Opinions on Zeiss Variable Primes...

[Evin Grant]

I may have an opportunity to buy a set of these lenses at a good deal.
They are one of the few sets of modern lenses I don't have much experience with. I'm trying to determine if they are a better choice than the Zeiss Standard Speed primes I already own. I can't afford to keep both. The VPs seem t be superior optically but they are very heavy and have a honkin 150mm front OD. I don't even know if it's reasonable to go hand held with them but it seems dicey.

What are your thoughts fellow redusers?

[Nick Gardner]

They are great lenses, but they are really big and heavy. Not quite enough range to be as useful as a real zoom. If it means getting rid of your primes, then I would have to say you are better off with the primes. If you can keep the primes, then they would be a great addition. Hope that helps.

Nick

[Fredrik Callinggard]

BIG, BIG and BIG!!! They never became popular because they are simply toooo BIG.

By the way don't forget they're variable, so zooming with them is not the greatest idea.

and no IMHO your better of with your standard set for now.

My 2 cents

[donatello b]

IMO, hold off on the vari primes ( unless you can keep both sets of lens) ...
perhaps something will pop up soon thats will be better then your current standard primes and maybe somewhat affordable ??...

[paul engstrom]

I heard the vari primes were extremely expensive to maintain as well.

[Mike Prevette]

Evin,

[/begin zen]The answer to your question, lies within your question itself [/end zen]

"They are one of the few sets of modern lenses I don't have much experience with."

The reason you, and experienced professional haven't dealt with them is because NO ONE RENTS THEM! They Are big and heavy, and more of a PIA then they weigh. In 10 years I've only seen them sitting on the shelf of the rental house. I would love to love them, but they aren't' a rent payer. If I were Jim on the other hand I'd pick a set up in heart beat.

[Fredrik Callinggard]

I've used them a couple of times (also for handheld stuff and I always end up swearing about it). If it's studio on a dolly they're very nice to have.

[Perry Ho]

Agree You Fredrik, nice lens set but not for handhled shooting,
great for those narrow set shooting

Perry Ho

[Matt Uhry]

They are really nice optics, but don't work when you need a prime due to size or weight. I think there are some interesting prime lens set options on the near horizon and a year from now prices will be normal again on Standards and Super speeds.

Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com

[chuck colburn]

They are great lenses, but they are really big and heavy. Not quite enough range to be as useful as a real zoom. If it means getting rid of your primes, then I would have to say you are better off with the primes. If you can keep the primes, then they would be a great addition. Hope that helps.

Nick

Even though they were sold asveri-primes they are in fact zoom lenses. Their focal lengths and f stops are accuret as opposed to some zooms.

[Evin Grant]

Thanks guys, I think I'll pass.