Zeiss CP.2 85mm or the 100mm

B

Baddgsx

Well-known member
Hi everyone ,

What lens would you guys recommend since i have the 50mm cp.2 , the 85 or the 100mm. I want this lens for more face close ups where the 50mm widens the closeups more than i like. Also, is the 85 or 100 better of worse optically? is the 85mm sharper than the 100mm? any insight is much appreciated.

thanks,
Chris
 
Chris,
I can only speak to focal length, since I have no experience with cinema primes such as Zeiss. BTW, I'm assuming you'll be using a super-35 size sensor. The longer the focal length, the further back you'll be from the subject, and the more you'll see the sides of the face. My impression is that this tends to make the face look fatter, or wider. So, I'm not sure that going longer than 50mm is what you really want to do, but you may mean something else by "widens the closeups".

Personally, I like the 50mm for closeups, but I've read comments by a few famous DPs that they like shorter focal lengths, to give a more intimate look. I think I remember reading a comment on Roger Deakin's website saying he often used a 32mm for closeups.

As for optical quality, there are threads elsewhere on this forum talking about changing a lens's qualities by using filters like soft focus, low contrast, glimmerglass, etc. And some old pros say they attach a piece of nylon stocking to the rear of the lens. But now we're getting into a whole new conversation. (sorry :embarasse)
 
I find 100mm a bit of an awkward focal length for portraits on S35mm. The Zeiss 100mm is a lovely lens though and focuses MUCH closer than the 85mm. Which can be a big advantage. Personally I prefer the 85mm, as I just find it to be an exquisite portrait lens and a really nice medium-telephoto focal length. The 85mm and 21mm CP.2s are my two favourite lenses from that Lens range.
 
I own a 21, 28, 35, 50, 85, and 100 Zeiss CP2. They came as a used kit, so I didn't pick the focal lengths.
I've used other CP2s, including the 135. If I had the chance, I'd swap the 100 for a 135, to get more useful coverage.

I agree on the 85mm and 21mm endorsement. I don't know that the 85mm necessarily outperforms the 100mm in test charts or distortion or anything, but I do know that I tend to like it better when used for interview subjects. My clients don't hire me to shoot resolution tests. ;)
 
Thanks for the awsome info guys. I will be using it on full frame and S35. Will the 85mm zeiss make a decent eye close up taking the entire frame? This is one reason i wanted to go with the 100mm because its macro ability aswell. Do you guys have experience with the extreme close ups?

Thanks,
Chris
 
Chris,
If you're sometimes shooting full-frame, and 50mm is the longest you have right now, then I'd say go with the 100mm.
Also, you never know when you might need a good macro lens. :)
 
Baddgsx said:
Thanks for the awsome info guys. I will be using it on full frame and S35. Will the 85mm zeiss make a decent eye close up taking the entire frame? This is one reason i wanted to go with the 100mm because its macro ability aswell. Do you guys have experience with the extreme close ups?

Thanks,
Chris
Click to expand...

Nope, like almost every 85mm out there it has a roughly 3ft minimum focus. For extreme close-ups you want the 100mm.
 
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