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Author
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chmeyerindiana
Visual Journalist
Registered: October 2009
Location: US
Posts: 8
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Review Date: Sat October 10, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: $650.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Build quality,optical quality, balanced weight, right price
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Cons:
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-
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My review is based on the ZE version of the lens:
This lens feels like a camera lens should and the build quality is excellent.
Optics are superb.
I was considering the Canon 50 f/1.2...but was struggling with the premium price tag. I was concerned about going with a manual focus lens, especially since there is not a split level screen by the manufacturer for the original 5D.
The focus indicator light has never let me down. I must admit that with my style of shooting, I rarely open up wider than 2.8 anyway, usually working between 2.8 and 11. With a split finder screen, I'd likely feel more comfortable venturing into the 1.4 to 2.0 range from time to time.
I've used this lens for paying gigs for more than six months now and am very happy with the choice to purchase it over either of the Canon standards.
I'm disappointed that the larger manufacturers have concentrated more on megapixels and largely neglected producing quality glass. There are certainly lenses that do the job, but these larger sensors are now beginning to reveal lens flaws.
That being said, I have full confidence putting this lens in front of any sensor Nikon or Canon will produce for some time.
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philber
philber
Registered: October 2009
Location: Paris area
Posts: 10
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Review Date: Sun October 11, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: $550.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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IQ, build quality, value for money
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Cons:
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Sharpness wide open at minimum focusing distance
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Simply put, except for those who either (1) want zoom lenses only, or (2) require autofocus, or (3) don't have the money, or (4) have a Canon camera with a small/dark viewfinder, or (5) insist on razor sharpness corner-to-corner and creamy bokeh when wide open, everyone should have a ZE 50mm. It is that good.
The ZE 50 delivers stunning image quality. In particular, contrast, whether macro or micro, colours and volumes are extraordinary, as is the amount of detail at infinity. I use it for anything from portrait (not close ups) to lanscapes, and it just delivers. Just be mindful that wide open is not where it is sharpest.
Today, out of my 8 lenses, including some of the most acclaimed Canon (35L and 135L), I am getting more than 50% of my "wow" shots from the ZE 50.
I can't wait for Zeiss to release more ZEs so that I can go to a all-Zeiss lineup.
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jhsymington
New Member
Registered: January 2010
Location: London, UK
Posts: 6
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Review Date: Fri January 22, 2010
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: None indicated
| Rating: 7
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Pros:
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Unbelievably good stopped down
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Cons:
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Not fantastic wide open
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Although I like this focal length very much I am not a huge fan of the excessive loss of microcontrast when used at f1.4. That said, once stopped down it is stunning.
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