Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: geotzo on January 31, 2008, 05:57:26 am
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Hi all,
I recently got my 1ds Mkiii and what I m looking for now is a very high quality lens in the range of aprox. 24mm, strictly for my landscape photography. I borrowed the old 24mm L but was not impressed much (maybe the copy?). Any ideas on alternatives? Perhaps Leica or Zeiss? What would call an successful recipe, without being very hard to find? Any sites you trust for their tests on lens resolution and recommendations?
Many thanks for any help,
George
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Hi all,
I recently got my 1ds Mkiii and what I m looking for now is a very high quality lens in the range of aprox. 24mm, strictly for my landscape photography. I borrowed the old 24mm L but was not impressed much (maybe the copy?). Any ideas on alternatives? Perhaps Leica or Zeiss? What would call an successful recipe, without being very hard to find? Any sites you trust for their tests on lens resolution and recommendations?
Many thanks for any help,
George
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=171198\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I have my 1DS MKIII arriving tommorow and I plan to sell my 16-35mm F2.8L and get the 14mm F2.8L II and the 35mm F1.4L based on the reviews I have read and their MTF charts and samples.
I cant say I have done any testing of my own as yet - but thats my plan if I am not happy with the 16-35mm F2.8L on the 1DSMKIII.
The 24mm F1.4L is not regarded as the sharpest tool in the shed. But neither is the 16-35mm F2.8L....
Hope that helps.
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I have my 1DS MKIII arriving tommorow and I plan to sell my 16-35mm F2.8L and get the 14mm F2.8L II and the 35mm F1.4L based on the reviews I have read and their MTF charts and samples.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=171200\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
well I m reading very good things about the 35mm L, so I might give it a go if I can borrow one from somewhere. It is not as wide as I'd like to but I guess I can live with that. Some say that even comparing to Zeiss and leica the difference of the 35L is actually not big. If that's true it will be much cheaper too, not to mention the AF.
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Try this site
http://www.16-9.net/ (http://www.16-9.net/)
in addition to testing lenses, he's involved with adaptors so all lenses can fit the EOS mount, not just Canon lenses.
Bob
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well I m reading very good things about the 35mm L, so I might give it a go if I can borrow one from somewhere. It is not as wide as I'd like to but I guess I can live with that. Some say that even comparing to Zeiss and leica the difference of the 35L is actually not big. If that's true it will be much cheaper too, not to mention the AF.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=171207\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I've got a zeiss zf35 and it's a really nice lens, if you can live with stop down metering, composing and manual focus etc. Digilloyd has a review of all the zf lenses and his view is that the zeiss is nicer than the 35L from f2 to about f4, then their both excellent. Obviously you can't do f1.4 on the Zeiss.
If it's relevant the zeiss is much less expensive than the 35L, that's the price for losing the functionality.
Mike
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I think I m gonna go for the 35mm, I read a few things and I think its a very sharp choice
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The 35L is a fantastic lens; my favourite.
You've made an excellent choice if you plump for one
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Just to add to the chorus...
I had bought both the 24mm f1.4L and 35mm f1.4L lenses and absolutely hated the 24mm. I just didn't find it sharp. I eventually sold it.
The 35mm f1.4L on the other hand is a real joy... beautifully sharp. I love it!
When I need wider, I use my 16-35mm f2.8L, but as others have mentioned, it's not as sharp as the 35mm. And for wider still, my only non-Canon lens is the Sigma 15mm f2.8EX diagonal fisheye. That lens is surprisingly good also. (But it's a fisheye.)
If you find something wide® that you really like, I'd sure like to hear about it (as others probably would as well).
Cheers!
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If you are going to try third-party lenses, you should take a serious look at the new Nikon 14-24. I haven't tried it myself (yet), but the Chasseur d'Images review is very impressive and calls it a "bargain". The 16-9 site mentioned above sells a specific adaptor for that lens, and has also compelling comparisons.
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I see quite a few recommendations for the 35L. But are they based on having tested it for landscapes stopped down to f/16 or f/22? If George plans to use it for landscapes, I would think he might often use these apertures.
Most primes and zooms I've tested end up very similar once stopped down and the differences are only really apparent at wider apertures. But I have never had the chance to test the 35L so I am curious myself.
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If you decide to go the manual stop-down route, the Zeiss Contax 35-70mm f3.5 is pretty much a Zeiss prime lens with adjustable focal length, with a limited but well-performing macro mode, at a surprisingly reasonable price. That lens always amazes me.
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If you decide to go the manual stop-down route, the Zeiss Contax 35-70mm f3.5 is pretty much a Zeiss prime lens with adjustable focal length, with a limited but well-performing macro mode, at a surprisingly reasonable price. That lens always amazes me.
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I have an off the wall suggestion. P & S Technik is converting Ziess still camera lenses for motion picture use and have developed an interchangeable mount for these fully manual lenses. I would expect these lenses to be of superb mechanical build and they have an old fashioned iris and focus ring that probably requires no lever or electronics to set the iris.
I couldn't find a price for the lenses on their web site, but I did find an item for a Canon EF mount.
There is a 25mm f2.8 that I would expect to be quite a nice lens. You might want to contact them for a price and to see if it will work on your camera. My guess is that the lens might sell for $1000+
[a href=\"http://www.pstechnik.de/en/optics-lensset.php]P & S Technik[/url]
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Interesting, but I think that's going the other way around - adapting Canon lenses to their cameras, if I interpret correctly. I could be off though.
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Interesting, but I think that's going the other way around - adapting Canon lenses to their cameras, if I interpret correctly. I could be off though.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=171786\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
oops, I think you're right, it's the other way around
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Four choices I use on my 1DsMk3
- Leica R 19mm
- zeiss T 21mm
- Leica R 28mm
- zeiss 35mm
Up to 35 Canon has really nothing to offer at all. The 35/1.4 is getting really close to the zeiss, but the other three lenses are really playing in their own world.
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Four choices I use on my 1DsMk3
- Leica R 19mm
- zeiss T 21mm
- Leica R 28mm
- zeiss 35mm
Up to 35 Canon has really nothing to offer at all. The 35/1.4 is getting really close to the zeiss, but the other three lenses are really playing in their own world.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=171892\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Canons revised 14mm MKII is supposed to be excellent - but I have not had a chance to get one and test it yet.
Its on my list though along with the 35mm F1.4L for the !DS MKIII
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Canons revised 14mm MKII is supposed to be excellent - but I have not had a chance to get one and test it yet.
Its on my list though along with the 35mm F1.4L for the !DS MKIII
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=171894\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
The new 14mm from canon is crap. Sorry but have you seen the tests from that lens ? It is getting out performed by a Nikon zoom .... 14-24
And yes it is wider than my Leica, but the qulity sorry the Canon is just crap... would never want to use it on my 1DsMk3 for some important work.
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The new 14mm from canon is crap. Sorry but have you seen the tests from that lens ? It is getting out performed by a Nikon zoom .... 14-24
And yes it is wider than my Leica, but the qulity sorry the Canon is just crap... would never want to use it on my 1DsMk3 for some important work.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=171953\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
With the unpleasant sample variations this might be, but my copy is useable even on a 1Ds MKIII. You need to remove the Ca in PS and certainly you have to stop down the lens. What bothers me also is that this lens costs more then the much more versatile nikon zoom and performes not as good as the Nikon Zoom wide open. This lens adaptor for a nikon G lens is always mentioned, but so far I know this item is not easily available or really tested from different photographers. And to be honest, adapters are really a last chance solution.
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Why does Ziess not make lenses in EOS mount... it seems as though there is quite a big demand out there for a 5* wide angle zoom and wide primes. Is there an historical reason that this has not happened or just not been necessary in the past as Canon lenses were good enough before the super resolution of the digital sensors.
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The new 14mm from canon is crap. Sorry but have you seen the tests from that lens ? It is getting out performed by a Nikon zoom .... 14-24
And yes it is wider than my Leica, but the qulity sorry the Canon is just crap... would never want to use it on my 1DsMk3 for some important work.
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a] (http://index.php?act=findpost&pid=171953\")
I guess it depends on what reviews you read...
[a href=\"http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-14mm-f-2.8-L-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx]Canon 14mm MKII Review[/url]
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I guess it depends on what reviews you read...
Canon 14mm MKII Review (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-14mm-f-2.8-L-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=172102\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I think it depend to what lens you compare it. It is fine until you see the Nikon zoom, or lLeica and zeiss glass :@
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The Zeiss 25mm ZF is very sharp, as is the Contax 21mm. Both need adapters for the Canon. The best adapters are sold by Cameraquest.
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The new Canon 14mm II is not crap--it is an excellent lens and well corrected. I use on my 1ds3 and I get stunning results. i don't shoot test charts, but mainly outdoor. Eleanor
The new 14mm from canon is crap. Sorry but have you seen the tests from that lens ? It is getting out performed by a Nikon zoom .... 14-24
And yes it is wider than my Leica, but the qulity sorry the Canon is just crap... would never want to use it on my 1DsMk3 for some important work.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=171953\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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Some of the best primes out there - have owned/used all but the CZ 21 and they were nothing short of stellar. The Leica 28/2.8mm Ver II is one hell of a lens.
On the 35L - it is very sharp WO in center, but for landscaping shooting I'd be more concerned with performance at smaller apertures and consistency between center and edges - as well as field curvature (something that afflicts the 25-35mm ZFs).
Landscape work with the 1Ds3, will require a steady diet of premium corner-performance glass
Check out www.16-9.net as mentioned earlier as well as the 35mm -shoot off test results at www.slrlensreview.com
Four choices I use on my 1DsMk3
- Leica R 19mm
- zeiss T 21mm
- Leica R 28mm
- zeiss 35mm
Up to 35 Canon has really nothing to offer at all. The 35/1.4 is getting really close to the zeiss, but the other three lenses are really playing in their own world.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=171892\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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I use Canon 14mm v2 and really enjoy the coverage, but for the best results I stop down to f8 or f11. Images shot @ f2.8 - f4 have disappointing results in the corners.
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I use Canon 14mm v2 and really enjoy the coverage, but for the best results I stop down to f8 or f11. Images shot @ f2.8 - f4 have disappointing results in the corners.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=215509\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Wait, you mean images at 2.8 when focused on a distant object will be soft in the corners.... that's because your focal plane is far away.... for sure.
Focus ON something in the foreground, in a corner (you must MF for this as there are no focus points in what we consider the corners), and even at 2.8 the resolving quality of this lens is insane on a 1ds3. Incredibly sharp.
I ordered Marks adapter for the nikon, as I was sold by the review... but tired of waiting and got a 14mmII. This lens is just plain nuts! By no means discrediting his review... but the images Ive taken the last couple days with the 14mmII lay to waste the results he shows on his site. The CA is much better controlled in the files Ive gotten, and sharpness runs to the corners easily. I suspect that Marks copy is, sadly, well out of spec. Either than or I got incredibly lucky.
When I do get the adapter, I'll do some side by sides as well, for the sake of science and such (lol), but I assure anyone the 14mmII, while as expensive as all get out, IS indeed a high resolving, sharp rendering UWA prime.
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Wait, you mean images at 2.8 when focused on a distant object will be soft in the corners.... that's because your focal plane is far away.... for sure.
Focus ON something in the foreground, in a corner (you must MF for this as there are no focus points in what we consider the corners), and even at 2.8 the resolving quality of this lens is insane on a 1ds3. Incredibly sharp.[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=215528\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Close subjects, distant subjects. It doesn't matter. The corners are soft compared to the point of focus @ f2.8. However, I've not calibrated the lens to the camera yet.
Edit:
I tried the Tamron 14mm, Sigma 20mm and the Canon 14mm v1 lens. Everyone felt the Canon was too expensive, but the results at f2.8 were plain: All lenses except the Canon exhibited heavy vignetting. Even at f8 the Tamron had dark corners. The cost of this lens is reflected in its usability at f2.8. Sure there's softness, but if you're using this lens at f2.8 there's high probability that you're doing PJ work and capturing the moment/event is more important that crispy corners.
At f8 - f11 the Canon 14mm v2 is excellent, but at those apertures, and at ISO 100, a tripod is required.
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This was my point...this lens is just plain excellent. I have wonderfully sharp and contrasty images with superior color taken with this lens. And in addition I've been blown away by the "micro contrast" I'm getting....not as great as my P45+ back, but very good. No reason to go with the heavy and bulky Nikon zoom for a Canon camera in my opinion!!! eleanor
Wait, you mean images at 2.8 when focused on a distant object will be soft in the corners.... that's because your focal plane is far away.... for sure.
Focus ON something in the foreground, in a corner (you must MF for this as there are no focus points in what we consider the corners), and even at 2.8 the resolving quality of this lens is insane on a 1ds3. Incredibly sharp.
I ordered Marks adapter for the nikon, as I was sold by the review... but tired of waiting and got a 14mmII. This lens is just plain nuts! By no means discrediting his review... but the images Ive taken the last couple days with the 14mmII lay to waste the results he shows on his site. The CA is much better controlled in the files Ive gotten, and sharpness runs to the corners easily. I suspect that Marks copy is, sadly, well out of spec. Either than or I got incredibly lucky.
When I do get the adapter, I'll do some side by sides as well, for the sake of science and such (lol), but I assure anyone the 14mmII, while as expensive as all get out, IS indeed a high resolving, sharp rendering UWA prime.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=215528\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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I guess it depends on what reviews you read...
Canon 14mm MKII Review (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-14mm-f-2.8-L-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=172102\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
According to this review it appears to be better than its predecessors, but this review doesn't compare it with the Nikon 14-24, or the Leica/Schneider 15mm Elmarit-R.
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I guess it depends on what reviews you read...
Canon 14mm MKII Review (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-14mm-f-2.8-L-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=172102\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Not exactly an objective review site... I don't think he's ever said anything bad about any Canon product.
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Not exactly an objective review site... I don't think he's ever said anything bad about any Canon product.
Read his 50L review...
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My 14 2.8 II was very good to begin with however sharpness was helped, especially wide open at 2.8, by doing a focus calibration of +5 on my 1dsIII. This is an excellent option on the new canon III series of cameras. eleanor
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My 14 2.8 II was very good to begin with however sharpness was helped, especially wide open at 2.8, by doing a focus calibration of +5 on my 1dsIII. This is an excellent option on the new canon III series of cameras. eleanor
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Fully agree with Eleanor, micro-adjustment has allowed all my lenses to be pin sharp, including the 45mm TS-E using just the AF confirmation rather than Live View.
I will never buy another DSLR without the micro-adjustment feature.
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...micro-adjustment has allowed all my lenses to be pin sharp, including the 45mm TS-E using just the AF confirmation rather than Live View.[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=215807\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Huh? I thought the micro-adjustment was for auto-focus lenses and the feedback loop between camera and lens. How is a manual focus lens affected by the micro-adjustment feature?
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I adjusted my 90TS lens also using the autofocus confirmation beep. eleanor
Huh? I thought the micro-adjustment was for auto-focus lenses and the feedback loop between camera and lens. How is a manual focus lens affected by the micro-adjustment feature?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=215812\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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Try this site
http://www.16-9.net/ (http://www.16-9.net/)
in addition to testing lenses, he's involved with adaptors so all lenses can fit the EOS mount, not just Canon lenses.
Bob
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=171210\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Forget him and his site. There are a lot of people who sent him money like me (ordered January 4) but never got the adaptor. He don't answer any mail and the lost update on his site was june 12.
But I would love to use the Nikon 14-25mm on mine 1Ds3
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Huh? I thought the micro-adjustment was for auto-focus lenses and the feedback loop between camera and lens. How is a manual focus lens affected by the micro-adjustment feature?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=215812\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Chris,
The Canon AF confirmation in the body communicates with the chip in the lens. Since the TS-E lenses have this connection, you can micro-adjust the AF confirmation although you focus manually instead of auto. Nice huh?
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Forget him and his site. There are a lot of people who sent him money like me (ordered January 4) but never got the adaptor. He don't answer any mail and the lost update on his site was june 12.
But I would love to use the Nikon 14-25mm on mine 1Ds3
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=215818\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I also ordered the adapter a while ago and yes, he doesn't respond much to emails except if you want a refund, which he does right away.
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Chris,
The Canon AF confirmation in the body communicates with the chip in the lens. Since the TS-E lenses have this connection, you can micro-adjust the AF confirmation although you focus manually instead of auto. Nice huh?[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=215820\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Very nice. Thanks for the info.
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I use the Contax Zeiss 21f2.8, 28f2.8 and Canon 35f1.4L for wideangle duty on my 1DS3 and every one is spectacular. The 21mm is sharp from wide open to f16 centre to edge with no fringing at all, however it does suffer from minor distortion, almost a perfect lens. The 28mm is amazing centre to edge from f5.6 on with a tiny amount of fringing, and the 35L is spectacular from F1.4 to f8 in the centre and from f4 all the way out to the edges.
I have thrown out all my Canon glass except the 35L which is exceptional, and use Zeiss and some Nikkor glass now. My personal findings are such that unless you use the very best glass (and i'm not talking Canon zooms) you are wasting your hard earned cash on a 1DS3 over and above a 5D/1DS2 because you are already at the resolution limit with these previous generation bodies. Of course there are other very good reasons to own the 1DS3, but if extra detail is your aim and your not using the best glass be prepared to be dissapointed.
Gary.
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Gary, glad to hear your comments about the canon 35L lens, as I have this on order and hopefully will get this today. Did you find that you had to make any adjustments for backfocusing with you 1DSIII? I have heard good things about this canon prime and I needed a good general purpose lens and this one seemed to fit the bill. eleanor
I use the Contax Zeiss 21f2.8, 28f2.8 and Canon 35f1.4L for wideangle duty on my 1DS3 and every one is spectacular. The 21mm is sharp from wide open to f16 centre to edge with no fringing at all, however it does suffer from minor distortion, almost a perfect lens. The 28mm is amazing centre to edge from f5.6 on with a tiny amount of fringing, and the 35L is spectacular from F1.4 to f8 in the centre and from f4 all the way out to the edges.
I have thrown out all my Canon glass except the 35L which is exceptional, and use Zeiss and some Nikkor glass now. My personal findings are such that unless you use the very best glass (and i'm not talking Canon zooms) you are wasting your hard earned cash on a 1DS3 over and above a 5D/1DS2 because you are already at the resolution limit with these previous generation bodies. Of course there are other very good reasons to own the 1DS3, but if extra detail is your aim and your not using the best glass be prepared to be dissapointed.
Gary.
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Gary, glad to hear your comments about the canon 35L lens, as I have this on order and hopefully will get this today. Did you find that you had to make any adjustments for backfocusing with you 1DSIII? I have heard good things about this canon prime and I needed a good general purpose lens and this one seemed to fit the bill. eleanor
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I concur that the 35 L is legendary. Street to landscapes to portraits, it's stunning on a 1ds3.
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I have the 35L as well as the Nikon 28mm f/1.4 When I use the 28mm with a ring on my 1Ds MKIII, I find images from the Nikon to be even sharper. With Live View, using the 28mm is quite easy. Just some info.
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I recieved my 35L a couple of hours ago and at first I thought, "oh damn, I got a bad copy", since I've heard so many people talk about bad "copies" and this wasn't as sharp as I thought it should be a f1.4.
Then I did some backfocusing adjustments on my 1dsIII and the lens required about a +7 camera adjustment and my test shots at f1.4 were sharp after all. I don't know whether this is a lens or camera issue (or both) as all my 3 canon lenses (14II, 24-105 zoom and 90TS) have required a slight plus focus adjustment in camera (except my 70-200 f4 IS which didn't require any adjustment).
I'm wondering if the new backfocus adjustment option in the Canon D III series has eliminated the "try out many copies of a lens" problems. Seems to me all that is needed for a so called "bad" copy, is a back focusing adjustment option in the camera. correct me if I'm wrong. Eleanor
I concur that the 35 L is legendary. Street to landscapes to portraits, it's stunning on a 1ds3.
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Good to hear you got a good copy of the 35L Eleanor. I also had to adjust for backfocus on my 1DS3, but as most of my work is tripod based i almost always use live view for focussing, makes me wonder how i ever got by without it now as it's so accurate.
Enjoy your lens.
Gary.
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Wow! I've not used live view for focusing until now and it is extremely accurate. great for tripod use! eleanor
Good to hear you got a good copy of the 35L Eleanor. I also had to adjust for backfocus on my 1DS3, but as most of my work is tripod based i almost always use live view for focussing, makes me wonder how i ever got by without it now as it's so accurate.
Enjoy your lens.
Gary.
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