Zeiss ZE primes VS Canon EF Primes

[Michael Notar]

I am curious to know what benefits I would gain by using Zeiss ZE primes (not CP2s) vs my current crop of good canon lenses (28 1.8, 35 2, 50 1.4, 85 1.8). I chose the set as they all share a common filter size (the 35mm was adapted) and perform well (not perfect but all are $300-400). I just worked with the ZE lenses for a day on a film. I like their construction and the focus is smooth as its not designed to be turned by a computer. I believe the degree of focus rotation is the same as a Canon as the ZE are still photo lenses, unless I am missing something. Also the ZE lenses like the Canon are all different lengths, making mat box adjustments necessary. As I like the ZE lenses, a $10,000 purchase for a set, I ponder if its better to just put that towards a CP2 or Canon CN primes, "real" cine primes (not the best of the best but for the price I cant beat them). Thanks.

 

[Nick Morrison]

I believe the degree of focus rotation is the same as a Canon as the ZE are still photo lenses, unless I am missing something.

No, the degree of rotation on the ZE/ZF's is MUCH LONGER than on Canon L primes, making them much, much easier to focus with. Autofocus lenses have very short focus throws, so that "the computer" has less work todo when it needs to "re-focus". Whereas manual focus lenses place all the control "in your hands", and give you lots more barrel rotation when you focus so you can fine-tune much easier.

ZFs are popular also because they have a manual iris.

You can also look into other fully manual primes like Leica R's, Nikkors, and Contax.

 

[MarcoLomiler]

ZE still has electronics on iris system , it is good if you need to shoot on cranes , helicopters , drones , underwater.
Canon glasses are made for auto focus work , it has lots of plastic parts , you can see little jags whem start focus rotation , they have plastic mechanics.
ZF and ZE , they are all metal , precision , no small jags on the elements during focusing. Much longer focus barrel ratation compared to Canon , this makes all the diference in ur footage , mature lenses.
And theres is no doubt, the Zeiss glass , will last wayyyyy longer tham your autofocus canon.

 

[Michael Notar]

The ZF and ZE lenses focus in different directions correct?

I dont really see a difference in having a manual or electronic aperture ring. I am not one to change f stop mid shot and 1/3 stops are fine with me. Am I missing anything? I am not a helicopter or huge user of cranes etc.

Optically how do you all feel about the Zeiss ZE/ZF lenses vs Canons and others?

 

[Michael Notar]

also I am definately planning on having each lens cine-mod-ed. what other options than duclos are there?

 

[Nick Morrison]

The ZF and ZE lenses focus in different directions correct?

I dont really see a difference in having a manual or electronic aperture ring. I am not one to change f stop mid shot and 1/3 stops are fine with me. Am I missing anything? I am not a helicopter or huge user of cranes etc.

Optically how do you all feel about the Zeiss ZE/ZF lenses vs Canons and others?

ZF's focus "the wrong way". And ZE's focus "the right way" (same as all other cine lenses)

Having a manual aperture ring means you can adjust focus and aperture all with the same hand pretty easily. Having a digital aperture means you have to fiddle with the camera body itself to change the iris. It's just more steps. And you also can't "ride the iris" during a scene if you need to. But many people use the Canon L primes just fine and have no issues.

Optically they are both very good. How you use them has a far greater impact than the differences between them.

Personally, I'm a big fan of ALL MANUAL lenses, but everyone has different needs and demands.

 

[MarcoLomiler]

I'm very satisfy with the Duclos cinemod.
I decided for the ZF with the EF mount. , because like we know , there are lots of camera systens out there. SO i can use the lenses with any camera without being slave of eletronic adapters.
They are very good , infinite focus collimation.
And i could add a contax 180mmF2.8 , and a 300mmF4. They are having good aceptance for my clients.

And i get over abouth the crane and helicopter thing on my past considerations , but for underwater if that could be the case some day ,its very real consideration the ZE.
But the ZE have it's good possibilitys also.
for steadcam shooting and small cranes , can controle 1/3 of stops from the redmote . 10 meters away.


If i could afford for the CP.2 sure it would have been. Longer focus , gears on iris. Dont extend whem focus.
Some features that make the lenses have more acceptance for renting.
For that time i also did some reserach about the Schneider's Xenar , could read very satisfy and pleasured words about them.