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Hands-On: Sony and Zeiss Booths (RX1R II, A7S II, Loxia 21mm)

Posted on October 22, 2015October 22, 2015 by Jordan Steele

Contents

  • 1Sony RX1R II
  • 2Sony A7S II
  • 3Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8
  • 4More Zeiss Fun

Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8

Zeiss announced the newest member of the manual focus Loxia line a few weeks ago, and I got a chance to put it through a few test shots.  This is the most exciting Loxia in my mind, as it’s small, wide and excellent, which are three characteristics not often found together in the same lens.

The Loxia 21mm shares the same build quality and same relative size (though slightly longer) as the other Loxia lenses, making it a very compact package indeed.  The focus ring is smooth as silk, and the aperture ring has nice clicks to it that can be turned off for video use.

The Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 on the Sony A7S II
The Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 on the Sony A7S II

I got a chance to try the Loxia 21mm f/2.8 on the Sony A7S II, and while this isn’t the highest resolution body, you can still get an idea of the quality of the lens.  In my early samples?  It’s a winner.  The lens is sharp to the corners right from f/2.8, and displays almost no chromatic aberration and minimal distortion.  At first blush, it appears to fit in very well with some of the legendary wide-angle lenses from Zeiss.  Take a look at some full size samples below to get an idea of the quality of this lens, as well as the imaging characteristics of the A7S II.  Click on the image to enlarge, and then click the green arrow at the bottom of the screen to view full size:

Full Size Sample - Zeiss Loxia 21mm on A7S II @ f/2.8, ISO 400
Full Size Sample – Zeiss Loxia 21mm on A7S II @ f/2.8, ISO 400
Full Size Sample - Zeiss Loxia 21mm on Sony A7S II @ f/8, ISO 2500
Full Size Sample – Zeiss Loxia 21mm on Sony A7S II @ f/8, ISO 2500
Full Size Sample - Zeiss Loxia 21mm on Sony A7S II, f/4, ISO 1000
Full Size Sample – Zeiss Loxia 21mm on Sony A7S II, f/4, ISO 1000

More Zeiss Fun

One thing I really liked about the Zeiss booth was that the representative really wanted to hear what I thought should come next. Being a bit against the grain and liking my small lenses, I told him I’d like to see a 135mm f/2.8 Batis.  I know some would want f/2, but I’d like the smaller size.  I also said I’d love a compact but very high quality standard zoom for landscape use.  I’d love to see Zeiss create something very hard to come by these days: a slow, small standard zoom with impeccable image quality. I know many others would like the speed (and I mentioned that to him), but I want the size.

Speaking of size, what happens when you don’t compromise on optics, and allow size to fall where it may?  The Otus 28mm f/1.4 happens.  This is a MONSTROUS lens.  A 95mm front element and weight akin to a 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom, the Otus 28mm is not for those who want a compact kit.  However, if you want the best, then here it is.

The Zeiss Otus 28mm f/1.4
The Zeiss Otus 28mm f/1.4

Stay tuned for more news from the floor of PhotoPlus Expo 2015!

Pages: 1 2

5 thoughts on “Hands-On: Sony and Zeiss Booths (RX1R II, A7S II, Loxia 21mm)”

  1. Jon Bush says:
    October 22, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    Hi Jordan,

    If you happen to swing by Sony again, can you ask about the firmware update road map (for uncompressed 14-bit RAW) now that the A7r II is checked off? I’m not sure they’ll divulge anything (probably not), but it might be worth a try. I’m sure you’d like to know if your A7 II will be updated and I’d definitely like to know if my A7r has any chance.

    Thanks for posting updates so quickly and enjoy the show.

    Jon

    Reply
    1. Jordan Steele says:
      October 24, 2015 at 6:41 am

      I asked and the rep didn’t have any idea. They said “we only know the A7R II is getting it.” Beyond that they’re in the dark. A lot of times the reps don’t get told much, especially with Sony.

      Reply
      1. Jon Bush says:
        October 29, 2015 at 12:46 pm

        Thanks for the follow-up Jordan. I suspected as much, so I’ll just have to wait and see. I don’t plan on upgrading to the A7r II soon, and frankly, I’m happy with what I have.

        Great job on covering the show and excellent images inside the show and around the city.

        Jon

        Reply
  2. Pingback: PhotoPlus Tidbits and Roundup - Admiring Light
  3. Suzette | TrySomethingFun.com says:
    October 26, 2015 at 9:16 pm

    It’s great to see some sample images with the Zeiss Loxia 21mm. Thanks!

    Reply

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