Contax Lense Recommendations

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Archive 2009 · Contax Lense Recommendations

Krosavcheg
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p.1 #1 · Contax Lense Recommendations

Gentlemen

Since I spotted quite a few C/Y mount Contax Zeiss lenses in a local camera shop, I have been thinking about procuring one or two. The lenses available are rather affordable - all pretty much within 10.000yen bracket (from 5.000 to 15.000).
There is a constant stream of lenses and the ones I saw might have been sold out, but I realised that I have no idea which lenses I should grab.

By all means, I could simply pick a required focal range and get one, but I would rather skip mediocre to "fairly good" performers and instead obtain a definite keeper. Obviously, colour reproduction, sharpness and contrast are of most interest.
I went through the Alt Image thread, but it is rather painful to find sample shots, and so I would like to take the opportunity to ask Contax Zeiss lens shooters of their opinions or perhaps for a pointer to a resource disclosing detailed performance

So far I am only aware of awesomeness of Distagon 21mm and Planar 50/1.7.
Lenses available in the shop were 135/2.8 both AEJ and MMJ, 50/1.4 and 35/2.8
I personally got 135/3.5 SMC Tak and 55/1.8 Super Tak, Canon 50/1.4 so I think I would think twice before acquiring something in that focal range.

I will keep browsing the Alt threads to try to get some more info, and obviously a true gem lens will not be avaliable for a bargain price.

Thank you all for taking your time on this.

Nov 24, 2009 at 01:29 PM

jjlphoto
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p.1 #2 · Contax Lense Recommendations

The 50/1.4 is also a great 50!

Nov 24, 2009 at 02:09 PM

Evanjoe610
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p.1 #3 · Contax Lense Recommendations

Krosavcheg,

If possible buy into the MM series lenses. At least this route, if you choose a body like the ARIA, you will get full advantage of the MM lenses.

The 35mmF2.8 is a fantastic lens. That is a good lens along with the 28mmF2.8, and the 85mmF2.8. I use all three plus the 50mmF1.5 & 1.4 on my ARIAs.

Evan

Nov 24, 2009 at 04:40 PM

you2
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p.1 #4 · Contax Lense Recommendations

Of the lenses I own I liked the 25f2.8mm (it was quite a bit better than an older 25f2.8 ae i tried); 28f2.8; 35-70f4, 100f3.5 and 100f2. I have the 135f2.8 and 85f1.4 but i'm not sure either of these are that special (esp on a digital camera; also I have no clue how the 25f2.8 would perform on a digital camera; I just liked how it rendered a bit better than the 28; but the 28 is 'sharper').

Nov 24, 2009 at 06:31 PM

trumpet_guy
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p.1 #5 · Contax Lense Recommendations

It's hard to go wrong with any of the Contax Zeiss lenses.
I have used 28/2.8, 35-70/3.4, 50/1.4, 50/1.7, and 85/2.8
All have been good lenses, though the 50/1.4 struck me as the
least "bang for the buck" lens, since it didn't perform substantially
better than my Canon 50/1.4 and had poorer bokeh.

The 28/2.8 has significant limitations at wide open (_strong_ vignetting,
corner softness) but at f/8 and f/11, the sharpness is
really amazing. Basically, I think of it as a one-trick pony, but that
one trick is very impressive. It's a landscape lens only, for me.
I use the Canon 24L or the Nikon 28/2.8 Ai-S for other work.

The 85/2.8 Sonnar is hard to fault in any way other than small
maximum aperture. It renders beautifully, is small, lightweight,
with great contrast and color performance.

The 35-70/3.4 benefits from a very fine pseudo-macro mode
and when stopped down to f/8 gives prime-like performance
all the way to the edge of the frame. Very even resolution
across a full frame sensor.

Nov 24, 2009 at 06:54 PM

Kingfishphoto
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p.1 #6 · Contax Lense Recommendations

Of the ones i had-i liked the 25MM made in Germany, the best. The 50MM F1.4 from Japan was ok.

Nov 24, 2009 at 07:02 PM

Alf Beharie
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p.1 #7 · Contax Lense Recommendations

The 28mm f2.8 is razor sharp even WO, and it has great contrast. I find it sharper on close up subjects than at infinity though.

Nov 24, 2009 at 09:17 PM

Krosavcheg
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p.1 #8 · Contax Lense Recommendations

Thank you very much for your feedback!
Really great info from all of you! I will look at the glas you recommended! Perhaps skipping the 135/2.8 - your opinions about it goes hand in hand with the review at the Pebbleplace.
135/2 seem to receieve completely different comments.

If you compare the vignetting and soft corners on 28/2.8. Is it as bad as on Canon's 16-35/2.8L? If so, I'd rather skip it and saving (a larger sum of) money for a ZE 21/2.8 would be preferrable.

And should you compare 50/1.4 and 50/1.7, any optical difference?

Nov 25, 2009 at 12:09 AM

trumpet_guy
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p.1 #9 · Contax Lense Recommendations

Here are some tests of the 28/2.8 verses the Nikon Ai-S lens:
http://www.pbase.com/tswen/nk28cz28

The CZ 28/2.8 is still a great lens; I just wanted you to know that it's not great wide open,
except in the image center.

The ZE 21/2.8 is definitely the more impressive lens, but you are talking about a
$1250 price difference.

Tim

Nov 25, 2009 at 12:29 AM

philber
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p.1 #10 · Contax Lense Recommendations

The 21 f:2.8 is a great lens, but it comes at a great price, so what's the point? You have 135 and 50, so, again, no point in going there. I would recommend you check out 2 focal lengths: 35, either f2.8, or better, but pricier f:1.4, and 100, either f:2.0 (pricey) or f:2.8.
Basically, any 35 or 100 should make you happy.

Nov 25, 2009 at 09:42 AM

Krosavcheg
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p.1 #11 · Contax Lense Recommendations

Trumpet: Yes, the 28mm seem to be a great piece of glas! I might pick one up, if not too expensive, of course. Not entirely sure what price range is acceptable.
21 Distagon is obviously out of the reach for now..

Philber: Yepp, I skip the 135/2.8 and the 50/1.4 Albeit, I would like to improve the focal range coverage I have right now, neither of those are in the same league as Canon's 50/1.4 or 135/3.5 SMC Tak. Perhaps decently priced CZ 50/1.7 or 135/2.0 would be more of an interest.
As for 35mm, perhaps ZE 35 would be worth the investment? I heard that some people consider it to be the only lens they ever need? Well..depending on style of photography I suppose.
And for 100mm perhaps a SMC 105mm or 90mm Adaptall SP2 can be preferred?

I just don't have a clue if there is a "heavy weight" Zeiss contender in the C/Y corner..

Nov 25, 2009 at 11:40 AM

philber
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p.1 #12 · Contax Lense Recommendations

There definitely are heavyweight contenders. The problem is that their price reflects this status. For example, a few weeks ago, I saw on E-Bay multiple C/Y Distagon 21 f:2.8 offered for more money than new 21 ZEs...
Regarding 50s, IMHO the 50 f:1.4 C/Y is miles better than the EF Canon f:1.4, except if you like to shoot wide open for creamy bokeh, where the Zeiss is even less good than the Canon.
35s: the C/Y f:1.4 is a heavyweight, and priced as such. The much cheaper C/Y f:2.8 is also very highly rated, and offers great VFM. The ZE f:2 has just this week started shipping. Everybody thinks it will be a winner, based on the ZF/ZK.
The 100 is another favorite, in whichever speed.
So, to sum it up, there are 3 focus lengths in which Zeiss offer "heavyweights": 21, 35, 100. Which one you choose, and in which range (C/Y or ZE) is up to you. 28 is also highly rated, but I have never handled a 28 C/Y, so I can't confirm.
What I would do if I were you is buy, if you feel confident, buy a 35 ZE (not very expensive by Zeiss standards, and the clear outstanding lens at this FL, better than 35L which costs more). If you are less confident, buy a 35 C/Y f:2.8. Your investment will be modest.
If your primary concern is improving your focal coverage, the 100 is also a very good option.
Then, once you are deperately in love with Zeiss 3D and colours, you will beg to be allowed to buy a 50...

Nov 25, 2009 at 12:38 PM

trumpet_guy
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p.1 #13 · Contax Lense Recommendations

Krosavcheg wrote:
Trumpet: Yes, the 28mm seem to be a great piece of glas! I might pick one up, if not too expensive, of course. Not entirely sure what price range is acceptable.
........

The C/Y 28/2.8 Distagon goes from around $250 without adapter.

Nov 25, 2009 at 08:11 PM

europanorama
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p.1 #14 · Contax Lense Recommendations

bad corner performance is relating to FF, right or not? on which cameras? film, digital?

Nov 26, 2009 at 01:37 AM

wayne seltzer
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p.1 #15 · Contax Lense Recommendations

I see nobody mentioned yet the CZ 100 Planar f2 lens.
A nice 3-d favorite around here.

Nov 26, 2009 at 02:36 AM

Krosavcheg
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p.1 #16 · Contax Lense Recommendations

Sounds great.
I am aware that M42 Jena 35mm is highly regarded, so I wouldn't doubt that ZE or C/Y 35mm are bad investment..

Canon 50/1.4 got AF, albeit lacks the 3D of Zeiss from what I have seen. Not sure about colour reproduction, so I can't say.
Mind you, 20D's AF is somewhat "inadequate", however at moving targets AF definitely increases the rate of keepers.

I got the 100, 28 and 35 in my scope then..

Nov 26, 2009 at 10:45 AM

Toothwalker
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p.1 #17 · Contax Lense Recommendations

Krosavcheg wrote:
There is a constant stream of lenses and the ones I saw might have been sold out, but I realised that I have no idea which lenses I should grab.

Avoid the 180/2.8 and 300/4.

Nov 26, 2009 at 08:05 PM

jamesdak
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p.1 #18 · Contax Lense Recommendations

Wow, I think as long as you stay under 135mm it will be hard to go wrong.

The 28/2.8 was my first and is a solid performer. I tad soft in the corners of my FF DSLR but a winner on my cropped DSLR for sure.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

The 100/2.0 is probably my favorite and I think the sharpest of all my lenses.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Then the 85/2.8 is a small gem that doesn't seem to get the recognition it deserves. Small as a 50mm but really, really good.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Then I can find no complaints with my 35/2.8 or 50/1.4 either. The only one that fails to "wow" me is the 135/2.8 even though it really is a fine lens.

Nov 26, 2009 at 09:22 PM

philber
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p.1 #19 · Contax Lense Recommendations

James, your set of pics is so gorgeous that it looks like pure advertising for Zeiss! I am just a bit puzzled by your comment on your 135, because mine does delight me.

Nov 27, 2009 at 07:12 AM

philber
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p.1 #20 · Contax Lense Recommendations

One example from my 135mm. Maybe I got lucky with my copy, or are my standards and expectations just too low?

2012 © philber

Canon EOS 5D Mark II 135 mm f/6.3 1/250 sec 100 ISO 0.0 EV

Edited on Nov 27, 2009 at 07:57 AM · View previous versions

Nov 27, 2009 at 07:31 AM

zombii
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p.1 #21 · Contax Lense Recommendations

I think the 135mm is a best buy. I got mine for a steal and it's hard to fault a lens that good for the price I paid.

The 100mm f/2 is probably the sharpest but I like the 85mm f/1.4 better for portraits. Maybe I got a better than average copy but mine is very sharp and it's easier to use for portraits than the 100.

The 50mm f/1.4 is nothing special. It doesn't come close to my 50L but it's way better that the EF 50mm f/1.4.

The 28mm f/2 is a great lens, particularly wide open but pretty pricey.

Biggest surprise and a best buy is the Vario Sonnar 28-85mm. Prime sharpness at least at some focal lengths.

The 60mm Makro Planar is a very sharp lens but the bokeh suffers when stopped down smaller than about f/5.6 because of the 6 blade diaphragm. Of course, shooting macro requires a lot of stopping down so you have to pay close attention to the background with it.

Nov 27, 2009 at 07:52 AM

jcolwell
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p.1 #22 · Contax Lense Recommendations

I think the Distagon 28/2.8 is the best combination of price (low) and Zeiss image quality (excellent).

Nov 27, 2009 at 12:28 PM

Toothwalker
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p.1 #23 · Contax Lense Recommendations

zombii wrote:
The 100mm f/2 is probably the sharpest but I like the 85mm f/1.4 better for portraits. Maybe I got a better than average copy but mine is very sharp and it's easier to use for portraits than the 100.

I find the 100/2 easier to use for portraiture. Unlike the 85/1.4 it allows a tight head crop, I find it easier to focus, and the overall result is more pleasing to me. My ideal portrait lens. That said, it is difficult to go wrong with any lens in this focal length range, Zeiss or non Zeiss for that matter.

The 50mm f/1.4 is nothing special. It doesn't come close to my 50L but it's way better that the EF 50mm f/1.4.

The 50/1.4 is as good as a 50 mm can get, with an overwhelming contrast at intermediate aperture settings.

The 28mm f/2 is a great lens, particularly wide open but pretty pricey.

It is even better if you close it down by a few stops. It is one of my Y/C favorites, especially for use at close range.

Nov 27, 2009 at 04:42 PM

Krosavcheg
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p.1 #24 · Contax Lense Recommendations

James: incredible photos!! Thank you for taking your time and posting those!

Philber: Is the 135mm you used f2.8 or 2.0 one (MMJ?)? The photo certainly looks great!

Toothwalker: Thanks a lot for the tips. I haven't spotted the 180 or 300 yet, but will ignore.

Zombii: I found the 60mm in another store recently, but it was too expensive! In the region of 600USD I believ (well, keeping in mind current exchange rates). I don't think 28mm was that expensive though.

I think based on the info I got earlier, I would rather go for 50/1.7 than 50/1.4, albeit some images taken with f1.4 one are really good.

Dec 03, 2009 at 12:44 PM

philber
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p.1 #25 · Contax Lense Recommendations

Krosavcheg, my 135mm is the f:2.8. It should be cheap, because there are lots of them around.

Dec 03, 2009 at 01:13 PM


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