Zeiss 55 lenses compared

[MatthewCromer]

http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare/Side-by-side/Sony-FE-Carl-Zeiss-Sonnar-T-STAR-55mm-F18-on-Sony-A7R-versus-Zeiss-Carl-Zeiss-Distagon-T-STAR-Otus-55mm-F14-ZF2-Nikon-on-Nikon-D800___1252_917_1242_792

[BernardLanguillier]

Impressive performance.

Cheers,
Bernard

[ErikKaffehr]

It is interesting to see that Sony uses a "Sonnar" type design for the 55/1.8 while Zeiss uses "Distagon" design for the 55/1.4.

Best regards
Erik

http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare/Side-by-side/Sony-FE-Carl-Zeiss-Sonnar-T-STAR-55mm-F18-on-Sony-A7R-versus-Zeiss-Carl-Zeiss-Distagon-T-STAR-Otus-55mm-F14-ZF2-Nikon-on-Nikon-D800___1252_917_1242_792

[MatthewCromer]

Well AFAIK both lenses are Zeiss designs.

I expect the differences in design also owe something to the SLR mirror box clearance required for the Otus.

[Telecaster]

It is interesting to see that Sony uses a "Sonnar" type design for the 55/1.8 while Zeiss uses "Distagon" design for the 55/1.4.

Attached is the design diagram for the 55/1.8.

Edit: also attached now for comparison purposes is the design diagram of the original Zeiss Jena 50/1.5 Sonnar.

-Dave-

[ErikKaffehr]

Yes, the absence of the mirror box gives more degrees of freedom. But most "normal" lenses re double gauss designs, even on SLRs.

My guess is that Zeiss choose the Distagon type design over double gauss to be able to reduce vignetting and keep beam angle down. Sony on the other hand choose f/1.8 much reducing the problem with beam angle and vignetting, they also have offset microlenses on the sensor which help with beam angle, so they could choose a less expensive design that is easier to make.

Best regards
Erik

Well AFAIK both lenses are Zeiss designs.

I expect the differences in design also owe something to the SLR mirror box clearance required for the Otus.

[geesbert]

or maybe the otus has a larger image circle to cater for these new large cmos sensors?

[BernardLanguillier]

or maybe the otus has a larger image circle to cater for these new large cmos sensors?

Funny, that thought crossed my mind also.

Cheers,
Bernard

[kers]

Would love to see what Otus does on an Alpa with a medium back - especially at d8...

[LKaven]

I also wondered about whether the Otus had an extended image circle.  Shouldn't be too hard to check...for anyone who actually has one.  I think either way (as kers suggests) it would make some interesting images on an IQ250 back.  Even some vignetting would look kinda good.

[ErikKaffehr]

Hi,

That may work, maybe. A lot of 135 lenses seem to be usable on a Hartblei HCam with MF backs. But I don't think Zeiss is into medium format.

It has been suggested that Sony may use the same sensor for motion, IMAX style video. In that case it may make more sense, as 4K is around the door and 8K can be seen at the end of corridor.

Best regards
Erik

I also wondered about whether the Otus had an extended image circle.  Shouldn't be too hard to check...for anyone who actually has one.  I think either way (as kers suggests) it would make some interesting images on an IQ250 back.  Even some vignetting would look kinda good.