Conclusions

The Zeiss ZF line for Nikon includes eight lenses as of August 2008. With an obvious hole to fill between 18mm and 25mm, perhaps it will include a ninth lens before long. The “family genetics” of the ZF line are highly consistent, with outstanding natural and pleasing color rendition, exceptional contrast and flare control, and beautiful bokeh. Some models of the line are true “artist’s lenses” and offer image rendition you’ll be hard-pressed to match with any other brand. All offer superb performance, but not necessarily conventional performance (eg the “by the numbers” testers just won’t understand some of these lenses). Build quality is first rate, and simply unmatched by anything from big N or big C.

For in-depth coverage of the entire Zeiss ZF line, see Zeiss ZF Lenses at diglloyd.com. You may also want to search and see the index page at diglloyd.com.

Buying suggestions—

For macro shooters the choice is clear: the 100/2 Makro-Planar has few peers at any focal length, and offers stunning and unique bokeh and a very nice working distance. Users with cropped-sensors (not full frame), might find the 50/2 Makro-Planar appealing.

For wide angle work outdoors, the 25/2.8 Distagon is a good first choice, with the 28/2 Distagon an excellent alternative for low light shooting. Both offer strong artistic possibilities (see text on each lens).

For all-around shooting, the 35/2 Distagon is hard to beat; on full-frame it offers moderate wide angle coverage, and on smaller DX sensors it becomes an excellent “normal” lens.

For a normal lens, the 50/1.4 is the most compact lens of the line, but unless f/1.4 is a requirement, the 50/2 Makro-Planar might appeal for its versatility, offering both macro focusing (1/2 life size) and superb performance at infinity. Both make great portrait lenses on smaller sensor cameras.

The 85/1.4 Planar is close enough to the 100/2 Makro-Planar in focal length that the added versatility of the 100/2 might be preferable for many users. But its f/1.4 aperture and slightly shorter focal length will appeal to shooters who find 100mm a bit too long for some applications. The 85/1.4 Planar works great as an all around telephoto, and should not be thought of as just a portrait lens!

Related Content:
Zeiss Lens User Reviews
All Lens Reviews
All Zeiss Lens News
Nikon Cameras Forum
Canon Cameras Forum
Official Zeiss Web Site
diglloyd.com Web Site

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