Zeiss vs. Nikon 35mm still lenses

[_BK]

Ive been enjoying Evin's Nikon lens reviews, and Ive allready purchased the Nikon 50mm 1.4. But, Im curious about the comparison of the Zeiss 50mm 1.4 and the 85mm 1.4 to the Nikon equivalents.

Are the Zeiss lenses worth the extra money?

What would I gain by going with the Zeiss lenses over the Nikons?

Is better to just go with the Nikons for general use and rent 35mm cinema primes for special projects?

[chuck colburn]

Ive been enjoying Evin's Nikon lens reviews, and Ive allready purchased the Nikon 50mm 1.4. But, Im curious about the comparison of the Zeiss 50mm 1.4 and the 85mm 1.4 to the Nikon equivalents.

Are the Zeiss lenses worth the extra money?

What would I gain by going with the Zeiss lenses over the Nikons?

Is better to just go with the Nikons for general use and rent 35mm cinema primes for special projects?

Hello BK,

There is a lot of info on the Zeiss ZF series out on the web. IMHO the mechanical construction and color matching of the ZF lenses would justify the additional cost. You might want to poke around on their site, it might answer some of your questions.

http://www.zeiss.com/photo

Chuck

[Sanjin Jukic]

I do have Zeiss Planar T* 1.4/50 mm ZF and there is a small video scaled from 1080p to offer you for download.

I did this shot during the last summer on my balcony.

It shows the focus from the oleander flower through the bamboo to the tomatoes on the table.

The aperture was set to f2.8.

This web video is compressed in codec QuickTime Photo-JPEG 75%, fps 24, picture size 640x360, data size 13.97 MB, duration 7.1 sec.

Shot is done with the Sony FX1E HDV camcorder+Redrock Micro M2 35mm lens adapter +Zeiss Planar T* 1.4/50 mm ZF.

http://www.sanjinjukic.com/extras/Zeiss50mm_ZF-photojpeg75.jpg

Download the TEST file (7.1MB) from the below link.


http://homepage.mac.com/sanjinjukic/RED/Balcony_Zeiss50mm_ZF.mov

[chuck colburn]

Can't seem to open your lens test. Safari says it does not see data. Is it just me?

[Evin Grant]

It's a peronal decision, the ZFs are nice but optically not any better than than the Nikkors for a much higher price, especially if you buy used Nikkors. Also there is really no wide angle option in ZF the 25mm is only a normal on Red 4K. So you would still have to buy a Nikon 17-35 or 14mm.
Plus I think most Nikkors have very consistent color, and with a RAW work-flow it's barely an issue anyway. I will say that from a sales prospective being able to say you have Zeiss lenses for your Red without actually having to get a PL prime set is definately a plus.

If anyone wants to send me theirs I will gladly test it against the Nikkors.
In the mean time look here...
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/50-comparison/index.htm

[Jared VanLeuven]

Sanjin, nice shot. Thanks for your generosity.

A teensy bit of breathing even in that lens!

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Doesn't let me download...

[Blaine Golden]

I tried to download it using Safari and it didn't work, but when I used IE I was able to get it.

[Sanjin Jukic]

Can't seem to open your lens test. Safari says it does not see data. Is it just me?

I have on the server log about 20 downloads finished, not bad.
Safari is not working good with my apple ftp server (strange!), the best is to download with Fireworks
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

[Sanjin Jukic]

I will try out to make some more accurate tests with this and another lenses using the HDV+M2 set up
but I do not promise now anything definite to offer about possible downloads etc. Maybe...

Below are more pictures about the test gears set up with the Zeiss 50mm/f1.4 ZF Planar T til my RED ONE arrives.

http://www.sanjinjukic.com/extras/studio-15-07.jpg

Studio

http://www.sanjinjukic.com/extras/zf50-1.jpg

Zeiss ZF 50mm/1.4 T Planar attached to RR M2, RR Follow Focus gear and Vocas matte box.

http://www.sanjinjukic.com/extras/zf50-2.jpg

Zeiss ZF 50mm/1.4 T Planar and Vocas matte box

[Evin Grant]

Cute rig. I'd really like to test out some of those Zeiss lenses. BTW they are not actually made by Zeiss, they are made by Cosina in Japan, although the quality is still very high.

[Emanuel A.]

Here is an interesting comparision where you can find some info and a full enlightenment on both offers:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/50-comparison/index.htm

Hope this helps! Follow the links...

[Sanjin Jukic]

Cute rig. I'd really like to test out some of those Zeiss lenses. BTW they are not actually made by Zeiss, they are made by Cosina in Japan, although the quality is still very high.

Thanks Evin,

by the way here is the direct link to Zeiss page about ZF lenses
http://www.zeiss.com/c12567a8003b58b9/Contents-Frame/8e8ae439a3fd6101c125711b005a77c4

CLN: Where are the ZF lenses made?
Dr. Scherle: We develop the lens specifications for series production and the quality targets here at the Carl Zeiss factory in Oberkochen, where we also perform prototype testing in our labs and “torture chambers.” The production is done at the Cosina factory in Japan under the watchful eye of Carl Zeiss employees in charge of quality assurance. The actual quality control will be performed on measuring machines designed and made by Carl Zeiss in Oberkochen just as it has been on all Japanese-made Zeiss lenses.

Here is to know more about ZF lenses
Questions about the new ZF
http://www.zeiss.com/C12567A8003B58B9/Contents-Frame/BE1F5216686FD0B5C1257118005D1D24?OpenDocument

[Roberto B]

Here is an interesting comparision where you can find some info and a full enlightenment on both offers:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/50-comparison/index.htm

Hope this helps! Follow the links...

it helps.. though i already knew this one.. ;) terrific review..

[Yean Loon]

I really love the zeiss lenses..mine are with the contax mount..use them exclusively with my P+S Technik...the color rendition is truer and the image sharper than the canon lenses i tested...haven't tested the nikkors although i've heard and seen some good stuff about them both here and over at DVXUser...
Hope someone can come up with a contax mount for the RED!!!

[J. Bernard Vallon]

I dont think testing the zeiss lenses with the HVX/redrock setup will give the most objective results. The images we see are going to be lower resolution than the zeiss OR the nikon can produce, as well as lower latitude (although that could be fixed by exposure and lighting. IMHO, the lenses should be compared with a DSLR, because the sensor is more similar to the RED.

1080p is lots of pixels, but its nothing compared to the 12mpxl the lens is supposed to be able to deliver.

I think you would do a lot of work for yourself and not be able to see much of a difference.

[Sanjin Jukic]

I dont think testing the zeiss lenses with the HVX/redrock setup will give the most objective results. The images we see are going to be lower resolution than the zeiss OR the nikon can produce, as well as lower latitude (although that could be fixed by exposure and lighting. IMHO, the lenses should be compared with a DSLR, because the sensor is more similar to the RED.

1080p is lots of pixels, but its nothing compared to the 12mpxl the lens is supposed to be able to deliver.

I think you would do a lot of work for yourself and not be able to see much of a difference.


John,

In the most what you've said you are right. FX1 and RR M2 have a lot of issues, but also tests with the still CMOS 12 megapix DSLR has many too. I found out that people like to download and see something when they are waiting for the RED. People anyway want to have a fun. Give them what they want. A brand new tread with a fresh test coming very soon.

[J. Bernard Vallon]

By all means go ahead. We'll learn some valuable information most likely, but I would caution anyone against using a test like that as the ONLY means of comparison.

[Sanjin Jukic]

John,

Carl Zeiss Planar T* 1.4/50 ZF video test is online
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=287

Also I keep bookmark of your page at my Red users folder.

[PrairieSoul]

An important issue about using still lenses... we are shooting "Moving Pictures". Still lenses are not designed for follow focus. If the subject or the camera is moving, (which it often is) then pulling focus is a serious issue. The whole point of T1.3/1.4 lenses is the depth of field. If you are shooting wide open and trying to keep a moving focal plane in focus, believe me, you do not want to be stuck on a still lens not designed for follow focus.

The best lenses: Zeiss Super Speeds T1.3

They are have a PL mount and a set of 5 (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm) lenses rents for $300/day from most rental houses.

[Sanjin Jukic]

An important issue about using still lenses... we are shooting "Moving Pictures". Still lenses are not designed for follow focus. If the subject or the camera is moving, (which it often is) then pulling focus is a serious issue. The whole point of T1.3/1.4 lenses is the depth of field. If you are shooting wide open and trying to keep a moving focal plane in focus, believe me, you do not want to be stuck on a still lens not designed for follow focus.

The best lenses: Zeiss Super Speeds T1.3

They are have a PL mount and a set of 5 (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm) lenses rents for $300/day from most rental houses.

Don't worry, with still lenses you can shoot a graet movie. It is all about your cinematography style. Getting more expensive lenses and cameras will not you make a great cinematographer at all. Read more about cinematographer style at the VITTORIO STORARO's trilogy 'Scrivere con la luce/Writing with Light' [1. 'La luce/The Light' (2001), 2. 'I colori/The Colours' (2002) & 3. 'Gli elementi/The Elements' (2003)].

[J. Bernard Vallon]

I agree, we all have to remember that pants dont make the man. Great films have been made with lousy gear.

On that note, I'm considering buying a Redrock follow focus system, because its designed to work with still lenses. There might be an issue with 15mm vs 19mm rod support, but with everything designed to be fully modular, I cant see it being a deal breaker of a problem.

-John

[Sanjin Jukic]

I agree, we all have to remember that pants dont make the man. Great films have been made with lousy gear.

On that note, I'm considering buying a Redrock follow focus system, because its designed to work with still lenses. There might be an issue with 15mm vs 19mm rod support, but with everything designed to be fully modular, I cant see it being a deal breaker of a problem.

-John

Try out microFollowFocus Indie Bundle and test a wide range of lens mounts, or choose just one and go. It is a very good lens test platform before RED ships. Also choose your camera with M2, HVX or HDV, all are really good value for money.

[Júlio Taubkin]

I like Ken Rockwell's review, and for a still photographer, it makes a lot of sense. You have amazing glass from Nikon and Canon, that can do a lot more than those Zeiss lenses for a lot less money. And honestly, after photoshop, nothing is really unnaceptable anymore, not even distortion...

But what makes the zeiss glass interesting is the mechanical, all manual construction, and the quality (because it's a manual glass built with today's technology, something pretty rare). Focusing with still lenses for moving images, (like we have to do with 35mm adapters) is very hard, and with autofocus, infinite turning focus rings is a REAL pain.

So the Zeiss glass makes me wonder if it's not a better investment, even though a little more expensive. A whole set would cover a pretty interesting range (25, 35, 50 and 85) for around $2600. Not bad at all.

But I'm probably going to start with the Nikons I already have...

[Sanjin Jukic]

Like always I go with a mixture. Trying to find for the best affordable solution. The mix will later include some original Zeiss/Contax and legendary Leica.

[chuck colburn]

Lotsa nice Zeiss glass in the Contax slr mount. Including a 15mm no longer made.

http://www.hotbuyselectronics.com/contax_slr_lenses.htm

I seem to be wrong about the 15mm. It seems to be still made though a bit pricy. I've seen them go on ebay for 2-3k in prime condition. Here's a more complete listing including which ones were made where.

http://www.cdegroot.com/photo-contax-lenses/

[Sanjin Jukic]

Yes, Chuck more in that way, hope the RED will make Zeiss/Contax mount...???...this year...

[chuck colburn]

Haven't seen this on the site, it might be of intrest to some.

http://www.mapug-astronomy.net/ragreiner/adapters.html

[chuck colburn]

Yes, Chuck more in that way, hope the RED will make Zeiss/Contax mount...???...this year...

Then there is the 200mm f2 apo-sonnar which you can fit with the Zeiss 1.4x and 2x mutars giving you a 280mm f2.8 and a 400mm f4. Has anyone been using the Zeiss Contax 17-35mm f2.8 ?

Chuck

[chuck colburn]

Then there is the 200mm f2 apo-sonnar which you can fit with the Zeiss 1.4x and 2x mutars giving you a 280mm f2.8 and a 400mm f4. Has anyone been using the Zeiss Contax 17-35mm f2.8 ?

Chuck

This is odd. This lens sure looks like it focuses the same way as a cine lens.

http://cgi.ebay.com/exDEMO-Contax-Carl-Zeiss-T-Planar-85mm-1-4-F1-4-Lens_W0QQitemZ180078745763QQihZ008QQcategoryZ3340Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And this one too.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180078745796&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=180078745763&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=active_view_item&usedrule1=StoreCatToStoreCat&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget

Chuck

[ZeissUser]

Couple of points to mention here. First of all I think most people buying Zeiss lenses (myself included) have already tested Nikon's and chose the Zeiss instead of Nikon. The reverse is not always true.

A lot of people are quick to point out that ZF's are made in Japan and are nothing special, when it comes to light that they have never actually used them and are relying on some random internet reporter to think for them.

I recently purchased a set of 4 Zeiss ZF lenses (25, 35, 50, 85). Here's my take on it. They are really sharp. Mechanically they feel solid. The set only costs $3050.00... A tiny amount in the grand scheme of things. Plus, there is a HUGE marketing appeal of saying you have Zeiss lenses.

The only real disappointment with ZF was discovering that not all of them have 270-degree focus scales. They are, in fact, all different. They vary from a measly 90-degrees on the 35mm, to 270 degrees on the 50mm and 85mm, to a full 360 degrees on the 25mm. Weird huh?

Overall I am happy with my purchase and plan to supplement the set of 4 with a Nikon 18mm to round out the set. But you can believe as soon as Zeiss makes an 18mm in the ZF line I will promptly replace the Nikon with the Zeiss and never look back. They are just simpler, better lenses.

That's my opinion. Thanks for listening..

[ZeissUser]

hope the RED will make Zeiss/Contax mount...???...this year...

They don't need to. You can buy a Contax/Canon EOS adapter right now for under 50 bucks and begin using those lenses TODAY. No need to wait on RED...

[Manfred Lopez]

I wanted to say that yesterday I also received a brand new set of the Zeiss lenses. Although I haven't had time to fully test them yet, I can still say that so far I like what I see. For now I'll be using them with a Letus Extreme adapter (supposedly far better than Redrock) and an HVX. For Red I have a Canon super16mm 8-64mm zoom which is good enough until I can afford Arri's or 'real' 35mm Zeisses. I am also waiting for Red to catch up with all of their lenses. Maybe Red will win out in the end?

By the way, that review that somebody posted earlier in the thread (that wasn't too favorable towards Zeiss) is from a still photography guy who whished the lenses had auto focusing on them... enough said with that! :)

[Manfred Lopez]

P.S. I sometimes feel that the Zeiss ZF lenses were specifically created for the 35mm DOF adapter market. Is it just me?

[Evin Grant]

The ZFs are very fine lenses, I just think as a low budget option they don't offer much more than the equivalent Nikkors at twice the price. The P+S technic ZF mods may have more to offer, despite being over three times as much they do offer built in focus gears, 80mm uniform fronts and most importantly very clear distance and witness marks. I'd also assume the focus is smoother and easier. My biggest complaint about the regular ZFs I've played with is their stiff focusing, not good for fast moving follow focusing. The P+S set is $11,200 for all four but that is still just slightly more than 1/2 the price of a 20 year old Zeiss PL mount standard speed set. (Which is what I own am very happy with).

[Panos Bournias]

Has anyone used-test the re-housed Zeiss lenses by P+S Technik (Nikon Mount). The price point 2.500 US is not bad if their functionality comes close to cine-lenses. A documented opinion would be very helpful for me and others looking for the possibility of using Nikon mount lenses with the red.
Panos B.

[albert rudnicki]

No it's not just you, but they did not aim at adapters only...
Zeiss got smart and start realizing the importance of the marketing game, which is not that bad.
They take small small steps, probably that's why we don't see any real wides just yet.
Yes, Cosina makes them, but they are very much Zeiss, so don't worry they will perform as promised.
Nikons are great, and when you compare them separately they are... great; and maybe of too little difference to justify the price,but not untill you get a set and shoot with it. You'll find your self smiling.
In my opinion it's the best still lens substitute for a high end PL prime lens.
That said I own the 50 and 85 and I am going to get some more :)
Cheers

[Manfred Lopez]

The ZFs are very fine lenses, ...

Thanks Evin

I always enjoy your lens posts. The reason I went with Zeiss over Nikkor, besides their 'good enough' quality even if a bit more expensive than Nikkors, is that I personally saw a value in being able to type out the letters 'Zeiss' on my kit list. I have sometime some idiot clients who don't trust anything unless it is vaguely the same thing that they somehow heard to be the best. These people suddenly become experts and insist that everything must be name brand. So fine. Now I can say that we have 35mm Zeiss optics... even if the Canon S16mm Zoom that I have is much much better for cine applications (which also costs a ton more). It's just that when they hear 'Canon' they begin to frown. Go figure.

[chuck colburn]

Anyone try the new 18mm ZF lens yet?

[marasco ivan]

hey
where are you found the zeiss 18mm zf lens??
it not exist yet!!

[Babu Kantamneni]

Couple of points to mention here. First of all I think most people buying Zeiss lenses (myself included) have already tested Nikon's and chose the Zeiss instead of Nikon. The reverse is not always true.

A lot of people are quick to point out that ZF's are made in Japan and are nothing special, when it comes to light that they have never actually used them and are relying on some random internet reporter to think for them.

I recently purchased a set of 4 Zeiss ZF lenses (25, 35, 50, 85). Here's my take on it. They are really sharp. Mechanically they feel solid. The set only costs $3050.00... A tiny amount in the grand scheme of things. Plus, there is a HUGE marketing appeal of saying you have Zeiss lenses.

The only real disappointment with ZF was discovering that not all of them have 270-degree focus scales. They are, in fact, all different. They vary from a measly 90-degrees on the 35mm, to 270 degrees on the 50mm and 85mm, to a full 360 degrees on the 25mm. Weird huh?

Overall I am happy with my purchase and plan to supplement the set of 4 with a Nikon 18mm to round out the set. But you can believe as soon as Zeiss makes an 18mm in the ZF line I will promptly replace the Nikon with the Zeiss and never look back. They are just simpler, better lenses.

That's my opinion. Thanks for listening..

Yes!I have Nikons but these feelbetter.I have beeen playing for 3 weeks on hvx and Lettus ex.2 short films. sharp and great bokeh!
Focus with FF with lot of motion is tricky.
Thx,
babu

[chuck colburn]

hey
where are you found the zeiss 18mm zf lens??
it not exist yet!!

Here...


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/520232-REG/Zeiss_1440_733_Super_Wide_Angle_18mm.html

[marasco ivan]

ZM not ZF.
this means only for leica M mount.

[chuck colburn]

Opps...my bad.
You can get it in Contax mount and use it with a Canon adapter if your using that mount on the camera.

[Peter Sensor]

Yes, there is an 18mm Zeiss ( ZM )only, for now. And it's an F4.0
Earlier someone mentioned maybe they made the ZF's for DoF adapters,
I tend to think not because of the inconsistency in the speeds - 2.8,2.0, 1.4.
Although the focus throws of 360 and 270 degrees and the close focusing
capabilities resemble cine primes.
I have tested the Nikons (MF) and the ZF's on a sharpness indicator and I see
very little difference between them. Slightly rounder aperture on the ZF's
might make for a little nicer bokeh. I sell both sets and the big difference
is Name and New, although some of my Nikons are New.

~ Peter at RPLENS.com

[d3guy]

Firts post here.

I have jumped back and forth between ZF and Nikon AF. As I get older my eyes are failing me but I truly believe the ZF are untouchable. Shot some pictures down town a few days ago and was just blown away by the way this lens holds it together across the entire frame. I posted some large attachments here http://www.nikoncamerauser.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=82 and even a 200% crop of a building window way up in the sky :)

My dilemma now is that I already have the 100 and don't know weather getting the 85 is worth it or not. Maybe I should go with the 50.

JT

[David W. Jones]

I have found the Contax mount Zeiss lenses to be a great option for low budget projects which don't allow for the rental of Zeiss Super Speed PL mount lenses. They focus in the same direction as the Super Speeds, as opposed the the ZF lenses which focus like the Nikons. And slap on a C/Y to EOS mount adapter, and they will work with any camera with an EOS lens mount.

[M Taylor]

Hi David,
What do you estimate your Zeiss/Contax lens set would be worth? Just curious how much more these would cost compared to ZF. Did you buy them as a set or collect them over time secondhand?

[Sanjin Jukic]

I have found the Contax mount Zeiss lenses to be a great option for low budget projects which don't allow for the rental of Zeiss Super Speed PL mount lenses. They focus in the same direction as the Super Speeds, as opposed the the ZF lenses which focus like the Nikons. And slap on a C/Y to EOS mount adapter, and they will work with any camera with an EOS lens mount.

Wow David.

Great find and impressive Zeiss prime lens collection.

You are a lucky guy.

[David W. Jones]

Hi David,
What do you estimate your Zeiss/Contax lens set would be worth? Just curious how much more these would cost compared to ZF. Did you buy them as a set or collect them over time secondhand?

I put the set together over time secondhand. It covers my basic shooting style, but there are a few more lenses I would like to get that are just a little faster. Zeiss produced a number of great lenses for the Contax and Rollei lines, and some of the earlier Zeiss Jena lenses can also be used with great results.
As far as cost goes, the price of used Contax lenses, " glass in general" have started to climb due to the release of RED, as well as the ton of 35mm DOF adapters out there. But I would guesstimate that the cost of a lens plus the cost of adding focus gears comes out to the basic price of a new ZF lens.

[vincelucero]

FWIW, I like the build of the Nikons better. Seems sturdier as I got the older manual metal builds compared with plastic on the ZF. Evin is right though that it's always nice to say you have a Zeiss set. Optically I can't see any real dif on tests. The 18mm sounds interesting. But they are all in the $600-1300 range whereas you can get 3-4 used Nikons for 1300. Kinda like what Jim is trying to do with Red lenses. udaman jim!

[Andrew Benz]

I have found the Contax mount Zeiss lenses to be a great option for low budget projects which don't allow for the rental of Zeiss Super Speed PL mount lenses. They focus in the same direction as the Super Speeds, as opposed the the ZF lenses which focus like the Nikons. And slap on a C/Y to EOS mount adapter, and they will work with any camera with an EOS lens mount.

Hi Dave,

It's really nice to see you here... and that is a very nice set of glass. I will look at getting the EOS mount to test it out on my RED when I get it. As a matter of fact, I would enjoy it if you would like to "torture" test it when I get it ( I am in the next batch). Please PM me, we need to get together. I think I pm'ed you before... don't remember.

Cheers,

Mark Andrew Benz

PS. Hey Red Users, Dave is a great V.O. talent if you are ever in need, please try Dave. He is also multi-talented in post and production. I learned a lot from Dave when I first got started... and I still appreciate it.

[David W. Jones]

Thanks for the kind words. I have a lot on my plate lately, but it's a little hard to concentrate at the moment. My companion for the last 11 1/2 years, "Bear" passed away last night. He was 223 pounds of loving lapdog that will be sorely missed.

[Andrew Benz]

Dave, Bear was an amazing dog, I am really sorry. Hmmm... Please pm if I can do anything for you and Cathy or when you have a break in your schedule. I am just down the road.

Take care man,

Benz

ps-- sorry for the interruption everyone.

[Nathan Troutman]

I've found this lens review round-up to be unbelievable. Tons of info on practically every Nikon lens out there. Down at the bottom of the page you can pick which group of lenses you'd like to look at. He reviews the Zeiss 50mm as compared to the Nikon.

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_surv.html

But overall this is a great place for lens info. This guy has a ton of real world experience and seems really knowledgeable.

Letus extreme is the best 35mm adapter? Then there must be some major upgrades over the brand new letus I used last year. It sure looks like the new Letus extreme is still made out of plastic with a cheap aluminum lens mount that quickly wears out. Hopefully for $1200 you're at least getting a real achromat instead of a plastic hobby-store magnifying glass:biggrin:

I've used letus, brevis, & redrock. If you know how to properly set-up the units Redrock has been far and above better than the vibrators. Besides the much more solid build quality. As soon as one of the big 4 gets the hint and includes a flip feature in-camera to record and monitor a 35mm adapter image the flip ability of letus will be irrelevant. Personally I already think it is. It's easy to flip in post and it's easy to monitor flipped on-set. And you lose less light. I have a suped=up G4 that can even edit flipped footage in real-time. It would be nice if FCP provided a flip option to capture footage flipped when you bring it in. All in all, properly set-up with a good 35mm lens on it Redrock wins for me. We've shot product footage in the studio with a 200mm Nikkor F2 and this set-up produced razor-sharp images. This has led me to conclude that those who have had problems with Redrock either didn't set it up properly or used sub-standard lenses with it. Because it has worked beautifully for us after carefully set-up and the very best Nikkors.

[chuck colburn]

Thanks for the kind words. I have a lot on my plate lately, but it's a little hard to concentrate at the moment. My companion for the last 11 1/2 years, "Bear" passed away last night. He was 223 pounds of loving lapdog that will be sorely missed.

Sorry about your lost. Jake and my thoughts are with you.

[jaadgy akanni]

All in all, properly set-up with a good 35mm lens on it Redrock wins for me. We've shot product footage in the studio with a 200mm Nikkor F2 and this set-up produced razor-sharp images. This has led me to conclude that those who have had problems with Redrock either didn't set it up properly or used sub-standard lenses with it. Because it has worked beautifully for us after carefully set-up and the very best Nikkors.

I have to agree with you. I've used both adapters and the REdRock M2 wins when it comes to image quality, plus it's the most "filmic" and with the sweetest bokeh. However, I presently use the Brevis and I like it quite much. I traded ease of use for image "preference," 'cause the Brevis is less cumbersome. There's a brand new Brevis flip module unit that loses next to zero light, which incidently, you can use with your M2. Now that's a perfect combo right there. In hopes of being able to use my Brevis with the Birger Nikon mount, I sent it to Erik to see how he can make that happen. I keep my fingers crossed. That combo could hold me over until I get my REd One a few months from now. BTW, according to Erik, the Birger mount works well with the M2.

[Frank Weeks]

My companion for the last 11 1/2 years, "Bear" passed away last night

I enjoy your insight on lens and feel for your loss.

Frank

[Joe Carney]

I've found this lens review round-up to be unbelievable. Tons of info on practically every Nikon lens out there. Down at the bottom of the page you can pick which group of lenses you'd like to look at. He reviews the Zeiss 50mm as compared to the Nikon.

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_surv.html

But overall this is a great place for lens info. This guy has a ton of real world experience and seems really knowledgeable.

Letus extreme is the best 35mm adapter? Then there must be some major upgrades over the brand new letus I used last year. It sure looks like the new Letus extreme is still made out of plastic with a cheap aluminum lens mount that quickly wears out. Hopefully for $1200 you're at least getting a real achromat instead of a plastic hobby-store magnifying glass:biggrin:

I've used letus, brevis, & redrock. If you know how to properly set-up the units Redrock has been far and above better than the vibrators. Besides the much more solid build quality. As soon as one of the big 4 gets the hint and includes a flip feature in-camera to record and monitor a 35mm adapter image the flip ability of letus will be irrelevant. Personally I already think it is. It's easy to flip in post and it's easy to monitor flipped on-set. And you lose less light. I have a suped=up G4 that can even edit flipped footage in real-time. It would be nice if FCP provided a flip option to capture footage flipped when you bring it in. All in all, properly set-up with a good 35mm lens on it Redrock wins for me. We've shot product footage in the studio with a 200mm Nikkor F2 and this set-up produced razor-sharp images. This has led me to conclude that those who have had problems with Redrock either didn't set it up properly or used sub-standard lenses with it. Because it has worked beautifully for us after carefully set-up and the very best Nikkors.

Not sure if you are aware, but the jvc hd 200 and 250 have built in image flip.
Designed to work with JVCs 16mm lens adaptor, but works with others as well.

[Nathan Troutman]

Not sure if you are aware, but the jvc hd 200 and 250 have built in image flip.
Designed to work with JVCs 16mm lens adaptor, but works with others as well.

I was not aware. I had heard through other forums that JVC was supposed to offer the option. Too bad the $1200 mini-DV/S-VHS deck I bought from JVC died on me with hardly any use just after the warranty expired. I've avoided their products ever since.

[jaadgy akanni]

I was not aware. I had heard through other forums that JVC was supposed to offer the option. Too bad the $1200 mini-DV/S-VHS deck I bought from JVC died on me with hardly any use just after the warranty expired. I've avoided their products ever since.

I have a JVC HD200U and yes, it does have image flip.

[Harry Lime]

I'm very late into this thread, but wanted to share some experiences with the Zeiss and Nikon glass.

I own and have shot Nikkor and Zeiss glass in F mount.

On a whole the Zeiss glass is superior. It is sharper from edge to edge, especially below f4 or f5.6. The Zeiss glass is also far more resistant to flare. The 1.4/50 Planar is exceptional in this respect. If I remember correctly the ZF lenses are also color balanced across the lineup. Some of the lenses like the 2/100mm Macro are based on Zeiss Cinema lenses.

I found that the Nikkor AIS 1.4/50 is very close in performance to the Zeiss, but is a little softer in the corners between 1.4 and about 2.8. Contrast is also a little lower, below f4 or f5.6. The Zeiss is very, very resistant to flare and again better than the Nikon. The Zeiss bokeh is smoother, because of the round aperture. The Nikon has a 5 blade hexagonal aperture and your specular points of light will not always be round.

The Nikkor is 2/35 ok, but not even close to what the 2/35 ZF can do.

Same for the 25mm.

The Zeiss ZF 85mm and Nikkor 1.4/85 are close.

The Nikkor 2/28mm is a little soft wide open, but very sharp once you stop it down a little. But I would probably put my money on the new ZF 2/28. The Nikkor has been in production for about 30-40 years.

If you are going Nikkor, take a look at the Micro-Nikkor macro lenses. These are extremely sharp and come in 55, 60 and 105mm length.

The problem with the Nikkor primes is that the majority of them haven't been updated since the Vietnam War or the late 1980's. The newer AF versions of the primes are plastic bodied and unlike the old metal incarnations which were build like a tank, won't hold up to heavy duty use for very long. And again there is the issue of the 5 bladed apertures.

The Zeiss ZF lenses are very well made, by Cosina in Japan (to Zeiss spec).
They are metal and focus very smoothly.

Personally I would go Leica. I shoot both the R (SLR) and M rangefinder system and without a doubt it's the best glass I've seen. The Leica R glass is extremely sharp especially wide open, color balanced and neutral across the lineup, display very smooth out of focus areas and are extremely well built.

A few years ago, when I was working for Disney and Digital Domain, we switched from using Nikkors to Leica R (reflex) for shooting Vista Vision FX plates. The difference in dailies was quite an eye opener. There really was no contest.

[Nils J. Nesse]

Personally I would go Leica.

There are now two Leica enthusiasts on the forum. One of them is The Third Man, who has a picture of Harry Lime as his avatar; and the other calls himself Harry Lime. Can it be coincidence?

:)

[Harry Lime]

Now that's weird...
;-)


Lime and Lime, no relationship.