Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS Posted June 17, 2014 Share #1 Posted June 17, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Guy's Yesterday I was at one of the local camera dealers shop and while making a small purchase I noticed that he had a new Zeiss Otus 55mm f1.4 sitting on the shelf. I asked if I could have a wee look at it so we took it out of the box and the first thing that I noticed was that it was heavy. not 70/200 heavy but probably as heavy as my 14/24mm f2.8. Anyway we talked about price and it worked out pretty much the same price as in the US $4k. When I got home last night I watched some videos on youtube about this lens and it was impressive. So my question to the forum is does anyone on this forum have this lens and if so how do they find it. I did ask a photographer friend of mine that has this lens and he said it spends most of the time in his dry box but when I asked him if he wanted to sell it he said he would never sell it...................that in itself says something. As always any feedback will be much appreciated Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 17, 2014 Posted June 17, 2014 Hi Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS, Take a look here Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
luigi bertolotti Posted June 17, 2014 Share #2 Posted June 17, 2014 Though probably adaptable to a M240 (and, I think, to Leica T too) , Otus is a lens designed with DSLR in mind... so it's a bit out of this forum... ; anyway it has been covered in some threads you can find easily... I seem to remember that some posters did own the lens. Recently, a comparision of 50mm lenses was linked... and it included the Otus : http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-lenses/334800-50-comparison-apo-summicron-trounces-zeiss.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS Posted June 17, 2014 Share #3 Posted June 17, 2014 I am going to have a test try with my mates Otus on Monday on my D800e...............If I can nail the focus looking through the OVF then I will get one, I will also get to try it at night so will see what it is like to focus at night. I am at the age now where my eyes are not that great and trying to nail my M and Noctilux is now very much hit and miss...........with 90% more miss Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woorob Posted June 18, 2014 Share #4 Posted June 18, 2014 You will be blown away. I borrowed one for my D800 (before I sold it) and it was truly exceptional. My brother (who also owns an M) has had several Zeiss lenses and he's had to send one or two back for focus issues, though. Maybe you should try a 50 APO on an M for comparison's sake? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptZoom Posted June 18, 2014 Share #5 Posted June 18, 2014 ....Recently, a comparision of 50mm lenses was linked... and it included the Otus : http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m-lenses/334800-50-comparison-apo-summicron-trounces-zeiss.html Careful with the results of the above posted link- subsequent to publishing that report, Roger published this report which suggests the Ziess and the Sigma may perform better if the whole imaging chain were taken into consideration. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AB007 Posted June 18, 2014 Share #6 Posted June 18, 2014 I have not use the Zeiss Otus, I am considering buying the Sigma for my D800E after doing some research on the web. You might find this interesting: LensRentals.com - Yet Another Sigma 50mm Art Post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmradman Posted June 19, 2014 Share #7 Posted June 19, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Most impressive optics that comes with weight and size penalty. Reminds me of Nikon 24-70mm zoom lens which is mega huge compared to any M lens 50mm f1.4. As Luigi stated it was designed with DSLR in mind only flagship Canon and Nikon models are built for AF lenses and no dedicated OEM focusing screens are available except one third party supplier with a website, screens seem to be modified canon screens for 5D mk2 and fittings is DIY, just bin your camera's warranty. Zeiss sales people are very quiet when asked about DSLR focus screens that would be suitable for ZF and EOS lenses, I should know, I asked the question. Perhaps A7 is good platform for Otus 55mm. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bab Posted August 4, 2014 Share #8 Posted August 4, 2014 I have found these kind of tests have little meaning to me, If I shoot my 50 lux straight into the light I get a completely different contrast then shooting into a 1/4 direction or the 180 direction from the light. this also varies greatly depending on how much bright open sky (cloudy) is in the shot or open blue sky. Not only do these conditions affect the f/stop chosen but to a great deal the saturation of the colors below the sky portion of the photo depending on what f/stop was chosen. I cant help but think the 50 APO would correct some of my issues with the 50 lux it would be interesting to have both to shoot and compare. I am not so anal but the occasional flare of the 50 lux is annoying but then again it has produced some killer images. Regards Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 5, 2014 Share #9 Posted August 5, 2014 Sigma has developed a similar lens. Must be something in the air... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted August 5, 2014 Share #10 Posted August 5, 2014 Sigma has developed a similar lens. Must be something in the air... IMO Sigma are the most interesting lens manufacturer at the moment and my next lens purchase will almost certainly be one of their 'art' lenses (although I will have to also buy an SLR to use it with). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 5, 2014 Share #11 Posted August 5, 2014 IMO they were always amongst the best of the independent lens developers. Leica used one or two of their designs and rebadged lenses too, for instance the 28-70 Elmarit R. Interesting history there. The first version was designed and built by Sigma with some Leica input, the second version had Sigma optics and Leica mechanicals, the third version was built by Kyocera. Optically not much to choose between the three, though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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