Carl Zeiss

This will not be a very technical post, as I’m not the most knowledgeable user when it comes to the internal workings of the lens. I do however, know a good lens when I USE one. There have been several sets of lenses I’ve owned, borrowed, tested and rented. I’m the type of buyer who searches for that special company, not necessarily the big players, but a unique company who can provide me with something that isn’t found in the over saturated mainstream market. Having the same gadget as 10 other people in the room just bugs me… not because I want the more expensive piece, I just want the piece that You don’t have or know much about. That’s my thing. Though if I can get my hands on a lens that’s so expensive only 5% of professionals I know might own one, I’m fine with that too. “Whoever has the most toys when he dies…..”

Zeiss is that one special company who really make a stand-out product. It’s hard to find a team who can cover all aspects of a project and seamlessly nail every last detail to perfection, making dreams come true for people like myself. First, you open the box and let the new lens scent flurry out the top… I’m kidding - but extracting the gorgeous piece of solid black steel, encasing the most impressive glass configuration known to man, blows me away every time. Even attaching to the body is a spiritual moment, finally allowed to embrace your newly purchased super-technology and let ‘er rip! The Zeiss lens - The Artist of Light. Known for it’s buttery bokeh and ultra-sharp resolving power, it’s solid build and smooth focus ring. There was a time when I would proclaim it was the lens guiding me, the lens whom had framed the shot I was so proud of, the lens who knew to turn the camera body towards the action at the right moment! There was a time, a glorious glorious time…. but, if you read the title, I sold them!

It does not matter if I have the ‘best known to man’ in my possession, I will always search for different. I fluctuate with my desires, needs and priorities. Often I’d curse the photographer whom went with a cheaper set of lenses in order to afford a full set, and then on the flip I’d belittle (in my head) the photographer who spent every last penny on getting one of the BEST, knowing sacrifices in overall project depth would have to be made. It’s all a course of learning and it’s definitely been a roller-coaster trying to make sense of it all.

I’m currently shooting with Samyang (Sold as Rokinon in North America), a South Korean brand costing 1/4 of it’s Zeiss counterparts. In my bag I have a 14, 35, 85, and cheaply I still have a 50mm Zeiss, as Rokinon is very limited their selection! While I can say I’ve definitely made great use of the little set and shot what could be some of my better work, the experience is not the same. The handling, the feel, the responsiveness in the focusing wheel all do not come anywhere close to a Zeiss. In fact, it’s so much different and drastically lower on my rating scale that I actually can feel satisfaction in knowing I’ve re-ignited an old relationship with a German lover.

Knowing again what I want, even if only for a short while, I know return back to the steep climb up the large mountain of financial commitment necessary to obtain my glass friends. I miss them, and they’re damn pricey - But they’re worth every dollar you drop. This is why I regret selling my Zeiss Lenses!

Take a look at the new 25mm 2.0

B.