Meyer Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 100 F28 Ii Review

The Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II is, without a doubt, a lens that rekindles the magic of classic photography with a modern twist, primarily renowned for its distinctive “soap bubble” bokeh.

This updated version retains the beloved optical signature of its vintage predecessor while boasting significantly improved build quality, smoother focus mechanisms, and contemporary lens coatings, making it a viable and appealing option for photographers seeking a unique artistic aesthetic rather than clinical sharpness. It’s a lens that doesn’t just capture an image.

It crafts a mood, an atmosphere, pulling the viewer into a dreamy world of softened backgrounds and luminous subjects, standing out starkly against the often sterile perfection of modern glass.

For those who appreciate character over convention, the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II offers an unmistakable visual fingerprint that’s hard to replicate with other optics.

Here’s a comparison of some popular photography gear that might complement or serve as alternatives to the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II:

• Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8

  

  • Key Features: Autofocus, excellent sharpness, smooth bokeh but not the “soap bubble” effect, robust build.
  • Average Price: Around $1,200-$1,400.
  • Pros: Outstanding optical performance, reliable autofocus for mirrorless systems, weather-sealed.
  • Cons: Higher price point, lacks the unique “soap bubble” bokeh of the Trioplan, fixed focal length.

• Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

  • Key Features: Exceptional sharpness wide open, beautiful creamy bokeh, fast and accurate autofocus, compact for its aperture.
  • Average Price: Around $1,000-$1,200.
  • Pros: Incredible value for its optical quality, versatile for portraits and low-light, impressive build.
  • Cons: Larger and heavier than some alternatives, bokeh is more traditional than the Trioplan’s unique look.

• Sony FE 85mm f/1.8

  • Key Features: Lightweight, fast autofocus, good sharpness, smooth bokeh, affordable.
  • Average Price: Around $550-$650.
  • Pros: Excellent bang for the buck, compact and portable, quick AF for video and stills.
  • Cons: Not as premium build as some other options, bokeh isn’t as distinct as the Trioplan.

• Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO

  • Key Features: 2:1 magnification for macro, APO correction for minimal chromatic aberration, manual focus only.
  • Average Price: Around $450-$500.
  • Pros: Incredible macro capabilities, sharp across the frame, affordable.
  • Cons: Manual focus only, not designed for the same artistic bokeh as the Trioplan, specialized use case.

• Vintage Lens Adapters

  • Key Features: Allow mounting older, manual focus lenses onto modern mirrorless or DSLR bodies.
  • Average Price: Varies widely, from $20-$100 depending on brand and build.
  • Pros: Opens up a world of classic optics, often very affordable, allows experimenting with unique vintage signatures.
  • Cons: No electronic communication, manual focus only, some adapters can introduce wobble.

• Godox V1 Flash

  • Key Features: Round flash head for soft, even light, powerful, rechargeable lithium battery, TTL and HSS support.
  • Average Price: Around $250-$300.
  • Pros: Excellent for portraits and event photography, offers studio-quality light on the go, good battery life.
  • Cons: Can be bulky on smaller cameras, requires learning flash techniques.

• Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber Tripod

  • Key Features: Lightweight carbon fiber construction, high load capacity, versatile leg angles, modular design.
  • Average Price: Around $350-$450 legs only.
  • Pros: Very stable for long exposures and precise framing, durable, relatively light for its size.
  • Cons: Can be pricey, still somewhat bulky for travel compared to smaller tripods.

The Resurgence of Classic Glass: Why the Trioplan II Matters

In an era dominated by clinically perfect, autofocus-driven lenses, the Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II stands out as a fascinating counter-narrative.

It’s not about achieving the sharpest image corner-to-corner or the fastest autofocus.

Instead, it’s a deliberate choice for photographers who seek a specific, artistic aesthetic that modern lenses often struggle to replicate.

The “soap bubble” bokeh, a hallmark of the original Trioplan, is at the heart of this lens’s appeal, creating a swirling, ethereal background that frames subjects with a dreamy quality.

From Vintage Charm to Modern Engineering

The journey from the original Trioplan to the Trioplan II is a story of careful re-engineering.

Meyer Optik Görlitz, after facing tumultuous times, made a concerted effort to revive their iconic lenses. This wasn’t just about dusting off old designs.

It was about integrating modern manufacturing techniques and materials while preserving the beloved optical formula.

• Original Trioplan: Produced in the mid-20th century, known for its triplet design and distinctive bokeh. Build quality could be inconsistent, and lens coatings were basic.
• Trioplan II: Launched after a successful crowdfunding campaign, this iteration maintains the classic triplet optical design but boasts vastly improved mechanics.
  • Enhanced Build Quality: The new housing is robust, often made of anodized aluminum or brass, providing a premium feel.
  • Smoother Focusing: The manual focus ring is significantly smoother and more precise, a crucial upgrade for a manual-focus-only lens.
  • Modern Coatings: While designed to retain the classic look, modern anti-reflective coatings are applied to reduce flare and improve contrast, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Precision Manufacturing: Tighter tolerances in manufacturing mean greater consistency from copy to copy.

The Allure of the “Soap Bubble” Bokeh

This isn’t just a marketing gimmick.

The “soap bubble” bokeh is a unique optical phenomenon.

It occurs when bright points of light in the out-of-focus background are rendered as distinct, often swirling circles with brighter edges. Roku Express 4K Plus Review

• How it’s Achieved: The triplet optical design of the Trioplan, combined with specific aperture blade characteristics and spherical aberration, contributes to this effect. Unlike modern lenses that aim for smooth, creamy bokeh, the Trioplan intentionally exaggerates these out-of-focus highlights.
• Ideal Scenarios: This effect is most pronounced when shooting with a wide aperture f/2.8 to f/4 and with a busy background that contains specular highlights e.g., sunlight filtering through leaves, city lights at night, reflections.
• Not for Everyone: It’s important to note that this bokeh is a polarizing effect. Some photographers love its artistic flair, while others find it distracting or too busy. Understanding its characteristics is key to leveraging it effectively.

Ergonomics and Build Quality: A Tangible Upgrade

Holding the Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II immediately conveys a sense of quality and precision.

Unlike many modern plastic-fantastic lenses, this one is built to last, evoking the robust feel of classic German optics.

Premium Materials and Craftsmanship

The transition from vintage haphazardness to modern reliability is evident in every tactile aspect of the Trioplan II.

• All-Metal Construction: The lens barrel is predominantly made of anodized aluminum, with some versions featuring brass elements. This not only contributes to its durability but also provides a satisfying heft in the hand.
  • Anodized Aluminum: Known for its scratch resistance and lightweight properties relative to its strength.
  • Brass Components: Occasionally used in specific parts for added durability and a premium feel, though less common in this iteration.
• Precise Machining: The lens elements are housed within a precisely machined barrel, minimizing internal reflections and ensuring alignment. This attention to detail contributes to overall optical performance.
• Engraved Markings: Unlike printed markings that can wear off, the aperture and focus scales are often engraved and paint-filled, ensuring longevity and readability.

The Manual Focus Experience

Since the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II is a manual focus lens, the quality of its focus ring is paramount.

This is an area where the “II” version truly shines.

• Smooth Damping: The focus ring typically offers a well-damped, consistent rotation, allowing for precise adjustments without feeling loose or stiff. This is crucial for achieving critical focus, especially at wide apertures.
• Generous Throw: The focus throw the distance the ring rotates from minimum focus distance to infinity is often quite long, providing a fine degree of control for accurate focusing. This is a deliberate design choice that distinguishes manual focus lenses from typical autofocus optics with shorter throws.
• Aperture Ring: The aperture ring is usually de-clicked or features soft clicks for smooth, stepless transitions, which is excellent for video shooters who want to adjust exposure seamlessly during recording. For still photographers, distinct clicks might be preferred, so this can be a point of personal preference.
• Physical Aperture Blades: The Trioplan lenses often feature a high number of aperture blades e.g., 15 blades, which contributes to the pleasingly round bokeh, even when stopped down slightly. This is another nod to classic lens design principles.

Weight and Balance

While the all-metal construction adds durability, it also adds weight.

The Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II, at around 600-700 grams depending on the mount, isn’t a featherweight.

• Pairing with Cameras: It balances well on larger mirrorless cameras like Sony A7 series, Nikon Z series, Canon R series or DSLRs. On smaller, lighter bodies, it can feel a bit front-heavy, but this is a subjective experience.
• Portability: It’s not a lens you’d typically throw in a small bag for a casual outing without thought, but it’s far from cumbersome for dedicated portrait or artistic sessions.
• Durability in Field Use: The robust build means it can withstand some bumps and knocks that lighter, plastic-bodied lenses might not. This makes it a reliable companion for photographers who venture outdoors or into busy environments.

Optical Performance: Character Over Clinicality

The Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II is not about chasing resolution charts or setting new benchmarks for sharpness.

Its optical performance is defined by its unique character, primarily the “soap bubble” bokeh, and a rendition that harks back to an earlier era of photography.

Understanding the Triplet Design

At its core, the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II utilizes a classic Cooke Triplet optical formula, which consists of three elements in three groups. Cryptoprevent Premium Review

This simple yet effective design is fundamental to its distinctive rendering.

• Simplicity: The triplet design is inherently simple, leading to a unique balance of aberrations that contribute to the lens’s signature look.
• Spherical Aberration: The design naturally exhibits a degree of spherical aberration, which, rather than being fully corrected, is leveraged to create the characteristic outlining of out-of-focus highlights. This is what gives the “soap bubble” effect its distinctive look.
• Limited Flare Correction: While modern coatings are applied, the inherent simplicity of the design means it can be more prone to flare and ghosting when shooting directly into strong light sources compared to multi-element, highly corrected modern lenses. This isn’t necessarily a flaw. for some, it’s part of the artistic charm, allowing for deliberate use of flare as a compositional element.

The Soap Bubble Bokeh: When and How It Appears

This is the main event.

The Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II delivers its iconic bokeh under specific conditions.

• Optimal Conditions:
  • Specular Highlights: The background must contain bright points of light – sunlight filtering through leaves, distant streetlights, Christmas lights, reflections on water or glass.
  • Distance to Subject & Background: A relatively close subject, with a significant distance between the subject and the background, will maximize the effect. This allows the background highlights to be sufficiently out of focus.
  • Aperture: The effect is most pronounced at wide apertures, typically f/2.8 to f/4. As you stop down, the bokeh circles become less distinct and the effect diminishes.
• How it Looks: Instead of smooth, creamy circles, the Trioplan renders bokeh as distinct circles with bright, well-defined edges, resembling iridescent soap bubbles. These circles can sometimes appear to swirl or whirl, especially towards the edges of the frame.
• Beyond Bubbles: Even without strong specular highlights, the lens generally provides a soft, pleasing background blur that separates the subject effectively. It’s just that the “bubbles” are its most famous party trick.

Sharpness and Contrast

It’s crucial to set expectations here: the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II is not a razor-sharp lens across the entire frame, especially wide open.

• Center Sharpness: At f/2.8, the center sharpness is generally good, suitable for portraits where the subject’s eyes are in focus. It’s certainly sharp enough for compelling images.
• Edge Sharpness: As you move towards the edges of the frame, sharpness falls off noticeably, and aberrations like coma and astigmatism become more apparent. This contributes to the swirly bokeh at the edges, as the out-of-focus points get stretched.
• Stopping Down: Stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8 will improve overall sharpness and contrast significantly, though it will also reduce the intensity of the “soap bubble” effect.
• Contrast: The lens offers a classic, slightly lower-contrast rendering compared to modern lenses, which contributes to its dreamy aesthetic. This can be boosted in post-processing if desired, but many embrace the softer contrast for its vintage feel.

Chromatic Aberration and Vignetting

Like many lenses, especially those with simpler optical designs, the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II can exhibit some optical imperfections.

• Chromatic Aberration CA: You might observe some longitudinal CA LoCA or “bokeh fringing,” where out-of-focus areas in front or behind the subject show color shifts e.g., magenta or green fringes. Lateral CA can also be present, particularly towards the edges of the frame.
• Vignetting: There’s typically some degree of vignetting darkening of the corners at wider apertures, which can actually enhance the artistic feel by drawing attention to the center of the frame. It’s easily correctable in post-processing if unwanted.
• Distortion: Generally, distortion pincushion or barrel is minimal with a 100mm prime lens, and the Trioplan II is no exception, making it suitable for architectural details if sharpness isn’t paramount.

Practical Applications and Creative Possibilities

The Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II is a lens that encourages a different approach to photography.

It’s less about clinical documentation and more about artistic expression, making it particularly well-suited for certain genres.

Portraits: The Primary Playground

The 100mm focal length combined with the f/2.8 aperture and the unique bokeh makes the Trioplan II an exceptional portrait lens, especially for headshots and half-body shots.

• Subject Isolation: The telephoto compression of a 100mm lens, coupled with the wide aperture, creates excellent subject isolation.
• Dreamy Backgrounds: The “soap bubble” bokeh transforms busy or mundane backgrounds into ethereal, artistic backdrops, ensuring the subject truly pops. This is particularly effective outdoors with dappled light or indoors with fairy lights.
• Flattering Perspective: The 100mm focal length provides a natural, flattering perspective for facial features, avoiding the distortion often seen with wider lenses.
• Creative Focus: Manual focus adds a meditative element to portraiture. It forces the photographer to slow down, compose carefully, and engage more deeply with the subject.

Still Life and Product Photography

For product or still life photographers seeking a distinctive look, the Trioplan II offers intriguing possibilities.

• Textural Emphasis: The lens can render textures with a unique, almost painterly quality, making it suitable for showcasing crafts, food, or vintage items.
• Highlighting Details: By carefully positioning specular highlights, the “soap bubble” effect can draw attention to specific elements within a still life composition.
• Controlling Light: In a controlled studio environment, photographers can precisely manipulate light sources to maximize the bokeh effect, creating truly unique images.

Artistic Landscapes and Cityscapes

• Night Photography: City lights at night can be transformed into stunning, swirling bokeh spheres, turning an ordinary urban scene into a magical spectacle.
• Abstract Photography: By deliberately focusing on textures or patterns and letting the background dissolve into abstract bokeh, photographers can create compelling abstract art.

Considerations for Usage

Embracing the Trioplan II means embracing its quirks and leveraging them to your advantage. Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard Review

• Manual Focus Mastery: This is the biggest hurdle for photographers accustomed to autofocus. Practice is key. Using focus peaking and magnification assist on mirrorless cameras is highly recommended.
• Lighting is Crucial: The “soap bubble” bokeh relies heavily on the presence of specular highlights. Pay attention to your light source and background elements. Overcast days or plain backgrounds will yield a more conventional, albeit soft, blur.
• Post-Processing: While the lens delivers a unique look straight out of camera, a little post-processing can go a long way. Adjusting contrast, sharpening the subject subtly, and managing colors can enhance the final image.
• Not a Versatile Workhorse: It’s important to understand that the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II is a specialized lens. It’s not the one you’ll reach for when you need quick, decisive autofocus or clinical sharpness across the frame. It’s a lens for specific artistic goals and moments.

Comparing to Alternatives: Why Choose the Trioplan II?

In a market saturated with high-performance prime lenses, why would a photographer opt for the manual-focus-only Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II, especially given its premium price point for a character lens? The answer lies in its distinctiveness.

Against Modern 85mm/100mm Primes

Most modern 85mm or 100mm prime lenses prioritize sharpness, fast autofocus, and controlled aberrations.

• Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 / Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art / Sony FE 85mm f/1.8: These lenses excel in autofocus speed, corner-to-corner sharpness, and often have very smooth, creamy bokeh.
  • Trioplan II’s Edge: The Trioplan II’s advantage is its unique “soap bubble” bokeh. If that specific aesthetic is what you’re after, these modern lenses simply cannot replicate it. They aim for ‘perfection’ in a way the Trioplan doesn’t, or rather, doesn’t try to.
  • Modern Lens Drawbacks: While superior in technical metrics, their bokeh can sometimes be described as ‘boring’ or ‘too smooth’ by those seeking more artistic flair.

Against Other Character Lenses

The market for character lenses is growing, but the Trioplan stands in a league of its own.

• Petzval Lenses: Lenses like the Lomography Petzval 85mm or 58mm also offer distinctive swirly bokeh.
  • Trioplan II’s Edge: The Trioplan’s “soap bubble” effect is distinct from the Petzval’s pronounced swirl. While both offer swirl, the Trioplan’s highlights are more defined and spherical. The Trioplan also tends to be sharper in the center than some Petzvals, which can be very soft.
• Vintage Lenses with Adapters Vintage Lens Adapters: Many photographers experiment with adapting old lenses for their unique rendering.
  • Trioplan II’s Edge: The new Trioplan II offers modern build quality, consistent performance, and a manufacturer’s warranty, which vintage lenses lack. Finding a pristine vintage Trioplan copy can be challenging, and performance can vary wildly due to age and condition. The “II” version guarantees a specific, reproducible optical character.

Considerations for Your Workflow

Choosing the Trioplan II isn’t just about the aesthetic.

It’s about embracing a specific photographic process.

• Manual Focus Commitment: If you’re reliant on autofocus for speed and precision, the Trioplan II will require a significant adjustment. It demands patience and a deliberate approach.
• Artistic Intent: This lens is best suited for photographers who prioritize artistic expression over technical perfection. If your goal is razor-sharp detail in every pixel, look elsewhere.
• Specific Projects: It’s an excellent addition to a lens kit for specific projects or genres portraits, still life, artistic endeavors rather than an everyday workhorse. It complements, rather than replaces, your general-purpose lenses.

Investing in Your Vision: Is the Trioplan II Worth It?

The decision to purchase the Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II is more an investment in artistic expression than in raw technical performance.

It’s a lens for photographers who know exactly what they want to achieve – that distinct “soap bubble” bokeh and a classic, dreamy rendition.

The Price Tag: A Premium for Character

The Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II typically commands a price point that places it above many standard modern prime lenses of similar focal length and aperture. This can be a sticking point for some.

• Why the Cost?
  • Boutique Production: Meyer Optik Görlitz operates on a smaller scale than giants like Canon or Sony. Production volumes are lower, and manufacturing often involves more manual assembly and meticulous quality control.
  • Re-engineering and R&D: The process of reverse-engineering and modernizing a classic optical formula while retaining its unique character requires significant investment in research and development.
  • Premium Materials: The all-metal construction, precise machining, and durable coatings contribute to the higher cost.
  • Niche Market: It’s a specialized product for a specific audience, meaning the costs are spread across fewer units.

The Value Proposition: Beyond Technical Specs

To assess the “worth” of the Trioplan II, one must look beyond traditional metrics. Faxplus Review

• Unique Artistic Signature: Its primary value lies in its ability to produce an unmistakable, highly sought-after aesthetic. This unique look can help a photographer stand out and offer clients something different.
• Inspiration and Creativity: For many, using a lens like the Trioplan II is an incredibly inspiring experience. It forces a slower, more thoughtful approach to photography, encouraging experimentation and fostering creativity.
• Built to Last: The robust, all-metal construction means this lens is an heirloom piece, designed to last for decades, much like the vintage lenses it emulates. This longevity can be a significant factor for those seeking durable equipment.
• Collector’s Item/Investment: For some, it’s also a collector’s item, representing a piece of photographic history brought into the modern era. While not guaranteed, well-maintained boutique lenses can sometimes hold their value.

Who is it For?

• Artistic Photographers: Those who prioritize unique aesthetics, character, and mood over clinical sharpness and technical perfection.
• Portrait Photographers: Especially those who work with natural light and want to create ethereal, dreamlike backgrounds for their subjects.
• Still Life & Product Photographers: For adding a distinctive, artistic touch to product shots or fine art still life compositions.
• Experienced Manual Focus Users: Photographers who are comfortable with, or willing to master, manual focus techniques.
• Photographers with a Specific Vision: If you’ve seen images shot with the Trioplan bokeh and thought, “I want that,” then this lens is for you.

Who is it NOT For?

• Action/Sports/Wildlife Photographers: Where fast autofocus and quick reactions are paramount.
• Documentary/Photojournalists: Where unobtrusive operation and consistent clinical sharpness are critical.
• Pixel-Peepers: Those who evaluate lenses primarily on lab tests for corner-to-corner sharpness, chromatic aberration control, and distortion.
• Budget-Conscious Photographers: While some vintage alternatives exist, the modern Trioplan II is a premium product.

Ultimately, the Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II is a lens that transcends mere utility.

It’s a tool for artistic expression, a bridge between photographic history and modern craftsmanship.

If its distinctive character aligns with your creative vision, and you’re prepared to embrace its manual nature, then it’s an investment that can significantly enrich your photographic journey and allow you to craft images that are truly your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II?

The Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II is a modern re-issue of a classic 100mm manual focus prime lens, renowned for its distinctive “soap bubble” bokeh effect and robust, all-metal build quality.

What is “soap bubble bokeh” and how does the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II create it?

“Soap bubble bokeh” refers to the unique rendering of out-of-focus highlights as distinct, often swirling circles with brighter edges, resembling iridescent soap bubbles.

The Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II creates this effect due to its classic triplet optical design, specific spherical aberrations, and the characteristics of its aperture blades, especially when shooting with specular highlights in the background at wider apertures.

Is the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II an autofocus lens?

No, the Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II is a manual focus only lens. It requires the photographer to manually rotate the focus ring to achieve sharp focus.

What camera mounts is the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II available for?

The Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II is typically available for a variety of popular camera mounts, including Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Fuji X, Leica L, and Micro Four Thirds, among others.

Is the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II sharp?

Yes, the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II is generally sharp in the center at wider apertures f/2.8-f/4, making it suitable for portraits where the subject’s eyes are in focus.

Sharpness typically falls off towards the edges of the frame, and overall sharpness improves as you stop down the aperture. Vizio M70Q6 J Review

What kind of photography is the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II best for?

It is best suited for artistic portraiture, still life, and creative close-up photography where its unique “soap bubble” bokeh can be leveraged for a distinctive aesthetic.

How does the build quality of the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II compare to its vintage predecessor?

The Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II features significantly improved, robust, all-metal construction, often made of anodized aluminum, with precise machining and smoother, more consistent manual focus and aperture rings compared to its vintage counterparts.

Does the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II have good low-light performance?

With an f/2.8 aperture, it allows a decent amount of light in, making it capable in moderately low-light conditions.

However, being a manual focus lens, achieving accurate focus in very dim environments can be challenging without good focus aids like focus peaking.

Can I use the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II for video?

Yes, its manual focus and often de-clicked aperture ring make it a viable option for video, allowing for smooth focus pulls and seamless exposure adjustments during recording.

The unique bokeh can also add a cinematic, dreamy quality to footage.

Is the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II weather-sealed?

Typically, Meyer Optik Görlitz lenses, including the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II, do not feature extensive weather sealing.

It’s advisable to protect the lens from heavy rain or dust.

How does the bokeh of the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II compare to modern lenses?

Modern lenses typically aim for very smooth, creamy, and uniform bokeh.

The Trioplan’s “soap bubble” bokeh is distinct and intentionally deviates from this, offering a more structured, often swirling, and artistic background rendering. Teamgroup T Force Cardea Iops Review

What is the minimum focusing distance of the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II?

The minimum focusing distance typically ranges from around 0.9 meters 3 feet to 1 meter 3.3 feet, allowing for relatively close-up shots and good subject isolation.

Does the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II exhibit chromatic aberration?

Yes, like many lenses with a simpler optical design, it can exhibit some chromatic aberration color fringing, particularly longitudinal CA bokeh fringing at wide apertures and towards the edges of the frame. This can often be corrected in post-processing.

Is the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II heavy?

With its all-metal construction, the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II is not a lightweight lens, typically weighing around 600-700 grams 1.3-1.5 lbs, which contributes to its robust feel.

What are the benefits of using a manual focus lens like the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II?

Using a manual focus lens encourages a slower, more deliberate photographic process, fosters a deeper understanding of composition, and can be a meditative experience.

It also provides precise control over the plane of focus.

Are there any digital correction profiles for the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II?

Some post-processing software may offer generic profiles, but dedicated lens profiles for the Trioplan II might be less common than for mainstream lenses due to its niche nature.

However, basic corrections for vignetting or distortion are usually straightforward.

Is the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II good for landscape photography?

What is the aperture range of the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II?

The aperture range is typically from f/2.8 widest down to f/22 narrowest.

How many aperture blades does the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II have?

The Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II often features a high number of aperture blades e.g., 15, which contributes to the pleasingly round shape of its out-of-focus highlights even when stopped down slightly.

What is the filter thread size of the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II?

The filter thread size is typically 52mm, allowing for easy attachment of common filters like UV, CPL, or ND filters. Vankyo 1080P Mini Wireless Leisure 530W Projector Review

Does the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II come with a lens hood?

Yes, it often comes with a dedicated metal lens hood, which helps to reduce flare and protect the front element.

Is the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II prone to flare?

Due to its simpler optical design and coatings designed to preserve a classic look, it can be more prone to flare and ghosting when shooting directly into strong light sources compared to highly corrected modern lenses.

This can be used artistically or mitigated with the lens hood.

How does the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II compare to the Trioplan 50mm f/2.9 II?

Both are re-issues of classic Trioplan lenses and share the “soap bubble” bokeh characteristic.

The 100mm is a telephoto lens ideal for portraits and subject isolation, while the 50mm is a normal lens, offering a wider field of view and different compression, suited for more environmental portraits or street photography with character.

What are the main advantages of the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II?

Its primary advantages are its unique “soap bubble” bokeh, premium build quality, smooth manual focus experience, and ability to create distinct artistic images that stand out from modern lenses.

What are the main disadvantages of the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II?

Its main disadvantages are its manual focus only operation, relatively high price for a specialty lens, and less clinical sharpness compared to modern counterparts.

Where is the Meyer Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II manufactured?

Meyer Optik Görlitz lenses, including the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II, are typically manufactured in Germany, upholding a tradition of precision optics.

Can the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II be used on crop sensor cameras?

Yes, it can be used on crop sensor APS-C or Micro Four Thirds cameras.

The effective focal length will be multiplied by the crop factor e.g., 1.5x for Sony APS-C, 1.6x for Canon APS-C, 2x for M4/3, making it an even longer telephoto lens. Razer Anzu Smart Glasses Review

Is the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II a good investment?

For photographers seeking a unique artistic tool and willing to embrace its manual nature, it can be a valuable investment in their creative arsenal.

For those prioritizing technical perfection and autofocus, other lenses might be a better financial choice.

Does the Trioplan 100 f/2.8 II render colors accurately?

The lens provides a classic color rendition, often described as slightly softer or more muted than modern lenses, which contributes to its dreamy aesthetic.

Colors can be adjusted in post-processing to suit personal preference.

What is the warranty like for Meyer Optik Görlitz lenses?

Meyer Optik Görlitz typically offers a manufacturer’s warranty on their new lenses, which usually covers manufacturing defects for a specified period e.g., 2 years. It’s always best to check with the retailer or manufacturer for specific warranty details.