Zeiss or Schneider on a Nikon DSLR?

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Whiskeyman

Senior Member
Does anyone have experience with either Zeiss or Schneider optics on a Nikon DSLR?

I'm interested to find out the impact on color and contrast of the combination.
 
C

crycocyon

Senior Member
No direct experience but the Zeiss ZF lenses provide a bit more blueish hue to images. Contrast is better than on Nikon lenses although sharpeness wide open isn't always so good compared to Nikon but stopped down a bit and they are very good. What I don't like about the ZF (or ZF2) lenses are reports of significant distortion even greater than equivalent Nikons, or more mild distortion but of complex type so not easily corrected for. Pros use Zeiss lenses for film and probably find the color rendition and excellent contrast appealing. But the flare control isn't so hot on some Zeiss lenses. I can't speak about Schneider. But going back to Scott's question, have you considered any of the Nikon pro lenses?
 
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Whiskeyman

Senior Member
STM said:
Out of curiosity, why not a Nikkor on a Nikon?
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Good question. I saw an ad for them and wanted to know the benefits of these lenses on a Nikon. I've used both on medium and large format cameras, and have noticed the "look" of a Leica camera employing them, as well.

As far as Nikkor lenses, it's why I started with Nikon when I purchased my first SLR. I am very happy with the ones I own, even the "budget" lenses, like my 105/1:2.5 that's over thirty years old. (I do need a manual focus screen/aid for my eyes, now, though.)
 
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Whiskeyman

Senior Member
gqtuazon said:
Which particular lens or FL did you have in mind?
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In am interested in the characteristics of one of their 21, 25, or 28 mm lenses, for HDR and panoramic work.

As an aside, do you still own the 300/1:4.5? I have that lens and after reading your posts on it from a while ago, I put mine on my D90 and experimented with it yesterday. That impressed upon me the need for a manual focusing screen or aid.
 
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Eye-level

Banned
I've never personally used any of the new CZ lenses but I have heard from reliable sources that there are two that really stand out...the 21/2.8 Distagon and the 100/2.0 Makro-Planar
 
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gqtuazon

Gear Head
Whiskeyman said:
In am interested in the characteristics of one of their 21, 25, or 28 mm lenses, for HDR and panoramic work.

As an aside, do you still own the 300/1:4.5? I have that lens and after reading your posts on it from a while ago, I put mine on my D90 and experimented with it yesterday. That impressed upon me the need for a manual focusing screen or aid.
Click to expand...

There is no doubt that these German made lenses are very good. They are on the high end when it comes to price. I was eyeing on the PC lens but I didn't go for it.

I still do have my 300mm f4.5 but I no longer have use for it since I now have the Nikon 300mm f4 AFS lens.

Eye-level said:
I've never personally used any of the new CZ lenses but I have heard from reliable sources that there are two that really stand out...the 21/2.8 Distagon and the 100/2.0 Makro-Planar
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Both are great lenses. The newer Zeiss 135mm f2 APO is even better but is currently still out of stock.
 
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gqtuazon

Gear Head
The older optics doesn't even come close with the newer AFS lens. I'm not a fan of the seven bladed diaphragm which produces a different bokeh character and is not as smooth as the newer lens.
 
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Eye-level

Banned
Sorry for generalizing but I agree with you Glenn on diaphragms with all lenses in general regardless of age...they all should have at least 9 blades! :)
 
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Eye-level

Banned
FWIW I just read a comparison test of the CZ 85 vs the 85/1.8 Ai Nikkor and although the CZ was found to be better it wasn't a whole lot better. The Nikkor is substantially cheaper and there are a few on the bay right now priced at less than 300 bones.

I have the 85/1.8 Nikkor and frankly I don't know if I like it that much really. I don't know if it is just my copy or if I just haven't got the feel of the lens yet. I had great expectations of the lens too but when I compare it to my 105 the 105 easily hands the 85 it's @ss. Like I said though the lens is pretty new to me so maybe I just haven't dialed it in yet.

​CV 75mm lens looks interesting...10 blades!
 
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