Anybody using mainly Carl Zeiss lenses for your Nikon DSLR ?

[twiki]

All the models can use manual focus lens, but only certain models (D200, D2-series, D300, D3) are able to meter with MF lenses.

Afterall, it's a Nikon sytem, not many people will buy the new ZF lenses to replace their existing Nikkor all over again, plus they are MF so some people will hold back too.
The most is just to get a couple of signature ZF lenses just for keeps.

Hi,

Are you referring to auto-exposure on these models?

Would cameras other than those listed (D200, D300, D700, D2 series, D3 series) be able to meter with a ZF lens?

In other words, what's the cheapest DSLR (D70, D70s, D50, D80, D40, D40X, D60) I can use a ZF lens with?
I'm fine with MF (since the days of the F3), but would prefer at least one AE mode.

I just came from a Nikon system and sold my D200, so I'm not planning to back down that road again. I'm just here to explore CZ lenses on affordable bodies.

Thanks.

 

[b18]

D1 series ?

Only Nikon pro and semi pro range has ability for auto exposure using those Zeiss ZF lens line.
Reason is entry level and hobbyist cameras do not have that prong to determine what aperture the lens is on.

 

[ihosc]

So any idea what would be a reasonable price for this lense? Got a quote from 1 shop for $1766. On the high side?

 

[Quinty]

Just a note to all..
I've just sent my D300 to Nikon Service Centre recently for the 3rd time for the same problem of strong shutter snap (vibration).

News from them came back that the new bodies are engineered for new lenses.
If you run old lenses on them via the aperture ring very frequently like I do (habit from shooting with film S.L.R.s), you'll realise this problem that I'm facing on my D300.

When changing apertures, these 2 scenarios as stated below will occur.

1)The aperture prong on the body will only be pushed down halfway if you change your aperture by the command dial.

2)The aperture prong on the body will be pushed all the way down if you change your aperture by the aperture ring.
This causes the snap to be strong..

It's not that old lenses ain't compatible with the new cameras..
It just ain't that suited.

I'm now awaiting Nikon Japan to reply to Nikon Service Centre Singapore whether they will approve the modification of certain parts so that I won't be facing this problem this badly as I'm not comfortable running my lenses via the command dial.

 

[sf_kang]

I agree with photobum concerning is comments about CarlZeiss ZF lenses made for Nikon bodies.
I have 3 ZF lenses and I thoroughly enjoy using them. I also have a range of Nikons.

My ZF combi are:
ZF25/2.8 Distagon which I use for scenery, travel and when shooting in tight quarters.
ZF50/2.0 Macro Planar which I use for general photography and full length portraits. Sharpness is still very good when shooting fully open.
ZF100/2.0 Macro Planar which I use for head/shoulder portraits and short tele work. Again this lens is still very sharp corner-to-corner even when shooting wide open at f2.

As I am shooting with a FX body, my opinion is that I don't need the 1.4 aperture and the f2.0 aperture already gives enough shallow depth of field. The other reason I chose these are that they are macro lenses, allowing me to focus quite close.

Hope this helps.
Fred

 

[aspenx]

So any idea what would be a reasonable price for this lense? Got a quote from 1 shop for $1766. On the high side?

Which lens? The 85mm f/1.4??

I'm quite interested in the Distagon T* 35mm f/2.......

 

[sgwong]

anyone know how much is the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f1.4 Nikon ZF Ai-S Mount selling price? I quite interested in this lens.

 

[sf_kang]

Just sharing some personal experience with ZF lenses on my D700. Do note this is a FX body, so those using DX please consider the crop factor.
On a recent trip to Japan (Tokyo and the hotspring resorts up in Manza), I took with me the following:
Distagon ZF25/f2.8, Makro-Planar ZF50/f2, Makro-Planar ZF100/f2, and my Micro Nikkor AF-D 200/f4.
I used manual focus throughout the entire 9 day trip. Focusing was never a problem. With the prosumer Nikon DSLR bodies, you can use the 'focus assist' green dot in the view finder to confirm that you're in focus. No need to buy any 'split' viewfinder screen. If you install one of these, it'll become a little irritation when you switch back to AF mode. I also own the trinity (AF-S 14-24/2.8, 24-70/2.8, 70-200/2.8) but find that shooting with these prime lenses 'forces' me to be more careful in composing, and focus, and taking more time to shoot, hence resulting in overall better shots. But if you're shooting events, I'd go back to AF (no questions about it).
My ZF25/2.8 mostly for landscapes. The ZF50/2 stays on the D700 most of the time. For tighter shots and portraits, I use the ZF100/2 quite often shooting wide open at f2 (the bokeh is lovely - dreamy and milky effect). For longer reach, I then use the Micro Nikkor 200/4. The reason I carry mostly micro/makro lenses are that I can get very close when I want to capture minute details, and otherwise, they delivery very good egde to edge quality even when shot at max aperture.
I have had my ZF lenses about 2 years plus now. Very pleased with the image quality and the very 'solid' and 'smooth' feel of the lenses.
Note: Compare shooting with ZF85/1.4 and ZF100/2 wide open; I'd go for the ZF100/2 plus it's more versatile (makro for closeup details).
Hope this helps.
Fred

 

[sf_kang]

QUOTE
When changing apertures, these 2 scenarios as stated below will occur.

1)The aperture prong on the body will only be pushed down halfway if you change your aperture by the command dial.

2)The aperture prong on the body will be pushed all the way down if you change your aperture by the aperture ring.
This causes the snap to be strong..

It's not that old lenses ain't compatible with the new cameras..
It just ain't that suited. UNQUOTE

When using ZF lenses on Nikon DSLR bodies, be sure your model has the menu item to set 'Non-CPU' lens data. Since these lenses do not contain the Nikon CPU chip, the body does not know what lens is being mounted. So, for the D700 (and D3, maybe other bodies, I'm not sure), there is a menu setting for Non-CPU lenses. So if I mount say a ZF50/f2, I'd enter these parameters into the menu once. Then any time I mount this lens on the body, I dial in and 'tell' the body that this ZF50/2 lens in now mounted. Same as for MF Nikon lenses without CPU chip. This basically tells the body the max aperture of the mounted lens, and hence gives the correct 'calibration' for the aperture prong position. ALWAYS SELECT APERTURE FROM THE LENS APERTURE RING (not from the command dial) WHEN USING NON AF LENSES. Stay with this procedure and you'll NOT encounter any problems. I have used ZF lenses on my D3 and D700 for 2 yrs plus without any problems with shutter or exposure.
Hope this helps.
Fred

 

[Quinty]

QUOTE
When changing apertures, these 2 scenarios as stated below will occur.

1)The aperture prong on the body will only be pushed down halfway if you change your aperture by the command dial.

2)The aperture prong on the body will be pushed all the way down if you change your aperture by the aperture ring.
This causes the snap to be strong..

It's not that old lenses ain't compatible with the new cameras..
It just ain't that suited. UNQUOTE

When using ZF lenses on Nikon DSLR bodies, be sure your model has the menu item to set 'Non-CPU' lens data. Since these lenses do not contain the Nikon CPU chip, the body does not know what lens is being mounted. So, for the D700 (and D3, maybe other bodies, I'm not sure), there is a menu setting for Non-CPU lenses. So if I mount say a ZF50/f2, I'd enter these parameters into the menu once. Then any time I mount this lens on the body, I dial in and 'tell' the body that this ZF50/2 lens in now mounted. Same as for MF Nikon lenses without CPU chip. This basically tells the body the max aperture of the mounted lens, and hence gives the correct 'calibration' for the aperture prong position. ALWAYS SELECT APERTURE FROM THE LENS APERTURE RING (not from the command dial) WHEN USING NON AF LENSES. Stay with this procedure and you'll NOT encounter any problems. I have used ZF lenses on my D3 and D700 for 2 yrs plus without any problems with shutter or exposure.
Hope this helps.
Fred

Would like to inform you that I'm using it on that mode ever since I've gotten my D300.
With that mode, you will have metering with non-CPU lenses.
That's it.
As I've mentioned before.. D300 is nowhere like D700 or D3 in terms of build for the aperture lever control.
D300 utilises gear to control the prong.
D700 and D3 utilise a motor to control the prong.
This information is from Nikon Service Centre, Singapore.
If you would so wish to try my camera and realise the prominent vibration and mirror slap, please private message me.
Would be happy to let you see for yourself. ^^

 

[catola1010]

SLR Revolution also bring in some of these lens for Canon and Nikon mount,
Can call them out to find out;p

 

[patatahead]

Just a note to all..
I've just sent my D300 to Nikon Service Centre recently for the 3rd time for the same problem of strong shutter snap (vibration).

News from them came back that the new bodies are engineered for new lenses.
If you run old lenses on them via the aperture ring very frequently like I do (habit from shooting with film S.L.R.s), you'll realise this problem that I'm facing on my D300.

When changing apertures, these 2 scenarios as stated below will occur.

1)The aperture prong on the body will only be pushed down halfway if you change your aperture by the command dial.

2)The aperture prong on the body will be pushed all the way down if you change your aperture by the aperture ring.
This causes the snap to be strong..

It's not that old lenses ain't compatible with the new cameras..
It just ain't that suited.

I'm now awaiting Nikon Japan to reply to Nikon Service Centre Singapore whether they will approve the modification of certain parts so that I won't be facing this problem this badly as I'm not comfortable running my lenses via the command dial.

just bumping the thread.

brother, what was the outcome of the investigation? did nikon modify the parts you need? I'm using a D200, will it also get affected when frequently using the aperture ring?

 

[Quinty]

No modification or whatever.
They just said that it's an engineering issue and that mine is an isolated case.
The end.
Was really upset about it..

 

[sf_kang]

Hi Quinty, photobum has given a lot of comments and pros/cons of the Zeiss ZF lenses. I agree with his comments. I own 3 ZF lenses (ZF Distagon 25mm/f2.8, ZF Makro-Planar 50mm and 100mm /f2.0) and use them on my D700. If you are interested to look at pictures taken with these lenses, click on the following link http://picasaweb.google.com/Freddie...?authkey=Gv1sRgCM6V9KCIsKTYPA&feat=directlink

On top of the comments offered by photobum, I can share some from my own user experience.
1) Shooting with manual focus forces me to think, plan, compose and focus my shots more carefully. Shot turn out better simply more care is put into the shot.
2) The solid lens construction and the super smooth focusing action on the Zeiss lenses are a joy to use. Macro lenses have very 'long throw' allowing for very precise focussing but you'll have to take the time to get it - once there, it's dead sharp!
3) Especially the Macro-Planar 50mm and 100mm f2.0, I can shoot them wide open at f2.0 and still get very high image quality and fantastic bokeh. I also shoot with the Nikkor AF-S 50mm/f1.4G but I find the Zeiss bokeh more 'dreamy'.

I enjoy using them. Had them for over 3 years now.

Fred

 

[gohaj]

Hi Quinty, photobum has given a lot of comments and pros/cons of the Zeiss ZF lenses. I agree with his comments. I own 3 ZF lenses (ZF Distagon 25mm/f2.8, ZF Makro-Planar 50mm and 100mm /f2.0) and use them on my D700. If you are interested to look at pictures taken with these lenses, click on the following link http://picasaweb.google.com/Freddie...?authkey=Gv1sRgCM6V9KCIsKTYPA&feat=directlink

Let me fill in another lens. ZF 21mm f/2.8
http://www.flickr.com/photos/singaporepictures/tags/zeisszf21mmf28/

 

[Quinty]

Thanks to everybody who replied !
I'm planning to get quite a few of the lenses but am not a high paid worker thus the long saving period..
Planning to get say the 50mm, 85mm and the 100mm and maybe the 35mm..
Just not too sure about F/1.4 or F/2 for the 50mm and what would be the real difference in terms of 25mm versus 21mm.
It seems like it's a preference ?
Or why would you choose one over the other ?

 

[ZeroDivine]

zeiss 35 1.4 distagon has just been announced
This will be the zeiss lens I am going to get...

 

[sf_kang]

You choose AF lenses for good reasons, e.g. when shooting action, events, etc. You choose MF lenses for again different reasons, e.g. when you have time to compose a good landscape shot and you really want the absolutely best image quality you can get. This is when a Zeiss MR lens comes in. So, know what you expect to shooting and bring the right combination of lenses. For action and events, I shoot with Nikon AF-S lenses, e.g. 14-24/2.8, 28-70/2.8, 70-200/2.8 VR-II. However on travel trips when I expect to have time to discover, compose then shoot, I find the MF experience far more fulfilling.

My choice of MF primes are ZF 25/2.8, ZF 50/2.0, ZF 100/2.0 and one Nikon AF-Micro 200/4.0. It's like doubling the focal length, 25-50-100-200. Anything in between, I'll do some walking forwards or backwards when it is possible. In some situations, I sometimes wish I had a zoom, but heck... I just put on the prime that is closest to how I wish to compose. Just enjoy the journey and the experience. Both MF and AF have their place.

 

[bigpond]

zeiss 35 1.4 distagon has just been announced
This will be the zeiss lens I am going to get...

Pls post some samples once you get the lens. It sure looks big, and heavy too, weighing in at 850g, almost the weight of the Nikon 24-70/2.8. Here's an official Zeiss sample at 35mm at f1.4 -- IQ looks fantastic!

http://www.zeiss.com/C1256A770030BCE0/WebViewAllE/4E1756D4AF56756EC125779000246827

Only thing is the price...

 

[gohaj]

Thanks to everybody who replied !
I'm planning to get quite a few of the lenses but am not a high paid worker thus the long saving period..
Planning to get say the 50mm, 85mm and the 100mm and maybe the 35mm..
Just not too sure about F/1.4 or F/2 for the 50mm and what would be the real difference in terms of 25mm versus 21mm.
It seems like it's a preference ?
Or why would you choose one over the other ?

For some feeling reasons, I prefer 21 than 25. And I think pics look more 3d too. Just me and no real evident.

Zf21
http://www.flickr.com/photos/singaporepictures/tags/zeisszf21mmf28/

Zf25
http://www.flickr.com/photos/singaporepictures/tags/zeisszf25mmf28/