Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

I've been using this lens mainly for portraits, but have also used it for sports and macro work. Excellent optics, sharp wide open and easy to focus on a D3. Only gripe would be the so-so lens cap.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

If you are looking for a versatile, world-class lens at this focal length and can live with manual focus, just get this.

The build quality is exquisite - this lens will certainly outlast me. The focus ring is very well damped and has enough focus-throw to allow for accurate focusing.

The image quality is better than any other lens I have tested, period. Super sharp right from f/2, with almost negligible CA and vignetting, very pleasing bokeh and micro-contrast...what more could you ask for ?

The only drawback apart from the expense is that this lens cannot go to 1:1 without extension tubes. So if you do dedicated macro-work at 1:1 or higher magnifications all the time, this lens may not be for you. But if you want a versatile lens for portraits, landscapes and macros upto 1:2, this is as good as it gets.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

This is one of four Zeiss lenses I have the pleasure of owning. Incredible optics, bokah and clarity/sharpness. I prefer Zeiss to Leica lenses, as I find them more neutral. I use the lens on a Nikon D2Xs and Panasonic DMC-GF1 with Voigtlander adapter.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

Tack sharp lens at all stops. Love the creamy backgrounds! Buy a Hoodie for the lens as the cap that comes with is very difficult to use.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

I mostly use this for portrait, and this lens is beautiful with its 3D rendition and color, and plenty sharp wide open. My best lens yet.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

I have used several short tele lenses some are excellent, others are tack sharp but none of them is ever come close to the Zeiss 100mm Markro-Planar. No only it's superb in terms of bokeh and micro-contrast but also in terms of variety. One for example is able to control the foreground and background fuzziness and create a movie-like photos

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

I was looking for the best sharpness, contrast, and bokeh possible. The 100 F2 ZF doesn't disappoint. Because it is a macro lens to be used on a tripod, auto focus and image stabilization are unnecessary.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

After falling in love with the 2/50mm, this was the easy next choice.

I don't tend to use it for macro, but for studio portraiture. On a D3x, the results still make me smile each and every time I see the photo. Taking a three quarter body shot and zooming in to 100% to see each individual hair in sharp detail is definitely something.

Colour is standard Zeiss, so great. Contrast is fantastic, and as already mentioned, sharpness is unbelievable. Manual focus ring is stiffer than 2/50mm, but still smooth and great to use.

Unless you really dislike manual focus, there is absolutely no reason not to buy this lens.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

I recently sold several lenses in order to buy this one. I just wish I had done it sooner. It makes average photos look great, especially on my D700. I've been using it for portraits and it renders skin tones beautifully. Everything you have heard about it is true. Focus is fast and easy. With the manual focus, I feel like a photographer again :) It just comes down to your personal philosophy about gear. I would rather own one great lens, than several good ones. Maybe that's not very practical, but the results are very persuasive. I am so glad I bought this instead of Nikon's 85mm f/1.4 which is great, but not in the same class as this lens.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

It took me 3 months to buy this lens. I read all the reviews, what should I do? [...] The build quality is really Zeiss Top Quality. The optics, rather like those on my Leica M asph. Before I bought a Nikon D700, which is also a class act, I used a Leica M6, and a Nikon F3HP. With the Leica the photos are unique, a quality that I call "popped". The image hits you. People would ask me how did you take that? This Zeiss lens is the same. It's a pleasure to use for macro, makes you want to go and hunt down "small things". As a portrait lens at f/2 it should be magnificent. In reviews I read comparisons with Nikon lenses. Nikon professional grade lenses are very good. It's just that this one is more than very good, it's superb. And Good Value!

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

Best 100mm, SLR Nikon Mount lens I have ever owned. Period!

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

Everything they say it was. Makes your average pictures look great. Cloudsrester said he would never buy a manual lens, but after seeing my pictures, wanted to try the lens. Focusing is not an issue. A split screen is not necessary on the D3 and none is available anyway that is made by Nikon or Katzeyes.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

I use this lens on a Nikon D3 as a macro lens 80% of the time but also as a short tele and some street, sports and portraits.
It is simply awesome. Sharp, contrasty, incredible color... all the good stuff one can say about a lens applies to this one in spades. I sold the Nikon 105 VR and got this one instead. NO regrets!

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

This lens is truly one of the great ones! The lens is sharp at all apertures. The colors and contrast produced by this lens are true and spectacular. I use this lens primarily as a portrait lens and secondary as a macro lens. It excels in both areas. I use it primarily on a Nikon D3, but also use it on a Nikon D300. The Zeiss 100mm f/2 ZF Manual Focus Lens handles ghosting and flare exceptionally well. The build quality of this lens is exceptional. Even the metal lens hood screams quality. The manual focus is not a problem. I quickly adjusted. It is for the aforementioned reasons why I say this lens is truly one of the great ones.

My only complaint is very minor. The stock Zeiss lens cap is difficult to access with the lens hood attached. I ordered a Nikon lens cap, and the problem has been solved.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

As a recorder of life for over 60 years, now retired from TV News and documentary cinematography and photography, I have used a large number of cameras and lens. Two weeks ago I took delivery of this lens and fell in love. I love its looks, feel, mass and its capability to raise my heart rate whenever I use it. If there is a finer piece of optical engineering available for a Nikon camera I hope I never find it. I couldn't handle it. For those who whine about its focus.. its weight, etc. GET A GRIP! Photography has come so far, so fast we have forgotten some basic skills that we worked hard to learn. If you can't focus this lens, if it's too heavy for you... take up fishing, because you can't possibly
appreciate this gem. Use it. LEARN to do without
a few of the geegaws you lean on. Ever wonder why a Mercedes weighs more than geo? Become a REAL photographer.. learn to use a real lens . No auto-focus? Too heavy? This is not a toy... this lens is what real photography is all about... the search for perfection in the tools you use.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

This lens is an entirely different experience from other lenses I use. I like to isolate the subject and often shoot with strong backlighting. On my D3, the field of view is a perfect balance of not too wide and not to narrow. There is no flare, ghosting, or lose of contrast when shooting into the sun.

The most amazing thing is the image quality. I use the best Nikon lenses, but this in a different league. The contrast is always strong. The detail across the whole field heightens the resolution. And, oh, the bokeh! Out of focus portions of the image are delightful.

I was concerned about manual focus, but it has not been a problem. Just needs a little practice. There is the benefit that I am forced to really consider where to focus.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

I had done a lot of research before buying this zeiss lens, but after using this lens I'm completely satisfied. I love it...I try to use it in every shot....currently I'm using this 100mm in a 35mm adaptor along with my ex1, and the results are amaizing....

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

This lens replaced my trusty Nikkor 70-200 VR for general photography and portraiture. It is much smaller, lighter and faster (optically). It is also sharper, though in practice the difference isn't always obvious.

Colors are consistent with what I call the "Zeiss T* palette". The colors delight me every time. Bokeh is pretty much perfect in all conditions with this lens, and should be a strong selling point.

This lens will go down in history as a benchmark, not a footnote.

There is a weakness however. The Achilles' heel is longitudinal chromatic aberrations at f/2 - f/2.8. From f/4 onwards it's not a problem, and I often will shoot around this aperture for that reason.

Consider getting yourself a focusing screen along with the lens. Focusing 100mm @ f/2 is challenging on a clear matte.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

I got this 100mm lens and also Nikon F6 for it a year ago. There is no much difference (mechanical and optical) between this one and Leica 100mm Apo-Macro, except that one can get Zeiss 100mm for a fractional price of Leica. Super lens worth much more than its cost. Right tool for top quality negatives. I use it for close up, portrait (with softar), and documentary photography, and low light photography. This lens is as good at F2 as at F5.6 and I always tend to use it at full oppening.

Comments about Zeiss Macro 100mm f/2 ZF Makro-Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras:

For non-macro use w/ a D3 on tripod, Zeiss is much sharper and more contrasty than the Nikon 105 f/2 DC. At f/2, the difference in sharpness and contrast is so blatant that I now dare NOT shoot the 105 DC wide open. Of the several Zeiss lenses for Nikon, this is the most impressive and should be first in one's consideration.