Zeiss lenses: Is high-end always the better choice? - DXOMARK (2024)

This quality is reflected in our metrics. The Zeiss family usually has very good light transmission and little distortion. The chromatic aberration may sometimes look important at first sight, but analyzing it a bit more carefully shows that yes, it may be big, but it is confined to the outermost edge of the corners of the image, leaving the rest of the field absolutely perfect. This means that even if a Zeiss lens has a bigger LCA metric in our global view, it might indeed be much better than any other competitor on 99% of its field.

Impressive? Yes, indeed. And in this respect, Zeiss lenses really show high-end performance.

On the other hand, these lenses also show some weaknesses – the most obvious being the lenses’ measured sharpness. Oh, most of them are sharp, and sometimes very sharp. But all too often they are not the sharpest lenses, and it can happen sometimes that a $1300 Zeiss lens can be outperformed by a $400 lens from Canon or Nikon. This is not so rare a case, and a user looking mostly for higher resolution could be a bit disappointed. Take the 85mm range, for instance; the $380 Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM is almost 10 lp/mm sharper than the $1300 Planar T85mm f/1.4ZE on the same full-frame 5D MkII sensor. That’s quite a big difference, especially when the cheaper lens also has less distortion, LCA, and vignetting.

So although these lenses are masterpieces of build quality, their results may not always be as good as expected. (This case is not specific to Zeiss. In our recent study of 50mm lenses, we pointed out that the best 50mm for a Canon mount was not an L series, and that the Nikkor’s $100 “full plastic” 50mm f1.8D was a terrific performer as well.)

Moreover, in 2011, we may reasonably question the pertinence of sticking to the “manual focus only” philosophy. That’s obviously a daring choice, making Zeiss lenses ideal for some “manual purists”; but all other users should know prior to buying a manual lens that perfect manual focusing is extremely hard, and takes time. Today’s high-resolution sensors require perfect focus; the slightest blur becomes obvious when the image is viewed at 100%.

Today’s AF engines are efficient, fast and silent, as they help photographers produce high-quality pictures. And for those preferring to focus manually, all modern AF lenses offer a permanent manual override, thus efficiently marrying the best of two worlds. Comfort is not evil… is it? A lens with good AF is not necessarily of lower quality than a full manual lens. There is already an army of good reasons that may potentially cause someone to miss a shot. Adding the lack of both AF and stabilization, especially on long focal ranges, does not really help. In 2011, autofocus should no longer be taboo.

Zeiss lenses: Is high-end always the better choice? - DXOMARK (2024)

FAQs

What's so special about ZEISS lenses? ›

In addition to superb color reproduction, the clarity and high contrast of a ZEISS lens also helps achieve ultra-sharp imagery. The focus mechanism that ZEISS lenses use also plays a part. ZEISS is unique in that they are one of a few major lens brands that still produces manual focus lenses.

Why ZEISS lenses are the best? ›

Zeiss lenses are amongst the best available on the market today! Zeiss glasses lenses are available for a wide variety of specific applications, and the excellence of these luxury lenses is second to none. For quality, clarity, and comfort, Zeiss lenses have you covered at every step.

How good are ZEISS camera lenses? ›

Let's be very honest here, Zeiss lenses are fantastic. They're capable in every single way. For years, they also had some of the best image quality you could ever get from a lens. Zeiss lenses were available for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Leica-M, and Fujifilm X cameras.

Do ZEISS lenses make a difference? ›

ZEISS DriveSafe lenses combine an optimised lens design with a new coating to offer three benefits: improved detection of objects in low light conditions, a reduction in glare and, for progressive lenses , improvements in refocusing and field of vision.

What is the ZEISS controversy? ›

– Today in federal court, U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon ordered Carl Zeiss Vision, Inc. to pay $750,000 in criminal fines for repeatedly discharging untreated wastewater from its lens-manufacturing facility in Clackamas, Oregon to the Kellogg Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

What makes Carl Zeiss so special? ›

Zeiss is known for their advanced technology and precision optics. They offer a wide range of progressive lenses, including ones specifically designed for certain activities such as driving or computer use.

Which is the best lens in the world? ›

Included in this guide:
  • Nikon. AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR. ...
  • Canon. RF 28-70mm f/2L USM" lens. ...
  • Canon. RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM. ...
  • Sony. FE 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master OSS. ...
  • Sony. E 16-55mm f2.8 G. ...
  • Sigma. 70-200mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Sport Lens - Nikon F Fit. ...
  • Canon. RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM. ...
  • Sigma. 150-600mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport for Nikon.
Mar 14, 2023

Why are ZEISS eyeglass lenses so expensive? ›

This premium quality is the result of excellent technical expertise. The purity of the raw materials is ensured by innovative filter technologies. Premium quality is guaranteed by very stringent quality control. Optimal light transmission is ensured by high-performance anti-reflective coating technologies.

What is the highest price of ZEISS lenses? ›

ZEISS Camera Lenses Price list in India (May 2023) The price of ZEISS Camera Lenses vary when we talk about all the products being offered in the market. The most expensive product is Zeiss 85mm T/2.1 Lens Black priced at Rs. 2,61,599.

Which company has the best lens? ›

List Of The Best Camera Lens Brands
  1. Canon. One of the best-known companies out there for both lenses and cameras, Canon has produced a tremendous amount of equipment for the imaging world since 1937. ...
  2. Nikon. ...
  3. Sony. ...
  4. Zeiss. ...
  5. Panasonic And Olympus. ...
  6. Fujifilm. ...
  7. Leica. ...
  8. SIGMA.

Why is ZEISS so expensive? ›

There are a few reasons why Zeiss lenses are so costly, even without auto-focus: Superior optics: Zeiss lenses are known for their high-quality optics, which are designed to deliver exceptionally sharp and contrasty images with accurate color reproduction. These lenses are often made with specialized.

Are ZEISS lenses scratch proof? ›

ZEISS lenses with DuraVision Chrome UV coating are robust and durable due to their hard, scratch- resistant layer, which provides long-lasting protection.

Which is better Crizal or ZEISS? ›

There are several possible answers to this question as it depends on individual preferences and needs. However, many people find that Crizal lenses offer superior clarity and protection from glare and scratches, while Carl Zeiss lenses are known for their exceptional sharpness and color reproduction.

Which lenses are better ZEISS or Essilor? ›

ZEISS BlueGuard is able to block up to 40% of harmful blue light while Essilor Blue UV Capture is able to block at least 20%. ZEISS BlueGuard is able to block more harmful blue light as compared to Essilor Blue UV Capture.

What type of eyeglass lens is best? ›

Polycarbonate lenses are the most durable and impact-resistant lenses we offer, and they come with a 100% UV-protective coating. If you are looking for glasses for children, or tend to spend your time outside, we strongly recommend polycarbonate lenses.

Does Apple use ZEISS lenses? ›

But many of the available lenses have poor optics, resulting in reduced image quality. So we're excited by the news that iPhone lens developer ExoLens has teamed up with Zeiss (one of the most renowned manufacturers of camera lenses since the late 19th century) to create a brand new set of add-on lenses.

What is an alternative to ZEISS? ›

ZEISS's competitors and similar companies include Corning, GrandVision, Olympus Corporation of the Americas, Leica Microsystems, EssilorLuxottica and Safran Electronics & Defense.

Are ZEISS made in China? ›

Zeiss has two major production bases in China – one around Shanghai and Suzhou in the Yangtze River Delta, which mainly produce equipment, and the other in Guangzhou, which produces lenses, including the newly established production base of intraocular lenses.

What ZEISS lenses did NASA use? ›

The astronauts used the specially designed ZEISS UV Sonnar 4.3/105 lens. Four filters were used to split the UV light into different wavelengths. Depending on the filtered wavelength, the earth and moon were visible with different levels of detail and contrasts.

Why are ZEISS lenses yellow? ›

Yellow for greater concentration

Yellow light increases our contrast sensitivity11 and can lead to improved reaction times12.

Why Sony uses ZEISS lenses? ›

In the mid-90s, Sony was already the tech giant it is today, but had much less a foothold in photography, and wanted to rectify that, particularly in camcorders at the time. To bring them up to speed, and no doubt carry a different cache, Sony sought a reputable high-end partner in photography that would be Zeiss.

What is the best camera lens ever made? ›

Top 10 Best Lenses in the World
  • Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM A.
  • Carl Zeiss Distagon T* Otus 1.4/55 ZF.2.
  • Carl Zeiss Apo Planar T* Otus 85mm F1.4 ZF.2.
  • Carl Zeiss Milvus 1.4/85 ZF.2.
  • Sony FE Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 55mm F1.8 ZA.
  • Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM.
  • Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM A.
  • Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016)
Nov 17, 2020

What is the most expensive lens for eyes? ›

The most expensive lenses are bifocal or multifocal lenses or those correcting for astigmatism (irregular corneal shape) or presbyopia (farsightedness related to age).

Who is the best eye lens manufacturer in the world? ›

Essilor. Essilor is the world's largest manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses. They invented “Varilux”, the world's first varifocal lens in 1959 and have been improving on a great idea ever since. Essilor also has an impressive array of photochromic, tinted and high index lenses as well as lenses for special applications.

What is the price of eye lens ZEISS? ›

Multifocal IOLs Iol Intraocular Lenses Zeiss AT LISA 809MP, For Eye Diseases at Rs 55500/piece in Dehradun.

What is the guarantee of ZEISS lenses? ›

Try ZEISS PhotoFusion X lenses Risk-Free for 12 Months

We'll refund any associated out-of-pocket expenses (less any copays) and replace your lenses with any comparable lenses of choice – free of charge!

How much does ZEISS cost? ›

Item ranges in price between $200 and $300.

Which company has the most expensive lenses? ›

At a sum of US$ 2,064,500, Leica has the honor of manufacturing the world's most expensive SLR Lens, the Leica APO-Telyt-R f/5.6 1600mm telephoto lens.

What is the most expensive eyeglass? ›

The no. 1 most expensive sunglasses in the world are the Chopard de Rigo Vision. Made by Chopard, a Swiss watchmaker and jeweler, this eyewear boasts 60 grams of 24 carat gold in its frame, more gold along the temples and 51 full-cut River diamonds. They sell for an astonishing $408,000.

Who makes America's best lenses? ›

America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest and fastest-growing optical retailers in the United States.

What of lens does professional photographers use? ›

Popular prime lenses for portrait photography include 50mm and 85mm when shooting close-ups, or 24mm and 35mm when shooting full length. One of the most common zoom lenses for portraiture is the 70-200mm.

What lens company does Costco use? ›

The Kirkland Signature lenses are produced by the world's leading lens manufacturers such as Essilor, Hoya, and Zeiss. Costco is a leading retailer of eyeglass lenses, and it offers a range of high-quality lenses from some of the world's leading manufacturers.

Do ZEISS lenses break easily? ›

They are very light and therefore comfortable to wear. They are also highly break resistant. In that respect they outperform glass up to 100 times, depending on the type of plastic used.

Who makes the glass for ZEISS? ›

The Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung group presently owns Schott AG, a German manufacturer of glass and glass-ceramics products. The company was founded in Jena, Germany by Otto Schott AG along with Carl Zeiss, his son Roderich Zeiss, and Ernst Abbe by the name Glass Technical Laboratory Schott & Associates in 1884.

What company owns ZEISS? ›

Image of What company owns ZEISS?
The Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung, legally located in Heidenheim an der Brenz and Jena, Germany, and with its administrative Headquarter in Stuttgart, is the sole shareholder of the two companies Carl Zeiss AG and Schott AG. It was founded by Ernst Abbe in 1889 and named after his long-term partner Carl Zeiss.
Wikipedia

Do Zeiss lens wipes scratch glasses? ›

ZEISS Lens Wipes are made from soft cellulose tissue and are pre-moistened with gentle cleaning ingredients to remove dirt and smudges, while posing no risk of damage to the lens. ZEISS Lens Wipes have been thoroughly tested to provide a perfect scratch-free clean.

Which country made ZEISS lens? ›

Carl Zeiss AG (/zaɪs/ ZYSSE, German: [kaʁl ˈtsaɪs]), branded as ZEISS, is a German manufacturer of optical systems and optoelectronics, founded in Jena, Germany in 1846 by optician Carl Zeiss.

How can you tell if a ZEISS lens is real? ›

The discreet laser engraving in the form of a “Z” on the lenses guarantees the authenticity of your ZEISS precision lenses and thus optimal wearing comfort. This premium quality is the result of excellent technical expertise.

Is ZEISS lens polarized? ›

Polarized lens solutions

Whether your patients are snow sports enthusiasts, water sports junkies, or they simply enjoy spending time outdoors – ZEISS lenses are a perfect fit. Our polarized sunglasses can significantly reduce reflections and perceived glare, to improve the entire visual experience.

Do all ZEISS lenses have UV protection? ›

Luckily, all ZEISS plastic lens indices come with UVProtect – because protection is as important as comfort.

Which is better Varilux or Crizal? ›

Crizal provides safer, more comfortable nighttime driving. Night vision can be problematic for people with astigmatisms and can deteriorate for all of us as we age. Sometimes eyes don't adjust between bright light and darkness as quickly as they need to.

Are ZEISS lenses anti-reflective? ›

DuraVision® Premium Lens Coatings were designed by ZEISS, the inventors of anti-reflective coating technology. The range of lens coatings for glasses is characterized by compelling anti-reflective properties. It also creates a surface that is more dirt resistant and easier to clean.

Is ZEISS the best lens for glasses? ›

Zeiss lenses are amongst the best available on the market today! Zeiss glasses lenses are available for a wide variety of specific applications, and the excellence of these luxury lenses is second to none. For quality, clarity, and comfort, Zeiss lenses have you covered at every step.

What are the most durable eyeglass lenses? ›

Polycarbonate is 10 times more impact resistant than glass and CR-39. Polycarbonate lenses are the preferred choice for safety eyeglasses and children's eyeglasses. The lens material also provides UV protection.

Which is better ZEISS or Crizal? ›

There are several possible answers to this question as it depends on individual preferences and needs. However, many people find that Crizal lenses offer superior clarity and protection from glare and scratches, while Carl Zeiss lenses are known for their exceptional sharpness and color reproduction.

What glass lens is best? ›

Polycarbonate lenses are the most durable and impact-resistant lenses we offer, and they come with a 100% UV-protective coating. If you are looking for glasses for children, or tend to spend your time outside, we strongly recommend polycarbonate lenses.

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