Zeiss Lenses: Canon Chipped v. Nikon Chipless

<p>Zeiss makes chipped lenses for Canon EOS cameras, but makes its Nikon mount lenses in the 30 year-old, throwback AI-s mount sans chip. The Canon mount lenses cost $100 or so more, but for folks who would spend tall coin on these manual focus lenses to begin with, another $100-plus wouldn't break the bank. For example:</p>

<p>Zeiss Normal 50mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS Cameras ($660):</p>

<p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/583975-REG/Zeiss_1677817_Normal_50mm_f_1_4_ZE.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/583975-REG/Zeiss_1677817_Normal_50mm_f_1_4_ZE.html</a><br>

v.</p>

<p>Zeiss Normal 50mm f/1.4 ZF Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras ($550):</p>

<p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/441695-REG/Zeiss_1405_174_50mm_f_1_4_ZF_Manual.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/441695-REG/Zeiss_1405_174_50mm_f_1_4_ZF_Manual.html</a></p>

<p>I think they think that people who would buy a lens like that would also buy a high end camera that can use it...</p>

<p>I own two: a D3 and a D2X. I still prefer chipped lenses.</p>

<ol>

<li>The aperture control on the camera has much better ergonomics than the one on the lens.</li>

<li>It has a better workflow for anything involving external light meters (such as studio flash). Set the aperture once on the camera, and you don't have to worry about setting it each time you swap lenses.</li>

<li>My "lightweight" camera is a Nikon D90. I'd like my lenses to work on that, too.</li>

<li>The D90 is the only Nikon currently available in a monochrome sensor version, which complements Zeiss lenses quite nicely.</li>

</ol>

<p>Yes, I have D700's that can certainly use the non-chipped lenses; but for the first two reasons Joseph mentions, chipped lenses are better. </p>

<p>Joseph, as an aside, do you have a link to the D90 monochrome camera you reference?</p>

<p>Soon. About to come out of beta....</p>