Planar f1.2 85mm how much better than f1.4

[kds315*]

I have a chance to get that one





So anyone has an opinion on that one as compared to is "slower" f1.4 "little brother"

[Attila]

I guess $$$ only, I don't think so they can make better lens than superb 1.4. Perhaps 1.2 has better , more smooth bokeh. If you can afford it don't hesitate grab it. It will be a good investment always. 1.4 quite common lens, rarity and speed (even if no noticeable difference) makes it more valuable. If I have those amount to take this lens, I wouldn't hesitate for a single second.

ps: I will call tomorrow the converter guy for answer. He not replied yet.

[LucisPictor]

This is a rare chance! If you can afford it, you should get it and store it safely. This lens is an investment!

[patrickh]

GULP! Make sure you store it in a bank.


patrickh

[koji]

Not only investment, but the superb optical marvel. I do not own or use
this lens, many samples and the book about CZ lenses shows it.
There is not much of competition for sharpness, 85/1.2 wins hands down.

If klaus can access the book written by japanese professional photographer
Mr. Ikuo Orito, ISBN4-907745-02-8 and ISBN4-907745-01-x.


These two books are probably rare to find these days, also written in japanese.
But photo examples tell you everything you need I think.

[F16SUNSHINE]

You should take it Klaus.
A couple years ago I passed on new set with filter, caps, hood, bag, everything for $2500.
A foolish mistake. It can go for twice that amount now.
Everything that I have read says this lens lives up to it's legend in IQ as well.
If the price is right, how can you lose?

[koji]

Uh, oh. The seller must be a japanese, I see "tatami" mat on your photos.

Get it, and show it for us please. The on going price of this lens in japanese market is
around 300,000 to 350,000 Yen normally including 77/87 ring, Hood3, and K-841 for 85/1.2.
The above is cheaper rate than the most of stores in Tokyo area.

[gcrimmins]

If I'm reading the Zeiss MTF charts correctly, the 85/1.2 is sharper at 1.2 than the 85/1.4 at 1.4. So it sounds like the 1.2 is the superior lens, at least in terms of sharpness. I wonder how the Zeiss and Canon 85/1.2 lenses compare. There's sure a big difference in price.

--Geoff

[trifox]

any CONTAX lens the 50th anniversary is EXPENSIVE AND PERFECT!! no doubt that is a pearl!!..

you dont 've to read any MTF --- its PERFECT AT ALL""""


tf

[trifox]

JEALOUS!!! REALLY...

tf

[trifox]

GET IT NOW!!!

[Ballu]

Check the results before buying...

http://community.webshots.com/album/68287105RvLTlO


and get dentist appointment too.... and dont forget to pick jaw...

[F16SUNSHINE]

Wow! there is a lot of emotion for this one.
Klaus you should only buy it for emotional reasons as well.
I don't think that in the practical world it is worth the extra cost.
You know the world where you compare two fantastic photographs side by side.
It is easy to say that one is better than another in identical studio test shots.
In real world use with a finely composed and executed image with a nice subject.
There is probably very few times that the 1.2 version will deliver a remarkably better result compared to the 1.4.
Of course if the price is correct for the desire. You can not lose in the long run as this one will always be in peoples hearts.
For the performance increase I think it is better to spread money to other lenses or better capture devises.

Andy

[kds315*]

Geezz,

just found out that the same seller has THAT for sale also...need to rob a bank I guess...

[koji]

I rather recommend this shorter lens than 85/1.2, though people's preference is different.
But this is almost twice as expensive now. Go for it whichever you fancy, or BOTH.

[Orio]

For as much as I love Zeiss lenses, for the amount of money these lenses are usually sold for, I would get the upcoming 5D MkII instead. I think that a "normal" Planar 1.4/85 mounted on a 18Mp full frame reflex will give a not so distant result compared to the 1.2
Then of course if I really had a lot of money at my hands I would buy the 1.2 also

[kds315*]

Bodies come and go - only lenses stay!!! Old rule...

[Orio]

[kds315*]

... and would not even see the difference unless have it printed at larger than 1 Meter size and inspecting it from a few centimeters...come one, we both know that just too well...

I have lenses which would need 80 MPix or more and there is not even a sensor coming close to that, maybe some scan backs, so this is just pure "lust" or lens-fetish to be honest....

A friend of mine builts a Terapixel camera using a aerial Zeiss Topogon 180mm lens he got from me with a special line scan sensor and special stitching software, now THAT will be something, but what we talk about,...geezz, come one....

[Orio]

Klaus, it all depends on the perspective from which you see the things.

Seen from the collector's perspective, there is no doubt: the Planar 1.2/85 is the purchase to make (if you can afford it). The lens will hold it's value much longer than any camera body can do.

Seen from the photographer's perspective, a combo of 18Mp full frame camera + a 1.4/85 is going to deliver more viewing pleasure than what a 1.2/85 on a 450D would give. I think there should be little doubt about that. The larger pixel, larger resolution camera will exploit the potential of the cheaper lens better than what the cheap camera will be able to do with the expensive lens. Not just at a 1m print size, also by looking on a good monitor you will see the difference.

I fully understand your perspective because I have a dangerous inclination to act as a collector too
But in these times when I have less money available, my sanity comes back and I begin again to think like a photographer instead