
I remember you asking about landscape lenses for the D810 both here and over at Luminous Landscape and you've gotten to use one of the very, very best lenses there is.

I've owned a lot of glass over the past 35 years, and have shot over 55 Nikon lenses, a handful from every other major brand (with a particular affinity to the old Rokkor X Minolta glass, which maybe not the sharpest, had lovely render, and some of the older Olympus glass from the OM film camera era) and the Zeiss 135/2 Apo Sonnar is IMO one of the two best lenses I've ever used; the other is the (extremely expensive) Zeiss 85/1.4 Apo Planar. I am lucky to own the Apo Sonnar myself, but the budget isn't quite ready for the 1.4 Apo Planar just quite yet...

Take a serious look at the Sigma arts; the 50/1.4 Sigma Art is staggeringly good - it has similar transparency-to-source honesty and clarity that the best lenses have, and while it doesn't have any distinct "character" (because it is designed to be honest and transparent as opposed to having a strongly additive or subtractive effect on the scene), it is so good I'm not so sure even the Otus 55 is that much better at things distant (I do believe the Otus is at things close). The Sigma 24/1.4 Art is also my new reference standard for landscape 24 options; while there is no currently available wide angle that is perfect (there is room for an Otus in the wide end of things for sure), it is IMO the best of the bunch for landscape subjects at distance.

-m

Hi Mike,

Yes, I tried the 135mm Zeiss out and I am now spoiled for ever. I think I will just save up enough to see that will be the one to use. I was trying it out to see if stopped down it could do for my "flower" macro work what had been said about avoiding to having to "stack images" to solve the problem with a regular macro lens. Even if it does not I am a convert. The neutrality of the lens seems to take a picture I cannot even see when I compose it in the viewfinder. Wonderful.

I have also purchased the 20mm Nikkor and am wondering if that's a poor choice at this time. I have a Sigma 8-16mm and an SD1, perhaps I should have gone with the 24mm Art instead. I think that is what you are advising. The 20mm Nikkor is pretty small and light, which is nice, but I am starting to second guess myself. From the few shots I have taken so far it seems very contrasty, (in a good way), but now I am looking for those neutral tones of the Zeiss. I also have a 50mm Nikkor f1.2 which I am very pleased with on my first outing. Image attached, one native, the other doctored.

anotherMike · Jul 28, 2015

The 20/1.8G is like every other 20/21mm wide; it has flaws. I haven't found anything in this range that I am in love with. I have this lens and the Zeiss 21/2.8 as well. There are things the Zeiss does better (highlights, just slightly) but the Zeiss also has strong cyan corner shading, whacko field curvature, and struggles with things like tree branches against skies in the corners/edges more so than the 20/1.8G. So I'm actually going to sell my Zeiss 21 - the 20/1.8G offends me less across a wide range of scenarios more than the Zeiss wins me over in a narrow range of scenarios if that makes any sense at all. The 24's and 35's aren't perfect either, so if you're expecting Apo Sonnar quality in the wides, you won't find it. It's more about deciding which tradeoffs work best for you relative to the things you deem important and what you personally shoot. I'm very, very picky, and my current landscape kit is as follows: 20/1.8G Nikon, 24/1.4 Sigma Art, 35/1.4 Sigma Art, 50/1.4 Sigma Art, Zeiss 135/2 Apo Sonnar and 200/2G AFS Nikon. Occasionally I throw in the light and cheap 85/1.8G Nikon which actually is pretty decent.

-m

mikeodial · Jul 30, 2015

anotherMike said:
The 20/1.8G is like every other 20/21mm wide; it has flaws. I haven't found anything in this range that I am in love with. I have this lens and the Zeiss 21/2.8 as well. There are things the Zeiss does better (highlights, just slightly) but the Zeiss also has strong cyan corner shading, whacko field curvature, and struggles with things like tree branches against skies in the corners/edges more so than the 20/1.8G. So I'm actually going to sell my Zeiss 21 - the 20/1.8G offends me less across a wide range of scenarios more than the Zeiss wins me over in a narrow range of scenarios if that makes any sense at all. The 24's and 35's aren't perfect either, so if you're expecting Apo Sonnar quality in the wides, you won't find it. It's more about deciding which tradeoffs work best for you relative to the things you deem important and what you personally shoot. I'm very, very picky, and my current landscape kit is as follows: 20/1.8G Nikon, 24/1.4 Sigma Art, 35/1.4 Sigma Art, 50/1.4 Sigma Art, Zeiss 135/2 Apo Sonnar and 200/2G AFS Nikon. Occasionally I throw in the light and cheap 85/1.8G Nikon which actually is pretty decent.

-m

I have decided to purchase the Zeiss 85mm 1.4 Planar. There is a Zeiss discount running right now, and while I think the 135mm would be good for macro, I am hoping the 85mm will be as good as others advertise for landscapes.

Thank you for your insight on the wide angles. Very helpful, as you are right it is understanding the character of the lenses according to what you are trying to produce which counts. (Having to spread the budget around)

Mike

anotherMike · Jul 30, 2015

Just to clarify: When I am discussing the Zeiss 85, it's the 4500$ OTUS Apo-Planar that I'm talking about. The regular ZF/ZF.2 85 that runs for a grand and change or so is decent, but nowhere the quality of the 135 apo sonar or the Otus 85 apo planar.

-m

mikeodial · Jul 30, 2015

Yes, I understand, the 135mm is definitely still on my radar. Unfortunately $4500 would cause a marital problem for me currently, so will try the 85mm Planar as an interim solution.

anotherMike · Jul 30, 2015

LOL. So you're saying if you bought the apo-planar you'd essentially have a really nice lens on your lap as you sit on the park bench you now would have to call home, eh?

I get it. I'd love the apo-planar, but no way can justify the funds for one at the moment....

-m

mikeodial · Jul 30, 2015

Watch this space. Am negotiating with wife on a used 135mm ... my 60th is coming up shortly.

Mike

WindwardHaole · Jul 30, 2015

Unless you specifically want an unused Zeiss 85 Planar, you might look at LensAuthority.com. LA currently lists (3) Zeiss ZF.2 85 Planars from $730-$775. I assume you know, LA's stock comes from LensRentals.com's roll-over and has been fully checked, mechanically and optically. I've bought several lenses from LA, their product description is very conservative and quality of equipment is exceptional. Aloha.

mikeodial · Jul 30, 2015

Thank you for this. Good input. I rented a 135mm APO from Lens Rentals this last weekend, and was very impressed. The lens was in great condition.

Mike

mikeodial · Jul 30, 2015

Just scored with a lightly used 135mm APO on eBay. So now only have myself to blame if the pictures turn out badly. The lens being out of the picture so to speak. (Got agreement from "she who must be obeyed".... a vague reference to Leo McKearn of Rumpole of the Bailey.

Thanks for your advice and encouragement.

Mike

RBFresno · Jul 30, 2015

mikeodial said:
Just scored with a lightly used 135mm APO on eBay. So now only have myself to blame if the pictures turn out badly. The lens being out of the picture so to speak. (Got agreement from "she who must be obeyed".... a vague reference to Leo McKearn of Rumpole of the Bailey.

Thanks for your advice and encouragement.

Mike

Congrats!!!

The Zeiss APO 135/2 is of course a great lens. Just a bit of a learning curve with regard to the manual focusing if you're not used to it.

And I wouldn't worry too much about buying this particular lens used. Great construction with no AF-S motor or VR module to wear out.

I would however replace the crappy Zeiss Lens cap with one from Nikon:

NIkon 77mm lens cap

160467846.jMGx7CQJ.D4C_9348BackYardFlowerCropA1.jpg

152869762.VFK7sl6G.D4B_6886RenFair_ppCropA1.jpg

A few more 135/2 APO shots here:

pBase Zeiss APO Sonnar 135/2

Best Regards,

RB

--
http://www.dpreview.com/members/2305099006/challenges

mikeodial · Jul 30, 2015

Thank you. Lovely shots BTW.

Mike

anotherMike · Jul 30, 2015

Just a quick note: When you get the lens, take some test shots at infinity (propelry focused, not just rack the barrel to the end) wide open and check for any right side blur - there were some issues with early batches where something in the moving element cams or something got out of whack. My first apo sonnar had this issue and went back to Zeiss. Second one is fine...

-m

just Tony · Jul 30, 2015

chuhsi said:
this is my fav lens that i don't use it really produces phenomenal results

It's one of the best lenses that I'll never buy. The only use model I had for it where I would have any success is for astrophotography where I could focus carefully via live view. In handheld use I would get sharp shots of something that was near my subject. I'm not blaming the lens for that - the camera needed a proper focusing screen in order to do any better. Maybe it's just my eyes, but they are the only ones I have. Oh well.

T O Shooter · Jul 30, 2015

mikeodial said:
Just scored with a lightly used 135mm APO on eBay. So now only have myself to blame if the pictures turn out badly. The lens being out of the picture so to speak. (Got agreement from "she who must be obeyed".... a vague reference to Leo McKearn of Rumpole of the Bailey.

Thanks for your advice and encouragement.

Mike

B & H has them at $300 off right now - $1822 US. But I ran it through the checkout and landed in Toronto with shipping and exchange it's over $2700. I would like one, but not that bad.

mikeodial · Jul 30, 2015

Yes, I saw that, very tempting. I ended up getting one on eBay for $1400, which was a much as I could go at this time. Should have it at the weekend and look forward to taking it out for a spin.

Mike

T O Shooter · Jul 30, 2015

mikeodial said:
Yes, I saw that, very tempting. I ended up getting one on eBay for $1400, which was a much as I could go at this time. Should have it at the weekend and look forward to taking it out for a spin.

Mike

Good price, especially from a Canadian point of view. I'd go to $1700 or $1800 here in Toronto, but I just never see a used one, and with about 30% Canadian - US exchange rate now, buying off Ebay is out.

Zeiss 135mm F2 APO on Nikon D810

Senior Member

Forum Pro

Senior Member

Senior Member

Forum Pro

Senior Member

Forum Pro

Senior Member

Forum Pro

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Forum Pro

Senior Member

Forum Pro

Senior Member

Forum Pro

Senior Member

Forum Pro

Similar threads

Keyboard shortcuts