My favourite camera combination is the Canon 5D MK1 DSLR and my Canon
100mm f2 USM lens. I have been searching for a long time to
purchase the 'ultimate' 35mm f1.4 lens to complete a 2 x prime lens
'full frame' digital sensor system. I want the overall size and weight
down for carrying around and perhaps for 'street' photography but
finding a 35mm lens with the compact size, low weight and image quality
(especially the bokeh) I desire, is proving very difficult!
This 'NEW' Zeiss 35mm f1.4 T* Distagon lens appears to tick all the boxes,
although the 'written' reviews on the Internet are very mixed for image
quality at f1.4 and require further investigation.
It has a
beautifully controlled 'manual focus' throw for stills photography and
video. From the videos, the overall image quality appears very promising and it
could be a powerful and 'alternative' answer to
a Leica M9 camera and 35mm M lens but I have grave doubts about the overall
size and weight in the bag.
This 35mm lens is about the same size in length as a Canon 24-105mm IS L
Zoom Lens, weighing around 160g more and that is without a filter and a
hood fitted.
I don't have any problem with the price which is around £1,200 but it is
a great pity that it is so
large and heavy! I have no doubts at all about its build and from the
videos it looks incredible.
Video of the Zeiss
stand with a Canon DSLR fitted with Zeiss 35mm f1.4 T* Distagon lens.
Video taken at Photokina of the Zeiss 35mm f1.4 T* Distagon lens.
Video of Lloyd Chambers discussing the Zeiss 35mm f1.4 T* Distagon lens.
The 'new' Leica 35mm f1.4
ASPH Summilux-M lens costs around £3,446 and the Leica M9 digital
rangefinder camera itself costs £4,990. For the price of the M lens
alone, I could purchase the expected Canon 5D MKIII 'full frame' sensor
DSLR camera and nearly have enough money left to purchase the Zeiss 35mm
f1.4 T* Distagon ZE Lens.
Similarly, I could purchase the 'Nikon variant' of the Zeiss lens and
the expected Nikon D800 'full frame' sensor DSLR camera for around the
same money as the Canon System.
I guess I will wait until Canon announce a 2011/2012 replacement for
their 35mm f1.4 L Lens and hopefully it can compete with the Zeiss? When
will Nikon and Canon recognise that I am not the only photographer who
desires a top quality 35mm lens with a 'full frame' sensor DSLR camera
that are both compact and lightweight.