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Archive 2014 · Contax Zeiss 100-300mm f4-5.6 vs Sony G 70-300G (or 70-400G2)

  
 
molson
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Contax Zeiss 100-300mm f4-5.6 vs Sony G 70-300G (or 70-400G2)


I'm curious if anyone has done a comparison between the Contax Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 100-300mm f4-5.6 and one of the newer Sony G-series tele-zooms such as the 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G or the new 70-400mm f4-5.6G II?

I find the Contax lens is a bit clumsy and cumbersome on the A7R, and I realize that while either of the Sony lenses with the LA-EA4 adapter would also be a bit clumsy, at least I would have AF for moving subjects.

Thoughts?

Edited on Nov 25, 2014 at 02:18 PM · View previous versions



Nov 24, 2014 at 01:05 PM
dbehrens
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Contax Zeiss 100-300mm f4-5.6 vs Sony G 70-300G (or 70-400G2)


I agree that the 100-300 VS is clumsy on the A7r (at least with the Novoflex adapter/collar). . . but the sharp Zeiss optics and beautiful micro-contrast makes it all worthwhile. I have not tested against the Sony zooms but on Canon bodies I tested it against the 100-400, C-YZ 70-200, Canon 135 f/2 and Leica 70-210 and it came out on top. On the A7r I tested it against the C-Y Z 70-200, Leica 70-210, Voightlander 90 and Voightlander 180 APO's and it also came out on top. This lens really amazes me - especially between 100-200mm!
Dave



Nov 25, 2014 at 07:17 AM
alundeb
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Contax Zeiss 100-300mm f4-5.6 vs Sony G 70-300G (or 70-400G2)


Based on positive mention ( best 70-300 in class and so on), I had the Sony 70-300 G for a while. I found it to be mediocre at longer focal lengths and ended up selling it. I don't have any experience with the Contax 100-300, but here is a comparison with some other lenses at 180 mm:

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1234844/0



Nov 25, 2014 at 07:24 AM
Ulff
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Contax Zeiss 100-300mm f4-5.6 vs Sony G 70-300G (or 70-400G2)


From a practicability standpoint, I would favor a lens with OSS and AF in this focal range, irregardless of the last bit of IQ. I had the 100-300 VS and while it was great especially in the 100-200 range, my keeper rate of images was low without a tripod and with moving subjects. I sold it eventually for a AF and OSS lens and didn't look back.


Nov 25, 2014 at 09:22 AM
xbarcelo
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Contax Zeiss 100-300mm f4-5.6 vs Sony G 70-300G (or 70-400G2)


Actually, neither the Sony 70-300 G nor the 70-400G have OSS, unless they have released a new version I'm not aware of. I have the 70-300 and, unlike alundeb, I find it very very good. However, I must say that with the release of the A7II it seems that both the contax and the Sony(s) are stabilised, so that's not a relevant point anymore. AF is, but the LA-EA4 is only good for center points. In case that's good for you, I would endorse it, because, as I said, my copy is very sharp across its range.


Nov 25, 2014 at 12:37 PM
molson
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Contax Zeiss 100-300mm f4-5.6 vs Sony G 70-300G (or 70-400G2)


xbarcelo wrote:
Actually, neither the Sony 70-300 G nor the 70-400G have OSS, unless they have released a new version I'm not aware of.


You're right - my bad... at least until the A7 II arrives.



Nov 25, 2014 at 02:16 PM
morpheus2891
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Contax Zeiss 100-300mm f4-5.6 vs Sony G 70-300G (or 70-400G2)


No experience with the contax version, but I have the 70-300 G and I'm quite happy with it on my A7r with the LA-EA4. The only thing I wish it had was some more reach, but then it would be the 70-400G that is both bigger and costs a lot more One thing of note, with the LA-EA4, you essentially get a nice tripod collar (the adapter has its own tripod mount) which I attached a QR plate to. I like this a lot more than attaching the body to a tripod with such a large lens mounted.


Nov 26, 2014 at 10:57 AM
edwardkaraa
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Contax Zeiss 100-300mm f4-5.6 vs Sony G 70-300G (or 70-400G2)


I had the Sony for a while and used it on the A900. It was an ok lens but nothing really special about it. I never tried the Contax so I couldn't compare.


Nov 26, 2014 at 11:04 AM





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