Zeiss Otus 55mm 1.4 Lens

Msmoto

Having been in the world of manual focus for many years before AF was possible, I learned how to focus in a nearly automatic manner. And, on something like a Hassleblad 500C or Nikon F body with full ground glass screen, I rarely if ever missed focus. The screens were properly set up, the image was bright, and the issue of focus was in many cases easier than to have to place a spot over what was to be in focus. In action shots i could even follow focus just like the modern bodies do with their predictive focus tracking.....we all had to do this when shooting action.... cars, sports, animals, lots of moving targets.

Recently I tried my old 85mm f/1.8 Nikkor-H Auto from the 1960's, and once I had about thirty minutes of practice, it went fairly well.

Go look: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fantinesfotos/15586790618/sizes/o/

And, at my age ....or my eyes...and on the D800E with not the optimum focus screen, I can see how manual focus can be returned to with not too much of an issue. Thus, if I had the money, maybe I would opt for the Zeiss....

It is doubtful we will ever understand the internal workings of any of the large manufacturers, just does not happen. Like why do we not have any real understanding of why Nikon has not put a mirrorless full frame on the market yet? But, Zeiss has offered up one of the finest pieces of glass ever, and we will either like it or find a reason we do not. Mine is lack of funding....

donaldejose

Value and practicality: the Sigma Art wins. Absolute best glass: the Zeiss wins. It is wonderful that we all have those types of choices. Both choices are good choices; just for different reasons.

WestEndFoto

Value and practicality: the Sigma Art wins. Absolute best glass: the Zeiss wins. It is wonderful that we all have those types of choices. Both choices are good choices; just for different reasons.

Well said Donaldejose.

WestEndFoto

Or craftmanship.

There are certainly other metrics and I would argue that in combination they outweigh sharpness.

But what a metric it is......

I had a dream last night about an 85 and 50 from Nikon, both of which had an MTF chart that looked like the new 400.

I woke up happy...

Beso

As for Zeiss' opinion on a Zeiss lens, well, it's Zeiss' opinion on a Zeiss lens.

As for (A. insert name here) opinion on a (B. insert manufacturer's name and product here), well, it's (insert same name as A. here) on a (insert same manufacturer's name and product as B. here).

The bottom line is the only opinion that matters, irrespective of the product or service, is the one belonging to the person who chooses to buy that product or service.

Take a position and then fashion a rationale to fit the conclusion.

henrik1963

If perfection at F1.4 is what you are after then Zeiss may be the way to go.

I wonder how much difference there is between the Zeiss otus and a Nikon 50 1.8/ Nikon 85 1.8 if it is shot at F5.6.

Having said that I do wish that Nikon would bring out lenses that performs better at F1.4/F1.8.

heartyfisher

I really dont know why we are still at it. sigh ..
* Ziess CANT make AF lenses for nikon and canon.
** so it does not matter if AF is better than MF. Ziess CANT make AF lenses for nikon and canon.
** so it doesn't matter if some people prefer MF to AF .. Ziess CANT make AF lenses for nikon and canon.
** so it doesn't matter if they make AF lenses for Fujifilm and Sony. .. Ziess CANT make AF lenses for nikon and canon.
** so it doesn't matter if they waffle on about the precision of MF lenses. they have to say something.. doesn't change the fact that Ziess CANT make AF lenses for nikon and canon.
** Doesn't matter if the OTUS is the best lense in the world.. Ziess CANT make AF lenses for nikon and canon.
** Doesn't matter if Sigma is almost as good and has AF .. Ziess CANT make AF lenses for nikon and canon.
BTW any one notice that ZIESS doesn't have VR/IS/VC/OS

Elvishefer

Fine, fine heartyfisher...


... but what's your point?

heartyfisher

Fine, fine heartyfisher...


... but what's your point?

VR works very well... Ziess is crap cos' they dont have VR .. ;-)

#illridewithyou

Elvishefer

lol

Golf007sd

At this point, all that needs to be said about this amazing lens has been said. Thank you all for your inputs.

@paulr and all those that own the Otus 55 1.4 len, congratulation. I would hope you will share some of you images on PAD.

Topic Closed.