Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 100mm f/2 ZF (FX) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (full format)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

Sample Shots

The following sample shots were taken with a D3x and RAW-converted via CaptureOne.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/1000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1600s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/160s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/2.0
Exposure 1/8000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/2500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/5000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/2.0
Exposure 1/4000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/2000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/2000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/2.0
Exposure 1/3200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 320
Focal Length 100.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/320s

Verdict

The Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 100m f/2 is a medium tele macro lens that performacs exceptionally on a full frame DSLR. The lens is very sharp at f/2 and truly excellent between f/4 and f/8. Lateral CAs as well as distortions are not relevant from a field perspective. The amount of vignetting is quite high at f/2 but not an issue anymore from f/4 onwards. The quality of the bokeh is generally very good at large aperture although you may be able to spot some "cat's eyes" as well as bokeh fringing. The Zeiss allows a max. magnification of 1:2 only which may be a drawback for some but the fast max. aperture is certainly broadening its scope into other applications such as portrait photography.

Just like the rest of its family, the Zeiss lens is built to the highest standards. Some users may complain about the lack of AF and it is indeed difficult to focus this lens manually without a split-image screen. However, the focus confirmation is available in the viewfinder and in critical scenes Live-View can give you the needed guidance. That said, it remains a bit of an anachronism these days.

The price level is more than steep but this is about as good as it gets on a full format DSLR. Highly recommended (if you can live with manual focusing)!

Optical Quality:    
★★★★★
Mechanical Quality:
★★★★★
Price/Performance:
★★★★★

Click here for an explanation of our star ratings


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