G
Guest
I used the 400mm N lens for an hour or so today and here are some initial impressions. First, and most obvious, this is a big lens. Weighs nearly four pounds and the front filter size is 102mm. The lens hood must be nearly eight inches long. It feels like one of the most well made lenses I have handled, solid, with a focus ring that is about 5 inches wide and with just the right amount of tension. The lens comes with a very solid tripod collar, and again there is just the right amount of tension when turning the lens in the collar to allow very precise movement. There is a filter drawer at the back of the lens just in front of the mount that accepts small filters - just as well as 102mm filters would cost way too much. The lens comes in a nice back-pack type carry case that looks like it would provide excellent protection.
Now for the thing that surprised me the most. There has been a significant amount of discussion regarding the focus speed and accuracy of the N1. Well, with this lens mounted, it never hunted once, just snapped into place, bang on the mark every time. Even from one extreme end of the focus scale to the other, it took probably less than a couple of seconds and was locked on. I think one reason for the speed is the fact that there is by all accounts a big motor inside this lens. The good news is that, if the fixed f/2.8 lenses that are planned use the same motor, then the N1 will truly be up there with the Canons and Nikons of this world.
I have not got the slides back yet (I will post any decent images but I was rushing), but my initial impression is that this is a high class lens from Zeiss, with the build quality you would expect and I bet the optics are there to match. It is fast focussing, accurate and I had a great time.
Would I / will I buy it. Well, this is a three week old used lens and is about 38% cheaper than the new cost. It is probably a one off chance to enjoy this type of lens and I would probably not lose too much if I sold it again in a year. I would definitely enjoy using it, so maybe I will be back there on Monday to take it home!
Simon
Now for the thing that surprised me the most. There has been a significant amount of discussion regarding the focus speed and accuracy of the N1. Well, with this lens mounted, it never hunted once, just snapped into place, bang on the mark every time. Even from one extreme end of the focus scale to the other, it took probably less than a couple of seconds and was locked on. I think one reason for the speed is the fact that there is by all accounts a big motor inside this lens. The good news is that, if the fixed f/2.8 lenses that are planned use the same motor, then the N1 will truly be up there with the Canons and Nikons of this world.
I have not got the slides back yet (I will post any decent images but I was rushing), but my initial impression is that this is a high class lens from Zeiss, with the build quality you would expect and I bet the optics are there to match. It is fast focussing, accurate and I had a great time.
Would I / will I buy it. Well, this is a three week old used lens and is about 38% cheaper than the new cost. It is probably a one off chance to enjoy this type of lens and I would probably not lose too much if I sold it again in a year. I would definitely enjoy using it, so maybe I will be back there on Monday to take it home!
Simon