We had a couple of test and image samples form the new Ziess lenses but almost all of them where done on Fuji X cameras. But finally ePhotozine (Click here) posted a full review made on the NEX-F3. They write: “Zeiss managed to produce a lens with optical characteristics worthy of the Zeiss reputation, that’s well designed and solidly built. Although this lens does carry a premium price, the additional cost isn’t so much that it will put this lens beyond the reach of everyone, especially those serious about using quality glass with their camera.”
Zeiss preorder links:
12mm f/2.8 at BHphoto, Adorama and Uniquephoto. In Europe at [shoplink 18497 ebay]CameraCenter UK[/shoplink] and FotoMundus.
32mm f/1.8 at BHphoto, Adorama and Uniquephoto. In Europe at [shoplink 18498 ebay]CameraCenter UK[/shoplink] and FotoMundus.
23 Responses
It would be nice to see a direct comparison with the Sony 10-18mm f/4 lens. So far, after about six thousand shots, I have no complaints about the Sony zoom on my Nex-7.
I think the 12mm is a way better than the 10-18. I have read reviews which say it’s a average lens (For example the one on photozone.de or http://sgoldswoblog.wordpress.com/…)
Well it should be better because it´s also more expensive. The question is how much better. The smaller weight, autofocus and stabilisation are advantages of the 10-18. For me also the wider angle of the 10mm matters.
I agree with you. 2mm on a ultra wide angle change a lot. So this is a true advantage for the 10-18mm.
Did you have the magenta issue with your Nex-7 ?
I do not see any magenta issues with mine, except some slight hint in the corners in a really overcast weather in a couple of photos (I do have a couple of other complaints though). I wouldn’t call the lens average, though, I get some really good results with it. Think about it this way – it gets almost 3 stars at Photozone on probably the most demanding sensor out there.
I am sure the Zeiss would be better optically, but having a zoom that actually goes wider and weighs and costs less…
Not a bad lens. Yet Oly 12/2 is sharper at f/2 than this Zeiss at f/2.8, and sharper at the center and “weighted” at every aperture except the useless diffraction-blurred f/22 where diffraction at slightly bigger pixels of APS-C 16 mpix sensor is slightly weaker.
Sharper on a Micro Four Thirds system but maybe not on APS-C system + adapter like many lenses.
Excellent point!
My take is that old mirrorless bodies are soooo cheap these days that there’s no reason for anyone seeking optional lenses to ignore the mount and just buy an extra camera if/when needed. Best of both worlds!
You’re joking, right? Comparing 24mm vs. 18mm is just childish…
Can you show side by side comparison to support your claim?
Go to ePhotozine and see their graphs for yourself.
Based on OOC jpegs (enter jpeg engines) and comparing completely different equiv. focal lengths (the Zeiss covers a considerably larger image circle yet still shows much better edge performance at anything above wide open apertures). And F2 on the Oly is the equivalent of F2.7 on APS-C in terms of light gathering and DOF.
The same light gathering capacity is present for all formats.
nope.
F/2.8, ISO 1400 on APS-C and F/2.1, ISO 800 on M43 gather same amount of light and produce identical pictures in DOF & noise.
Here we go again.
Have you unawarely lowered the ISO?
Because in comparing light gathering with changing apertures ISO should be a constant.
So, well, f2 is f2 whatever the sensor format, but you are right the DOF changes, and high ISO quality is (or should be) worse in smaller sensors (but no, the amount of light gathered is the same, and at the same ISO setting you have the same amount of light)
Don’t just write “it’s better or sharper”?
Have you actually seen the Zeiss 12mm???
I have the Sony 10-18 and can compare with Canon16-35 II that I also have. They both are sharp and beautiful bouque!
Go for SEL1018!!!!
I agree !
The Zeiss 12mm is sharper, has better micro contrast, better color rendition, brokeh, less CA and distortion and a way better build quality than the 10-18mm.
“Image courtesy: ePhotozine”
We can see that. 😛
Is the focus ring on the Zeus directly connected or digitally connected like all Sony lenses? Having better manual focus control makes a difference for me in video work.
Interesting that in these images there is no aparent magenta problema as was reported with UWAs on the Nex-/.
The magenta cast disappeared in a firmware update and ones that existed after were due to a third party adapter identifying its self as the 16mm pancake.
Retrofocal lenses had no problems. Even Samy 14 on NEX-3.