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ZEISS Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS
ZEISS Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS
B&H # ZE8514ZEC MFR # 1677-838
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ZEISS 85mm f/1.4 overview
- 1Description
The ZEISS 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* lens is a short, high speed telephoto lens built for the exacting SLR photographer. It provides an unusually bright and clear image in the finder. Even at full aperture, it delivers top image quality. Its angle of view and exceptional performance make the Planar T* 1.4/85 ZF the lens of choice for portraiture on location or in the studio.
Now offered as a "ZE" type lens, which makes it compatible with any camera that uses the Canon EF bayonet lens mount. All existing exposure programs (P, AV, TV, M) and the AF verification function of the camera are supported, and lens information (focal length and speed) is passed on to the camera. Certain functions that require the use of AF lenses (various subject programs, A-DEP) are partially unavailable.
- The lens' shallow depth of field at wide apertures allows the use of selective focus. This helps to emphasize the primary subject by defocusing the background.
- The 9-blade, circular aperture produces a smooth and natural rendition of defocused images, as well as nearly circular shapes of point sources of light.
- Geometrical distortion is imperceptibly low, allowing high quality documentation photographs, both analog and digital.
ZEISS 85mm f/1.4 specs
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/1.4 Minimum: f/16 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 29° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.28' (1 m) |
| Magnification | 0.1x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:10 |
| Optical Design | 6 Elements in 5 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | No |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 72 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.08 x 2.56" (7.82 x 6.5 cm) |
| Weight | 1.47 lb (670 g) |
| Packaging Info | |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 1.96 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 8.0 x 5.0 x 4.5" |
ZEISS 85mm f/1.4 reviews
Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS is rated
out of
5 by
45.
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Worth every dollar
I mostly use this lens for video purposes but the photos produce very beautiful bokeh and I am overall very happy with this lens. The metal construction of the lens is very solid and the glass produces very crisp images. It's paired up with my Canon 5d mkII most of the time and with a huge focus ring really makes it great for video purposes. Only downside is focusing is tricky at times with fast moving objects although it does have focus confirmation. I would have to say this is a perfect lens for soembody who started shooting 35mm slr and now are looking for that same manual focus feel (also if you can't afford the 85mm L lens).
Date published: 2009-06-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Bill P from
Typical excellent Zeiss quality
This is my fifth Zeiss ZE lens. My set includes the 18, 25, 35, 50 and now the 85. All are used via a Metabones adapter on a Sony FS100, and sometimes on my NEX-7 and 5DII. I prefer Zeiss lenses over their Canon L equivalents because they are solid, sharp all the way, and have solid, firm focus rings. They don't flop loosely like those on some auto focus lenses. The only thing I can say about Zeiss lenses is...if you ever pick one up and use it, you will be hooked. As far as the 85 is concerned, I haven't had a chance to use it all that much yet in productions, but it is as sharp as any other Zeiss, and its bokeh is amazingly good. A CU pops so well it's almost 3D.
Date published: 2013-10-17
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Peter from
Great Lens For Tripod/Fast Shots
I use a 1DX and wanted this for a portrait lens. I think 85mm is great for what I wanted and since I have bought and sold the Canon 1.2 twice so far, and since I love Zeiss, I wanted to try this one. I love the images. In my opinion, it is not a great lens to hand hold at SS slower than 1/100. Tripod, no problem, faster shutter speeds, great. The lack of autofocus and IS will be a problem for many and should not be overlooked. FYI, I mount the camera on top of my left shoulder and use lots of other manual focus lenses without a problem. It might be better if I used a 5DM3 perhaps to lighten the overall weight, but this is a heavy lens due to its incredible build quality.
Date published: 2013-06-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
blestage from
Brilliant Contrast, Tack Sharp!
I purchased this lens for my new Canon 5D Mark II camera, primarily for video and occasional stills shooting. I am amazed at the way images pop with this lens. The separation from the background is AMAZING, with its high-quality optics producing phenomenal bokeh (soft focus background blur). Fast (f/1.4) and contrasty in low-light, and tack sharp edge-to-edge throughout its aperture range. The mechanical build quality of this lens is also superb -- using all metal construction. The focus ring is long throw and smooth as butter! I highly recommend this lens. One of the best I've ever owned!
Date published: 2011-11-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Darren from
The new standard in EF quality
Prior to purchasing the Zeiss 85/1.4 ZE, I had very high hopes for it, and I am pleased to report, after having the lens for a few weeks now, it does not disappoint. Upon removing the lens from its box, the first thing I noticed was its absolutely superior build quality. I have owned and used some of the finest cameras ever made, and the Zeiss 85/1.4 ZE is arguably the finest-made lens I have ever owned. The lens is heavy due to its all metal construction, but it is nowhere near too heavy. The mass is just right for aiding in stability while shooting. The glass and coatings are pristine, and the focus ring is ultimately precise, offering just the right amount of feedback to complement the long-throw focus; it is very easy to achieve a precise focus with this lens, provided you have a precision focusing screen installed in your DSLR (it is *highly* recommended). Image quality is superior, with sharpness, edge-to-edge sharpness, bokeh, and anti-flare qualities being top-notch, and in my opinion, unsurpassed. I have yet to see any evidence of fringing or distortion at all. This lens really does live up to Zeiss' claims about its quality. Even the lens shade is of utmost quality. The fine-engineering is evident when you click the shade onto the lens for the first time and hear the sharp tik as it takes hold. The shade can also be installed in reverse onto the lens to facilitate compact travel. My only negative comment about buying the lens is that I wish it would have come with a Zeiss soft case.
Date published: 2008-12-08
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JG from
Amazing Portrait Lens!
I used this product recently on a trip for business to LA on a 7D body.. i own the 18,35, and 50mm in this Zeiss series , i mainly bough them for shooting HDSLR video but began using them more and more for still photography. The manual focus allows you to really concentrate on composer of your shots, it slows you down so its not just snap snap snap, It is definitely difficult to get super sharp images at 1.4 so makes sure you have a tripod. I find with the zeiss usually 1 stop up from the lens lowest aperture gains you the sharpest image even in the edges... this lens is just amazing.. zeiss contrast beautiful bokeh.
Date published: 2012-04-19
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Lew from
Good, for the right style
I'm a working pro. I've owned and used this lens for about 2 years now, so I feel my opinion is in pretty good authority to speak about it. This is the only review I have ever left so I hope it sincerely helps somebody make an informed purchase.It comes down to auto focus. In my portrait and fashion work, 1) the model is not moving in distance from me 2) I'm shooting at a huge aperture of f11. Therefore, auto focus is not a big deal because I get the focus once then I'm good for the rest of the shoot basically. This lens is great for that. In fact, there is no lens better. But I've tried to use this in many other circumstances such as event/documentary/PR. Auto focus lets you snag the shot the second you see something unfold, nearly guaranteeing focus and only being a split second behind the moment. This lens requires a good few seconds of manually focusing until it's dead on. If you try and eyeball it through the viewfinder you will probably miss focus even if just by a bit. It does have focus confirmation, but that only works if you have a lot of direct light. If you're in a semi dark room, it will take forever to nail focus.I've had a love/hate relationship with this lens for 2 years now, and after all this time I've finally decided to sell it for a lens with auto focus. I did not think it would be a big deal auto focusing... but I promise it can really bite you in the behind.ALSO - I've never read anywhere and wish I had when I first purchased. Resale value is absolute trash. Look on@, @, used sites... nobody is selling these. You will get trash for what you paid for.Bottom line: In circumstances where auto focus is COMPLETLY irrelevant, this lens cannot be beat. But, where auto focus would be even slightly helpful, this lens can ruin you.Hope this helps somebody!
Date published: 2013-03-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Great lens
This is my favorite 85mm lens. I have the Canon 85mm f/1.2L, which is a great lens, and probably more accurate in color rendition. However, the Canon lens is a beast (it's heavy and big), the auto-focus is slow, and even the manual focus is not great (since the ring doesn't move the optical elements directly). I think the Canon 85mm f/1.2L is better if you shoot in studio or with a tripod. However, I take most of my pictures hand-held, and manual focus works better in dark environments or to take quick shots. Also, this lens is less in your face than the Canon. Compared to the 85mm f/1.8 USM, this is obviously much more expensive and only has manual focusing. But the f/1.8 isn't as sharp or has as good a bokeh (or color pop) as this lens. Other great things: built like a tank, feels great in your hand, controls are super-accurate, the lens hood is well built (metal too!). Small downside: the lens hood interferes with some filters (I can't put it on/off if the filter ring is too big).
Date published: 2012-06-21
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