Sony 24-70/2.8 ZA SSM vs f/2.8 prime lenses

[KevinBarrett]

I was in a Sony Style store yesterday, looking for any NEX cameras that might be out in stores early, when I saw that they had greatly expanded their display lens selection. Where previously they had a 16-80 ZA mounted on an a900 (and couldn't be made to understand that it wasn't a full-frame lens), they now had a 24-70/2.8 ZA SSM. It was my first time to see one of these beasts in person, so I eagerly asked to try it on. I had my a700 with me, wearing a Minolta 24/2.8 RS, so I fired off a few rounds at f/2.8 and f/4, then put on the Zeiss lens to do the same...

I could post the images, but I'll save you some analysis: The Zeiss is sharper in the corners at f/2.8 than my Minolta prime lens at f/4. The heavens opened and angels sang, and suddenly the $1600 price tag seemed justified. But I am not worthy. If I buy any more prime lenses in this range that aren't f/1.4 or greater, somebody kick me in the head.

[Birma]

So you bought Zeiss, right?

[pakodominguez]

I could post the images, but I'll save you some analysis: The Zeiss is sharper in the corners at f/2.8 than my Minolta prime lens at f/4.

Look at Olaf's post
http://www.photoclubalpha.com/forum/vie ... 021#p41021

[KevinBarrett]

Birma: No, I didn't buy it, and my first response to that suggestion was "are you kidding?!" but if I don't buy one before I get a FF body, I'll be buying one then.

Pako: Thanks, I had read that post and it's what reminded me to relate that experience.

[lightdreamer]

I could post the images, but I'll save you some analysis: The Zeiss is sharper in the corners at f/2.8 than my Minolta prime lens at f/4.

Look at Olaf's post
http://www.photoclubalpha.com/forum/vie ... 021#p41021

Do not forget that this post is from 2007.
A time where only APS-C DSLRS were available for A Mount.

Nevertheless most statements from Olaf were also valid
on FF Sensors.

BG lightdreamer

[pakodominguez]

I could post the images, but I'll save you some analysis: The Zeiss is sharper in the corners at f/2.8 than my Minolta prime lens at f/4.

Look at Olaf's post
http://www.photoclubalpha.com/forum/vie ... 021#p41021

Do not forget that this post is from 2007.
A time where only APS-C DSLRS were available for A Mount.

Nevertheless most statements from Olaf were also valid
on FF Sensors.

BG lightdreamer

Ok: read it again:
"PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 1:31 pm "
"Joined: Sun May 20, 2007"

[lightdreamer]

Ok: read it again:
"PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 1:31 pm "
"Joined: Sun May 20, 2007"

You are absolutly right, sorry my mistake.

BG lightdreamer

[catalytic]

The old Minolta WA primes (like those from all other mfrs) really need to be updated for FF. Better coma correction and corner performance wide-open is basically what ails them. Not surprising you find the 24-70/2.8 is better. It is a fantastic lens and razor sharp at most apertures and focal lengths. My only gripe with it is that the bokeh can be a bit edgy at times.

[pakodominguez]

My only gripe with it is that the bokeh can be a bit edgy at times.

Bokeh is a Japanese trend -you don't buy a Zeiss lens because bokeh but because the high resolution it supposedly resolve.

In other hand, wide angle and specially ultra wide angle zooms (even of Japanese design) suffer of weird bokeh. The Tamron/KM 17-35 f2.8-4 have an space/psychedelic bokeh, and the Tamron/KM 28-75 f2.8 at the wide end is everything but "nice bokeh".

Regards

[KevinBarrett]

you don't buy a Zeiss lens because bokeh but because the high resolution it supposedly resolve.

In my case, I don't buy a Zeiss lens because sending my wife to nursing school is a tad better investment.

[pakodominguez]

you don't buy a Zeiss lens because bokeh but because the high resolution it supposedly resolve.

In my case, I don't buy a Zeiss lens because sending my wife to nursing school is a tad better investment.

Well, she can buy you the Zeiss with her first bonus

[Dusty]

In my case, I don't buy a Zeiss lens because sending my wife to nursing school is a tad better investment.

When I was single I bought photo gear and other expensive toys, all on rather meager earnings. Then I got married, got a good job, got a few kids, got a LOT of bills, and can barely afford the electrons that power what I have!

But I wouldn't trade it for all the cameras ever produced!

Dusty

[KevinBarrett]

Well, she can buy you the Zeiss with her first bonus

Sssshhhhh.... you'll jinx it!