Where to buy used Zeis (ZE) lenses for 7D,5D?

E

eco_bach

Well-known member
Hi
Its been often suggested that used Zeiss lenses are a great deal and alternative to standard L series for film work on the 7D and 5D cameras. But I have yet to see any of these leses for sale anywhere in local camera stores. Is there a reputable online source for these lenses?
 
are you sure you've been told to look for current-generation used lenses? I wouldn't expect to find great deals for those

what's often suggested is to use vintage glass, meaning stuff from the 60s, 70s and 80s; great zeiss and leitz lenses from that era can be found in very nice condition for under $400 a pop

this is a usual suggestion from people in the US:
http://www.keh.com/

and this one is great if you're in Europe:
https://www.leicashop.com/
 
NormanBates said:
are you sure you've been told to look for current-generation used lenses? I wouldn't expect to find great deals for those

what's often suggested is to use vintage glass, meaning stuff from the 60s, 70s and 80s; great zeiss and leitz lenses from that era can be found in very nice condition for under $400 a pop

this is a usual suggestion from people in the US:
http://www.keh.com/

and this one is great if you're in Europe:
https://www.leicashop.com/
Click to expand...

I think a lot of people run to Ebay first but I dislike dealing with anyone or anything on Ebay.
I use Keh for the better lenses. They are more expensive than the thrift stores and Ebay but when they say the Condition is *****...you can pretty well put it in the bank.

BTW, I used to but the "Dogs" from companies because it referred to the appearance, not the optical quality. When I purchased a "Dog" from Keh...it was a dog. They were good about taking it back and upgrading to a better one though.
 
my experience with vintage lenses on ebay is kind of mixed: all the lenses I've got from there have had at minimum some minor issues (usually, dust inside), but on most cases this didn't affect picture quality

on one occasion, the iris ring had a big dent that was not seen on the pictures in the ad, and which prevented it from focusing beyond a couple of meters; that explained why it was so inexpensive (paid $200 for a >$500 lens, was shocked when I unpacked it, then really happy when I managed to fix the issue in less than an hour)

on another one, the lens wouldn't focus to infinity (and this one wasn't particularly cheap!!); as I found out, it was because someone had opened it and reassembled it wrong; again, fixed it (with more than just a bit of suspense), and it's my primary lens right now (an amazing leitz elmarit-R 35mm f/2.8, $400)

another one was just extremely soft, and I had to sell it at a loss (paid $125, sold it for $85 minus shipping and fees, noting in the ad that I was selling it because it seemed too fuzzy)

the other three were ok: just some dust inside, but they're fine
 
For lenses, you can find almost anything at B&H online. http://www.bhphotovideo.com

They are the best camera store there is, period.

As for the Zeiss lenses, most people recommend you get the Zeiss ZF (not ZE), the Nikon mounts. This is because they have a physical aperture ring so you basically future proof your lenses and can use them on any camera. The ZEs (Canon mount) have the electronic aperture (no ring), so they are only useable on Canons.

Plus, and this is a BIG PLUS. www.Photozone.de and www.thedigitalimage.com(a really good lens testing site) tested both the ZEs and the ZFs, and they concluded that the ZFs are sharper and overall better than the ZE lenses. Strange.... because they are suppose to be the same optics, but apparently not.

So for video, I would go with the ZFs (Nikon mount) and use an adapter.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top