Sonnar C 50mm F1.5, good choice!

Enjoy your new Sonnar, it's a unique lens. I am still getting a feel for mine but it's really a neat performer.

Kent
 
Thanks, I've come to a mini epiphany lately: I'm trying to keep my depth of field as shallow/deep as necessary, no hyperfocalism!

(I think it's working!)
 
So far have only shot TWO PHOTOS (AT F2?), this damned house extention is getting me down. garage door now move to new position, but garge door folk say I need a new support for top door trim, great- more work for yours truely.
 
Focus shft on Zeiss Sonnar 50mm f/1.4 a non issue

Focus shft on Zeiss Sonnar 50mm f/1.4 a non issue

I have this lens and was concerned about focus shift from net reading and some focusing difficulties. I spoke to Zeiss (29 June 2010_and they advised that the lens is averaged to minimize the problem.
Thereafter I conducted several tripod test at all apertures from 1.5 to f/16 using a statue at close range focusing on the eyes. At all apertures I was unable to find any focus shift even though the images were blown up to 100%. Of course, I would not expect a problem by the time I reached f/4 even if focus shift was a real issue.
In practice I take everything at 1.5 - as the bokeh is great and I like a narrow DOF mostly. If I want a slower shutter speed I use an ND filter rather than stopping down to f/2-f/4. Obviously not perfect - but OK at the few wider apertures where it may be necessary.
I think the focus shift is a non-issue in practice and apprehend that the problem is more likely camera movement and/or inaccurate focusing. My difficulties were that my M9 has a built in diopter measurement of -5 but I need +1.5. Buying a +2 diopter solved the issue.
If anyone is concerned Zeiss will optimize this lens (free of charge in warranty period) to ensure accuracy at 1.5. or or presumably other apertures but this will cause more of a problem where other apertures than that to which the lens has been optimized are used.
 
I've been mulling over getting this lens. But all my research shows I'll probably be just as happy with the 50mm Planar, so I've decided to go that route. And save a few bucks in the process.
 
Scroll about half way down this review and you'll find an actual 'worked example' of focus shift:

http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/ps firstlook sonnar 50.html

This is at the closest focusing distance with a lens optimized at f/1.5 -- and yes, lenses are normally optimized for f/1.5 and have been for a long time: basically, since shortly after people started complaining. Source: conversation with Dr. Nasse at Zeiss a couple of years ago.

It's about the only 50 I use, apart from (occasionally) Frances's Summarit. I gave away my Canon f/1.2, and I much prefer the Sonnar to the Nokton f/1.5, even though the Nokton is the 'better' lens (sharper, less vignetting, etc.)

Cheers,

R.
 
I used to think that I cared about sharpness, lack of focus shift, technical perfection, whatever. One roll of film with this lens and all that went out the window. It is insanely wonderful.
 
The C-Sonnar 50 has the best rendering of any 50 that I own (and I have a LOT of them).In black/white it gives a "lush" glow to the image. I have both the M version and the Nikon Rf version and both are by far my most used 50's. Never had a problem with the so called "focus shift" - as with any lens, you work out what is the "sweet spot" as to aperture and work with that.
The Nokton 50f1.5 is, as Roger states, probably sharper and with some more contrast and "edge" to it - but the C-Sonnar just shines.
 
I really love the Sonnar, some situations make me wish it behaved like a 50/1.4 asph though :p - extreme coma and purple fringing with bright light sources in colour.

Here's a flattering pic of the Sonnar's capabilities:
L1002052.jpg
 
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