Matt Granger posted that great Zeiss Otus 85mm video review you can watch on top. And plenty of image samples including RAW files can be downloaded on his page: mattgranger.com/otus85mm.
Ming Thein alss posted his Zeiss review and indirectly explains also why this lens is best used on the Sony A7 cameras. He tested the lens on the Nikon D800 and focusing is a real challenge:
I think this is going to be the biggest hurdle for most users: even with my custom focusing screens, calibrated mirror and finder magnifier, it’s extremely challenging to consistently hit critical focus wide open. The viewfinder system is simply inadequate. The only optical finder-based method I’ve found that can nail focus involves racking it slowly while shooting a burst – disastrous for critical timing, but just fine for static subjects. Live view and a tripod is of course highly advisable
And if you read my previous post about the high resolution cameras from Sony this may be one of the few lenses capable of resolving a 50MP resolution on a Full Frame E-mount camera. But well, it comes at a high cost 🙁
Preorders:
BHphoto with Nikon mount (Click here) or Canon mount (Click here) version.
Adorama with Nikon mount (Click here) or Canon mount (Click here) version.
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I was leaning towards Canon and now this! Nikon delivers the goods?!
Nikon?
Yes, Nikon (check the images). The OTUS is only available for two systems- Canon and Nikon.
Gotcha – I must have misunderstood what you were trying to say.
There’s no point of mounting this lens on any currently existing Canon Body. Best match is the Nikon D810 & Sony A7r.
Really? Teach us more nerd. Now sing us something funny.
Link to Matt Grangers homepage is corrupt:
http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/matt-granger-posts-first-full-zeiss-otus-85-video-review-and-raw-samples/mattgranger.com/otus85mm
should be http://www.mattgranger.com/otus85mm
In terms of ultimate IQ this is a value-for-money lenses.
Truly amazing performance, but at a very dear price. I would be fun just to rent one for a couple weeks.
less then two hours..
Matt Granger was using this lens for some time, the review was in the can just waiting for an OK from Zeiss to be released.
Looks like Matt Granger is sold on this lens; manual focus trolls take note.
Another zeiss post! Holy fritos!
Zeiss needs to make an A-Mount version to use with the upcoming Sony camera using the 45-50 megapixel sensor. This would set new standards for image quality.
If Sony ever puts out a dslr with a focusing screen suitable for mf, I’ll buy the A-mount Zeiss otus.
Focus magnification combined with focus peaking beats any focusing screen I’ve ever used. By a wide margin, no comparison.
I prefer focus peaking too but I find it more effective at closer distances on busy scenes because the camera doesn’t get confused. At far distances it’s not better than a high precision focus screen.
I’m finding the opposite, the magnified view allows me to accurately hit focus way out to 100 meters plus on the FE 1.8/55 when shooting wide-open and you can actually see the separation of focus on these 36MP files. Its brilliant have choices isn’t it!
Was talking only about focus peaking since magnified view is an option with most adaptef lenses just like live view (that allows magnification) is also an option on dslrs but we don’t consider it.
I find focus peaking more a focus confirmation tool with a larger sensor. On a smaller sensor camcorder its fine, on my A7S I wouldn’t trust it for critical focus.
It can go off depending on the lens. Ideally you need very high quality lenses. With my full spectrum cameras, things come in to focus twice in the same direction with most lenses 🙂
Interesting, what are your “full spectrum cameras” — I’m a photographer not a scientist, please explain.
Full spectrum photography is a more modern extension of infrared photography which is not a science since photographers used to do it a lot with film 🙂
Here are some links:
A7R: http://genotypewritings.blogspot.com/2013/12/sony-a7r-full-spectrum-conversion.html
Nex-5R: http://genotypewritings.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/ultraviolet-infrared-visible-and-full.html
We shot B&W Infrared in the military in order to record heat patterns of (departed) aircraft from airfields. What are the practical applications for “full spectrum” photography?
Pictures 🙂 Makes all seasons look like autumn.
Therefore an academic exercise where a paying client is concerned…….(:-)
That’s pretty black and white 😉
Thanks, it takes a lot off effort to shoot and process, food for the soul though.
Andrea, are seriously on this “lenses to be designed to resolve resolution”-train?
Haha@OVFmanualfocusing… Thats why we have focus magni and peaking, thanks to EVF. Nice one.
The review guys with access to both the OTUS lenses are missing out on something special. Stack them up to make the BEST relay system in the world instead of diddling around making snaps that any lens can do.
Why do SAR care about a Zeiss lens? I don’t come in A mount and if it was for the A7’s they should post a lot if reviews.
When these Zeiss lenses show up in FE mount in B&H I buy then in that moment.
It will be way cheaper then upgrade my H4D system. As matter of fact my H4D system will end up on eBay.
Oh wow… is casually mentioning the expensive camera gear you own still a thing?
smh
will there be one for the new sony system with fz mount?
I wouldn’t be surprise if this site covers the iPhone 6 announcement, we can use it with playmemories app after all
HAH!
Welcome to SonyNikonCanonFujiOlympusZeissRumors.com
This is a manual focus ultra fast 85mm lens… when was it ever easy to nail the focus with one on a dslr? Never. Not sure why it’s worth mentioning as if it’s unique to the lens.
Is there honestly that many people in the market for a $4-5,000 lens?
What puzzles me more is the hundreds of sites linking BH and Adorama for the very same equipment. Does anyone else sell in these inspite of this ad barrage?
It’s a good rental option.
It’s good that it exists if someone gives it to you as a gift
wait several months…and then you can grap the otus lens in mint /used condition for a lot less…the otus 55 is available for 2300-2500 in canada …..
Matt’s test with the text is very impressive for the Zeiss.
http://www.mattgranger.com/images/cropcompare.jpg
This lens does have some bokeh issues at 1.4 and 2.0 though, onion ring bokeh on highlights. Sony A7r is the best match possible for this lens and any MF lens at this time – mainly because of the EVF, 14x critical focusing, and despite the shutter shock.
Two obvious things:
1. OTUS is not available in E mount.
2. A7r MkII with EFCS is not yet available (the A7r will not cut it IMO).
Best bet is a Nikon or a Canon and using it with live view (via LCD) like a P&S cam but on a tripod.
one obvious thing. E-mount doesn’t care Any-mount 🙂
One obvious thing:
You are clueless. I’ve been using a Planar 85mm f/1.4 a lot on my A7R. No problems whatsoever.
Ofcourse, I am! Good to know that you use a Planar 85/1.4 on A7r and it works without “any problems”. Kudos! 🙂
When you use an OTUS, please report back if it works equally well and upto the lens’ potential.
add to the d810 ann otus lens a zacuto z viewfinder 3x magnification and it works very, very well….
thats funny: 4500 usd pro zeiss didnt help him in doing good photoes 😉 IMHO pictures are aweful
Chicks not hot…just sayin.
Then watch some of his other videos… 🙂
she’s hot! what’s wrong with her?
Zeiss making this lens is the lens industry equivalent of a wolf pissing all over the land to mark it’s territory 🙂
I’d like to see some decent photos from these so called pros. What’s the point of this lens if the persons showing it off aren’t up to the task. A monkey could do their job.
I look forward to studying your amazing portfolio. You must of been so shocked when Zeiss asked you to evaluate their new lens… oh wait…
You would be shocked. Too bad for you I’m not a preening self promoter like these folks. Nor do I about the rat race.
No, you are the very definition of an armchair critic. What is your problem with self promotion? If you earned your living from photography, you’d be an idiot if you didn’t self promote. So, what’s your point?
Whatever, just keep slinging mud from your chair. Much like a monkey… oh wait…
Teach him! But teach him right: show us all your own “art”, and then you can ask him to show his. Go ahead, I am sure it’s funny and sad, just like you.
Yep, another armchair photo critic troll on SAR. Apparently too busy to amaze us with their own talent taking iPhone selfies because they’re displaying today at the Guggenheim.
http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Zeiss-Otus-85mm-f1.4-Apo-Planar-T-Canon-ZE-and-Nikon-ZF.2-mount-lens-reviews-World-s-best-performing-85mm-portrait-lens