Zeiss 100mm f2.0 ZF and D3X

walterh · December 20, 2009

Hello, I wonder if anybody tried this combination.

After only few shots using the Zeiss Macro Planar on a D3 I must say I am very impressed by the IQ of this lens. (After initial testing the lens will be used on a D700 most likely.) The creamy bokeh is just as good as I suspected from several posted images on PN. It easily beats my Nikkor 105 f2.0 AF DC lens in this respect.

This lens is almost "too good to waste" on macro documentary work I bought it for ^^. Well the resolution will be needed. In the macro range up to 1:2 resolution is so good on the D3 that I need very little sharpening in RAW conversion. I suspect the AA filter in front of the sensor is the major reason that I need some sharpening at all. 1) So the obvious question is: does this lens outperform the D3x sensor as well? 2) How strong is the AA filter in the D3x. 3) How easy is it to remove the filter in any of the D700, D3, D3x ? Thanks for your time.

The posted image shall show the nice bokeh rather than the resolution (size limit for posting).<div></div>

arthuryeo · December 20, 2009

Yes, this is, indeed, an enjoyable lens and I love it on the D3 and D3X. The color and resolution are certainly over and beyond those I can obtain from the 105VR Nikkor. From what I have read and experienced, the AA filter on the D3|D3S|D3X are thinner than those on the D2X. Here's <a href="http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/technology/d-technology/">what Nikon said:</a>

Judging by resolution alone, some might assume that the D3 would be limited to producing a 360-dpi photograph on A3-sized paper (42.0 x 29.7cm). But Nikon has gone far beyond that, creating a thinner low-pass filter closely matched to sensor resolution and applying a special flare reduction coating. Such measures improve the overall image capture performance to deliver superior resolution that goes far beyond mere pixel count.

</blockquote>

I do not think one can remove the AA filter without professional help; at least, I do not have the guts to do that since it will nullify the warranty instantly. Thom Hogan's assistant has done it before but the camera was sent to a 3rd party shop for this modification.

arthuryeo · December 20, 2009

Some samples from this lens. CLICK on image to see full res.

starvy · December 20, 2009

wonderful images indeed. the first one is quite astounding.

wogears · December 20, 2009

Looky! Here's a heap more bokey fer yuh!<div>

</div>

ilkka_nissila · December 21, 2009

I don't actually much care for the bokeh of the 100mm ZF but otherwise I find it the best macro lens I've used and among the best lenses overall. It's very consistent and easy to work with. Now if they'd make a 180/3.5 macro it'd complement the lineup nicely.

bravin_neff · December 21, 2009

That lens is outrageous. Awesome colors.

walterh · December 21, 2009

Thanks for the information so far.

I hope to have some time for further experimenting with this lens.

matt_smith24 · July 13, 2010

The lens is unusal in the sense that it's just as sharp at infinity as it is close up. I love the bokeh and think it's superior to any of the Nikon lenses I own. Then again, bokeh is a subjective matter.

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Zeiss 100mm f2.0 ZF and D3X

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