Archive 2014 · Question: Contax 135 f2 comparing to Zeiss 135 f2 APO

R.Young
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p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · Question: Contax 135 f2 comparing to Zeiss 135 f2 APO

phuoctue wrote:
You must have strong knowledge on market and brand related stuff. Thanks and appreciate that.

Not especially, just assumptions based on things I've read and experienced. I'm sure Zeiss could give you a more positive and well rounded summary of their particular brand direction. But I'm a product designer by day so do appreciate Zeiss products and their craftsmanship more than most photographic brands. I'm always interested in Leica but feel they are one step too far in the whole physical product experience vs digital technology experience. I guess if Zeiss were to produce a digital camera though they would come up with the same issues Leica does in regards to using cutting edge technology as opposed to technology companies like Apple for example.

Dec 09, 2014 at 02:39 PM

sculptormic
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p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · Question: Contax 135 f2 comparing to Zeiss 135 f2 APO

R.Young wrote:
The Contax 100 f2.0 is considered sharper than the Contax 135 f2.0, and is generally regarded as one of the best Contax lenses. You might want to consider it instead

Agreed! I never bothered to buy the 135/2.8. Not very good.
All my problems in this respect are solved with the 100-300 Vario-Sonnar; an outstanding lens. No need for a prime in that reach from C/Y Zeiss.

Dec 09, 2014 at 03:26 PM

kosmoskatten
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · Question: Contax 135 f2 comparing to Zeiss 135 f2 APO

My take on the 85 - 135mm range from Contax:

Planar 85/1.4:
I had both MM and AE, though not at the same time. Loved this lens for corporate portraits and used it together with Contax 60/2.8 macro for "ambient" portraits.

Planar 100/2: very sharp and easy to focus, easier than with the 85/1.4. I did not like the rendering for mid range shots though the lens itself is a superb lens. I did exchange mine for a Leica 90/2.8 Elmarit but to be honest I did miss the 100/2 at times. Since I had the 85/1.4 at the same time I didn't use it all that much but since I was not happy with the 135mm lenses I held on to it for a long time.

Sonnar135/2.8:
My experience with two copies go against the MTF data which suggest it is a superb lens. I never bonded with this lens and never agreed with how it rendered things.

Planar 135/2:
Zeiss "pop" and rendering stopped down but weak wide open and low contrast.
I think the 100/2 has more bite to it.

I also have experience with the 200mm (3.5 and f4), the 300/4 and the 80-200/4 but I think the best Contax had to offer was simply in the range from 100mm and down to 21mm were pretty much all lenses are great to excellent.

I did not come across the 100-300 that Michiel has - it has a stellar reputation and from what I have seen it seems a great lens - if you don't mind the bulk.

Dec 09, 2014 at 03:50 PM

rico
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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · Question: Contax 135 f2 comparing to Zeiss 135 f2 APO

phuoctue wrote:
The Planar 85 f1.2 is the anniversary version. Is that what you mean? Super rare and expensive, right? I did not know it has strong performance wide open.

Yes, only offered as 50th- and 60th-year anniversary lenses, and priced at $3-4K used (if you can find it). While performance wide open is remarkable for its age, it is superceded by the most modern designs (i.e. Otus). It does have more linear distortion than the P100, but most lenses do.

Dec 10, 2014 at 02:24 AM

phuoctue
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p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · Question: Contax 135 f2 comparing to Zeiss 135 f2 APO

Super precious insights for the Contax lenses as well as those that bear the T* coating.
Thanks a lot people.

Dec 10, 2014 at 03:12 AM

phuang3
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p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · Question: Contax 135 f2 comparing to Zeiss 135 f2 APO

There is world difference between Zeiss 135/2 APO and Contax 135/2. The later can't even surpass Canon EF135/2 in every aspect.

Dec 10, 2014 at 04:47 AM

sculptormic
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p.2 #7 · p.2 #7 · Question: Contax 135 f2 comparing to Zeiss 135 f2 APO

I like the Canon FD 135/2 for a fast 135. Lovely lens and the FD 100/2 as well.

Dec 10, 2014 at 08:17 AM

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