carl zeiss vs nikon

[penltybox]

can anyone share some imput regarding the carl zeiss 85 mm 1.4 vs the nikon 85mm 1.4 for a nikon d300s body. any advice,

[sk66]

The Zeiss is MF only...

[inkista]

CZ won't autofocus. The Nikkor will. The CZ is likely to have better microcontrast, because Zeiss lenses nearly always have better microcontrast. It's why we love them so.

Incidentally, which Nikkor 85/1.4 are you talking about? The AF/D or the AF-S/G?

And which CZ 85/1.4? The ZF or the ZF.2? [The 1 isn't chipped, so no aperture control from the camera body only the aperture ring on the lens. The ZF.2s are chipped, so you can set the aperture from the body].
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edit: Jinx!

[penltybox]

Originally Posted by inkista

CZ won't autofocus. The Nikkor will. The CZ is likely to have better microcontrast, because Zeiss lenses nearly always have better microcontrast. It's why we love them so.

Incidentally, which Nikkor 85/1.4 are you talking about? The AF/D or the AF-S/G?

And which CZ 85/1.4? The ZF or the ZF.2? [The 1 isn't chipped, so no aperture control from the camera body only the aperture ring on the lens. The ZF.2s are chipped, so you can set the aperture from the body].
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edit: Jinx!

not exactly sure the difference

[inkista]

Given that the difference between the two Nikkor 85/1.4s is about $500, and the difference between the two Zeiss 85/1.4s is buying new and used, and that all four lenses are in the $1000+ price range, you might want to do a little more research.

The AF-S/G is a newer lens. It's more expensive, it autofocuses faster and more accurately and quietly than the AF/D version. It's also more flare resistant.

The two Zeisses are optically identical, but the ZF.2 is chipped and allows for aperture control from the camera body.

All four lenses are very sharp, very good lenses with smooth bokeh. The Nikkor vs. Zeiss: they're different in their drawing characters, but either one is fantastic. Most folks opt for a Nikon because at the $1000+ price level, most folks prefer having autofocus. Zeiss nuts prefer the ZF because of the characteristic Zeiss "draw" which is very high microcontrast.

If you want a low-cost alternative and manual focus doesn't scare you, the $250 Samyang/Rokinon/Bower/Vivitar/etc. etc. 85/1.4 is also a great contender.

[penltybox]

thanks for your imput