GH2 Is Zeiss glass worth it on the GH2?

S

seven.b

Well-known member
Hi guys,

I've recently downgraded from a RED setup in favor of two GH2 hacked bodies. I have a Zeiss 85mm ZF f1.4 lens leftover from my previous setup that I love. I'm temped to grab a couple more of these Zeiss ZF.2 primes to make a set. But then I look at the price of Nikon 'D' Primes and I start to feel like buying Zeiss for a 2x crop and for video use would be a waste. I could sell the 85mm, and buy a Nikon 20mm f2.8, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, and a 80-200mm. I also have a Tokina 11-16mm to add to the mix.

What's your take? What should I do?

Thanks.
 
I love our Contax Zeiss glass (some German, some Japanese) on our two GH2 bodies. Full set from 28 to 135, and just lovely glass in general. And focusses the right way!

Edit: and we too have the 11-16. Can't do without it.
 
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I have a few Zeiss ZF's and saw them as "investments". Because really, you could use them on any format sensor. had a full frame nikon d700, and also own a NEX camera. Nikon is generally more adaptable, even to RED as you mentioned. That's one reason i didn't choose Contax. But if you're going to only use micro four thirds forever, then that's up to you.
And of course, they're the sharpest lenses!
 
I have a few contax zeiss glass, my fav's are the 50 and 85 f1.4. they just have this magic about them ie contrast and colour. In hindsight i probably should have gotten ZF's for a future investment like ed said.
 
I love zeiss glass. I have the 35mm f2 and the 50mm f1.4 both in ZF. The 35mm is the most useful for me as the FOV on m43 camera is very nice. Also the 35mm looks amazing wide open and even better 1/2 stopped down.

The truth is with video you are not going to resolve all that micro contrast goodness with a GH2. With the hack now maturing I can now start to see some diferences but its minor. IMO- Zeiss and nikon ai-s look very similar when shooting video.

BUT..... that is now and we are not that far away from being able to resolve the full character of a given lens. I say if you have the funds and you think that you will be shooting on DSLRs in the future the zeiss ZF is totally worth it. Probably not on a GH2 but what ever we get in the next year or two. Also prices keep going up.

If you shoot raw photos then its a no brainer get the Zeiss -
 
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One of my favorite things about the Zeiss ZF lenses is the long focus throw, which makes critical focusing a lot easier. I plan to eventually get rid of my Nikon 35mm AI-S lens because of the very short focus throw. ( I might switch to the Samyang 35mm f/1.4 if the focus throw is more like my Zeiss lenses, otherwise I'll end up buying the Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 )
 
Thanks guys, I think I'm going to go ahead and get the 21mm f2.8 and 35 f2 lenses to go with my 85mm f1.4. The construction, focus throw and ability to shoot wide open without having to worry is too appealing to pass up. Also- I shoot mostly mountain biking/action sports and the lack of ghosting/excessive flaring is also really nice to look forward to.

Thanks for the help!
 
seven.b said:
Also- I shoot mostly mountain biking/action sports and the lack of ghosting/excessive flaring is also really nice to look forward to.
Click to expand...

If you ever get the chance, you should check out the Olympus 12mm f/2.0 lens as it has both AF and manual focus, extremely sharp wide open, very low ghosting/flare, and is quite wide for the M4/3 format.
 
I have over 20 Zeiss lenses that I enjoy the look of. So cast my vote for the Zeiss glass.
And by the way, the crop factor is not 2X when compared to your Red.

All the Best!

Dave
 
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