Manual beauties: Quick look at the Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4 ZE

This is just a short post about my first impression with the mighty Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4 ZE. I will definitely write more about it later, but let me share close-ups this time. The lens does not perform really good in this type of shots according to many forum threads on popular photo sites. However I like its painterly rendering, so I don't mind that it is not clinically sharp at closer distances and faster apertures.
 
 
After lunch tablsecape
After lunch tablsecape
 
 
Metadata
 
Camera: Canon 5D
Lens: Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4 ZE
Aperture: F2
 
 
The center sharpness is already good at F2. Even F1.4 is sufficient to shoot portraits; the slight softness adds to the dreamy atmosphere of shallow depth of field shots. At least F2.8 is required to achieve sharpness across the whole frame. (But DOF is still thin on full frame, so I have sometimes problem with getting my son completely in focus.)
 
 
 
Time for dessert!
Time for dessert!

Metadata
 
Camera: Canon 5D
Lens: Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4 ZE
Aperture: F1.4
 
 
Glowing glass
Glowing glass
 
Metadata
 
Camera: Canon 5D
Lens: Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4 ZE
Aperture: F1.4
 
 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Walk in the local zoo

Image
Spring suddenly arrived, so I have a number of images waiting for processing! A few weeks ago I took a walk with my family in a local zoo, and also brought my new toy for a test drive. I mentioned new toy? Oh yes! There is a neverending debate about full frame digital cameras on all forums and photo sites. Some say that full frame is unnecessary, because APS-C sensor satisfy all our needs and it is just an expensive toy for the rich. Others say that full frame gives more options, and of course, less depth of field, which can't be reproduced by APS-C cameras. My biggest problem with the Sony NEX is the crop factor, which makes it difficult to find good and fast wide angle and normal lens for the platform. (Remember, I mostly used old, film-era glass!) I know that Carl Zeiss, probably the most famous optical company, is going to introduce some fine primes for the system, but I will wait and see the results before I make the financial investment in tha...
Read more

Magnificent sunbeam: Slow evening

Image
First I have to start with the bad news; I couldn't finish my second post in The other perspective series. The good news is that a  busy weekend has just passed, and some nice photos are prepared for an upcoming review! But today I would like to show you one more shot from our vacation. This was roughly the last one before my batteries run out of charge. It's too bad that we left the charger at home...   The simplicity of this theme caught my attention on the day we arrived. A boat chained near a reeds bed. Just a bunch of horizontal and vertical lines. Contrast between the vivid red/white paintwork of the boat and the faded brown of the vegetation. And that's all! Perfect opportunity to mount the Vario-Sonnar, and let it shine.     Lonely boat     Metadata Camera: Canon 5D Lens: Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 80-200mm F4 Applied 16:9 crop in post processing.       ...
Read more

Sword lilies

Image
The 50mm Planar, which was reviewed last time , follows me everywhere. This time I spotted a bunch of sword lilies waiting for planting in my grandmother's garden.  A strong ligthbeam illuminated the whole scene...     Sword lilies   Metadata Camera: Canon 5D Lens: Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4 ZE Aperture: F4
Read more