photog630

I've been really noticing the limits of my venerable Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L lens (Mark 1), particularly towards the edges, where the image starts to degrade. Shooting at f/11, focussing directly at the corner of a building recently (closest to my position), I can see clear image degradation towards the top of the subject -- in the upper bricks and top edges. I'm shooting RAW images on a heavy tripod, with mirror-lockup engaged and a shutter release (or 2 second self-timer). I've been comfortable with the lens set at 16mm (as are my clients) and see no need to vary from this focal length too much. It would seem that Canon's TS-E tilt-shift 17mm f/4L lens would be a suitable upgrade for the types of shooting I'm doing, but would like to hear some opinions on the matter. Any Zeiss Milvus 15mm users out there? Is the Canon tilt-shift 17mm my best option for improvement? Opinions and/or thoughts are most welcome.

After upgrading to a new MacBook Pro recently (using OS High Sierra 10.13.1), I see that Canon's ImageBrowser EX has gone the way of the dinosaurs sometime back in the Yosemite Age. I'd been using it to download files from multiple cards with an SD card reader. Naturally, I can connect my 6D directly to the laptop and just use the standard EOS utility for downloading. But with multiple SD cards, I do find it easier to plug in a card reader, and use software that automatically offers date/naming of the files into folders, versus dragging files and naming them manually. Was wondering if others out there recommend any current software to facilitate this on a mac running High Sierra.

<p>Michael,<br> Many thanks for posting your own detailed observations. And the link to the online review is invaluable. Much appreciated!</p>

<p>Robin, I've been hoping the persistent rumors are true and that Sigma are going to release an 85mm 1.4 "Art" lens later this year. That definitely would get my attention as a potential upgrade to my existing setup.</p><div></div>

<p>Michael, I hear ya. I still have a Hassy 500 C/M with a couple lenses gathering dust, and I just can't part with it. And a Rolleilex. And a Leica. Digital makes perfect sense to me; and I've fully embraced it as a viable medium, yet I love beautifully-made equipment that has nothing to do with modern electronics and/or plastic.<br> Kind of like keeping a beautiful old clock or two: the new quartz ones keep time perfectly (and are cheap, and plastic) but I like holding onto a few beauties from the past.</p>

<p>These days, most of my freelance photography involves shooting corporate portraits. Back when I used film, my lens of choice was a Zeiss Planar 85mm (MM) on a Contax RTSII. Moving ahead into digital, I use Canon's 85/1.8 for most head shots, but have been unable to part with the older Zeiss 85. In fact, I've put a mount on it to use with my Canon system. Wide open really isn't that great until you stop it down to f/2 or more.<br> <br />I'm curious to hear any user experiences with the new Zeiss Milvus 85mm, (not the<strong> über-pricy Otus 85/1.4</strong>) as it interests me to explore improvements to equipment and technique, versus staying in the same place.</p>

<p>Thanks, Robin. I've actually been looking closely at the Sigma recently, and saw the review (with images) corroborating what you have said about the color fringing at wide apertures. And you're right: The Canon 1.8 did exhibit fringing at f/2 in my little test. Perhaps that is part of the compromises that lens designers must make.<br> I read somewhere recently that the older Zeiss 85/1.4 was possibly optimized for infinity focus, which would explain the wide aperture (minor) softness characteristic, but I'm just speculating. I can't imagine why such a fast lens wouldn't be designed to exploit the use of wider apertures optimally, but I'm no lens designer. <br /><br />On a complete side note, I see that Zeiss have an 85 prime (FE) for Sony's mirrorless camera systems, but that must be another cup of tea entirely.</p>

<p>Thanks for your response, Robin. Since I already own the Contax version (used on an RTSII for years before digital) and recently found the proper adapter to use it on my Canon 6d, I was curious about users' experiences.<br> <br />I shot a couple of test images @ f/2 with the Contax 85 and my Canon 85/1.8, and then layered the identical images from each different lens in a photoshop file. Turning off/on each layer, I could easily see how the Canon is definitely sharper at wider apertures, but can't decide if that is an issue for me or not. Most of my work with this focal length is for either family or corporate portraits, and yes, good sharpness on the subject's eye (or eyes) is nice at wide open apertures, but I can't see giving up on the older lens as an option yet. <br /><br /><br> Thus my interest in the opinions of others. It's a fantastic focal length for portraiture, and I enjoy the idea of improving or changing what I use to shoot them.</p>

<p>I have an older mid-eighties Contax Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Planar T* lens (West German version) mounted on my Canon 6d, and am curious how this lens compares to the modern Zeiss equivalent (85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar), particularly at the wider apertures.<br /> <strong>Does anybody have any experience comparing the two, or know of any reviews comparing them in depth?</strong><br /><br /> Thanks in advance.<br /><br /> </p>

<p>Thanks for all the advice. After checking online I realized that Fotodiox is <strong>rather fortuitously</strong> located about 20 minutes away from where I live. Talk about a good sign.</p> <p>So I called their sales rep, who informed me that there are two versions of the adaptor; a "pro grade" (Contax/Yashica to Canon EOS) for $60 and a less-expensive aluminum version for $16. Took the camera and lens in to them, tested out the cheaper version, and picked it up today.</p><div></div>

<p>Victor, that would definitely be of interest.</p>

<p>I have recently upgraded my 5D (mark 1- classic) to a 6D, and have had problems using a lens mount adapter on my older Zeiss Planar 85/1.4 (MMJ version for Contax).</p> <p><strong>What mount adapters are most of you 6D folks using these days?</strong> I'd originally purchased an off-brand adapter (with the focus confirmation chip) on ebay back in 2008 that worked well with my 5d, but it often malfunctions on the 6D body. I've no idea what brand the adapter is; been too many moons ago, and it doesn't have any indicator markings.</p>