Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZF.2 Nikon mounted on Nikon D5 : Tests and Reviews
Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZF.2 Nikon Review
Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1,4/55 ZF.2 (Nikon) lens review: Outstanding Optical Performance
Introduction Zeiss already make a range of manual focus lenses for Canon and Nikon, but this new model is the first in a new range of high-end Otus lenses from the maker optimized for the next generation of full-frame high-resolution DSLRs. As with the Touits, the new naming of the series follows the maker’s liking for adopting scientific names of birds for their lenses.Unlike those earlier lenses designed for mirrorless cameras, this fast standard is a retrofocus full-frame (35mm format) model, but the 55mm focal length also works well on APS-C cameras, where it has a
Further readings for the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZF.2 Nikon
To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.
Two years after the launch of the 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A, the first model in its highly-respected Art line, Sigma has finally introduced an 85mm version. |
With a slightly narrower angle of view and a slightly greater image magnification than the 85mm, resulting in marginally more pronounced subject isolation, the 105mm has long been a popular alternative. This new high-speed F1.4 autofocus model from Nikon will eventually replace the earlier AF DC-Nikkor 105mm F2D (defocus control) model, and is currently the fastest of its type. |
Nikon’s latest flagship FX-mount, full-frame DSLR — the D5 — is a performance powerhouse, featuring a new 153-point autofocus system and 12 fps burst shooting of up to 200 14-bit RAW files. Designed for the traditional customer base of sports, press and wildlife pros demanding top performance, the D5’s increased 20.8Mp resolution and enhanced low-light capabilities has further broadened the D5’s appeal. As well as boasting enough pixels for advertising, magazine, and even landscape photography, the D5’s image quality improvements at the mid-ISO 1600–12,800 range will interest a range of professionals looking for great results in low light. |
With its natural perspective and selective focus at maximum aperture, the 85mm f/1.4 is the perhaps the most coveted of short telephoto lenses for portraiture both indoors and out. This new manual-focus lens from high-end maker Zeiss replaces the earlier 85mm model from the maker’s Classic line, and features a new optical design and an exterior resembling that of the no-compromise Otus models. |
Zeiss has replaced its so-called “Classic” range of Nikon ZF.2 and Canon ZE SLR lenses with redesigned models reminiscent of the company’s high-end Otus range. Adopting the scientific name for a genus of birds of prey, the rebranded Milvus lens range consists of several models, with this particular 1.4/50 model featuring an all-new optical design as a replacement for the Planar T* 1,4/50. |
Announced in January 2014, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM is a high-speed premium AF lens with an image circle designed to cover full-frame sensors. When fitted to an APS-C camera, however, the angle of view is equivalent to a 75mm short telephoto. |
Designed exclusively for Sony E-mount cameras and the full-frame A7 series models in particular, the Zeiss Loxia 2/50 (50mm f/2), like the Otus ZF models, deliberately avoids AF in favor of a mix of manual mechanical controls and electronic data transfer. Read on to find out how well this lens performs. |
In Part 2 of “Best lenses for the Nikon D750” we’re looking at the performance of primes on Nikon’s latest full-frame DSLR. We’ve analyzed over 60 fixed-focal-length lenses on the D750, including Nikon’s own Nikkor brand and third-party alternatives. Covering focal lengths from 14mm through to 600mm, the scores include some of the best results our technicians have ever recorded. |
Nikon’s mid-term refresh of the firm’s hugely popular D800 and D800E models resulted in a single model, the D810. Like the D800E it aims to maximize the resolution of the full-frame 36-Mpix CMOS sensor and omits a modified AA filter completely. We’ve analyzed the image quality of over 100 different lenses mounted to the new camera to discover how well this new model performs. |
Launched a little over 2-years ago, the first Zeiss Otus model was a triumph in optical and mechanical perfection, and now Zeiss has added a second model to the range, and high speed 85mm with a heady mix of six anomalous dispersion glass elements, one asphere and a floating system to reduce aberrations at close range. Read on to see how well this new exotic model performs. |