Phase One 40-80 Zoom Lens Part-2

Cokin filter handheld, cropped to suit. Taken on Airport Mesa overlooking Sedona.

40mm f/4 1/125 ISO 35

The following are additional thoughts on the Schneider Kreuznach aka, Phase One 40-80mm LS f/4.0 zoom lens after using it recently in Sedona Arizona.  We spent the better part of 2-days visiting the Sedona area where I was able to get a better "real-life" feel of both the lens and the filter system shooting a combination of hand held and on tripod.

 

4-shot pano on tripod with Cokin filter 40mm f/6.3 1/25 ISO 35

What I've found is, this is as close to a "one-lens wonder" as I've ever had.  By that I mean this is one lens that I can pack in my bag to take a trip with knowing that it's an excellent lens both in image quality as well as choice of focal length(s); of course there's a trade off.  The lens, body (DF) and filter system weighs in at 8.6 pounds (3.9 kg) (as weighed on our bathroom scale). I can hear folks gasping, 8.6 pounds!  What you get is a system that is more than capable of producing stunning images.  
 

Handheld with Cokin filter, 40mm f/8 1/320 ISO 35

I'm writing more about the weight since I think it might put people off.  Yes it's weights a lot.  However it's so well balanced you don't notice the true weight when using it handheld.  We hiked out to several cliff dwellings walking several miles all with the camera around my neck and cradled in my arms.  Was it heavy? Yes but more than doable; so no more on the weight.

 

Handheld no filter, 40mm f/4 1/200 ISO 100

Lets talk about the Cokin X-Pro filter system.  I used the X-Pro in a combination of handheld shots as well as several on tripod where I shot multiple frames to stitch into a panorama later on.  Using a combination of Cokin and Singh-Ray filters I did not encounter any issues with either vignetting or colorcast.  In short, I highly recommend the Cokin X-Pro filter system.

 

Handheld no filter, 40mm f/5.6 1/80 ISO 100

 

Handheld no filter, 40mm f/5 1/60 ISO 200

Returning to Tucson I found the Singh Ray 5x5 Mor Slo ND-10 stop filter had been delivered.  This filter is very similar to the Lee Big Stopper and in a side by side comparison they look identical except for the size.  The following samples are all from the original test I did shortly after opening the package.  As with the previous filters I've used the Mor Slo worked flawlessly.
 

 

Once again I've included the basic shopping list from B&H to assist those who are interested.

 

105mmX-Pro Adaptor Ring

 

Cokin X-Pro filter holder

 

I've also ordered a circular 105mm filter which I'll be using on trips where packing space is a premium and will report back on that experience.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions on either the Phase One 40-80 zoom lens or the Coin X-Pro filters.  I also highly recommend contacting Capture Integration in Atlanta Georgia for more information on the lens.

 

Until next time....

 

Don