Contax 135 2.8 MM

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Archive 2008 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

dave chilvers
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p.1 #1 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

Going on from a previous thread and to reach a larger audience I`d like to hear from users of the 135 2.8 as to any advantage over using my 70-200 f4 IS at that focal range. I am a touch wary given that the 70-200 is image stabilised and I do like to walk around hand held but the look of the image is quite important to me providing the IQ is on par.
This has raised it`s head again after spending some time comparing my Contax 35-70 shots against Canon equivalents. Using a 1dsmk3 BTW.

Thanks

Dave

Aug 04, 2008 at 11:35 PM

maxima302
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p.1 #2 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

I'm also curious for some image samples, as I have a 135 on the way.

Dave- At the current market prices, I wouldn't let go of a 70-200 f/4 IS over the 135... but the 135 would make a nice addition to your collection.

Aug 04, 2008 at 11:42 PM

Lotusm50
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p.1 #3 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

It's a lot more compact and, of course, a stop faster.

Aug 04, 2008 at 11:58 PM

dave chilvers
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p.1 #4 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

maxima302 wrote:
I'm also curious for some image samples, as I have a 135 on the way.

Dave- At the current market prices, I wouldn't let go of a 70-200 f/4 IS over the 135... but the 135 would make a nice addition to your collection.

No, I have no intention of selling the 70-200, it is just so good at most things and with my 1.4 ext attached the images are only indistinguishable peeped at 100% side by side.
135 is a very middle of the road focal length and although very popular at one time it has fallen from grace of late. 135mm focal length should be fairly good because it wouldn`t be a very difficult lens to make.
Did i read soemwhere that it has a built in hood?

Dave

Aug 05, 2008 at 12:08 AM

jonboring
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p.1 #5 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

I tested the 70-200/2.8 against it head-to-head. Wide open the L was sharper in the center but the COntax sharper in the corners. By 5.6, the contax was as sharp in the center as the L but the contax still had an advantage in the corners. The Contax is a great landscape lens. I carry it in the field when I don't want to lug the L.

Aug 05, 2008 at 12:22 AM

dave chilvers
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p.1 #6 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

Thanks jon

Not many people using this lens it seems and there are not that many tests on line.

Dave

Aug 05, 2008 at 07:35 AM

edwardkaraa
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p.1 #7 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

I got this lens just because of the price, it was too cheap not to have it. But now I find myself using it more often than the 85/1.4 for portraits. It has softer contrast than the 85 and doesn't seem as cruelly sharp. I have yet to use it for landscape work though.

Aug 05, 2008 at 08:41 AM

Roslev
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p.1 #8 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

It's a great lens and excellent value for money. -But unless you, like me, actually prefer to use primes, the only situation where it will have a real advantage over the 4/IS, is when you need the extra stop to freeze motion.

Zeiss Sonnar 135/2.8 @ 2.8 on 30D, ISO 800:

Edited by Roslev on Aug 06, 2008 at 10:58 PM GMT

Edited on Aug 06, 2008 at 09:58 PM

Aug 05, 2008 at 11:12 AM

Steve Spencer
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p.1 #9 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

Here are links to a couple of on-line tests:

http://slrlensreview.com/content/view/381/51/

http://www.geocities.com/ilprode/135f28.htm

It looks like a very nice lens to me if f/2.8 is fast enough for you.

Aug 05, 2008 at 01:46 PM

gasrocks
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p.1 #10 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

I own the 70-200 4 IS and 9 different 135s. Single best one (I'm thinking alternative here so, no not the EF 135/2) is probably the Pentacon PS 135/2.8. Solid feel, user friendly, great bokeh, and can be sharp stopped down. You can get one for $100 +/-

Aug 05, 2008 at 03:04 PM

dave chilvers
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p.1 #11 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

I'm also curious for some image samples, as I have a 135 on the way

Max

you`ve done it now mate, I`ve got one on the way to

Dave

Aug 05, 2008 at 03:13 PM

dave chilvers
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p.1 #12 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

steve

Thanks for the links.

I`ve found this sites ratings to be pretty good in general and they give the 135 pretty good scores http://www.photozone.de/active/survey/querylens.jsp

Dave

Aug 05, 2008 at 03:27 PM

dave chilvers
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p.1 #13 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

My 135 arrived today, I haven`t had much chance to try it out as I`ve been busy fitting up a wind out canopy over my study window (I`m just sick of having to alter the vertical blinds every time the sun comes out and goes in

anyway, infinity on my cameraquest is spot on. first images look good (edge to edge) not quite as much contrast as the 35-70 but still great neutral colours.

The built in hood is gonna be a Godsend. focussing with the split image screen is superb. I don`t think you have to take pictures with these lenses, they satisfy just putting them on the camera and playing with them

They just have a feel and fit like nothing modern. For the price they are a must have lens.

I`ll return when I`ve had a chance to put it through it`s paces.

Dave

Aug 06, 2008 at 08:05 PM

Jman13
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p.1 #14 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

Roslev - I've seen a few mentions of the Contax 128mm on forums, but I've never seen any details of a 128mm lens anywhere else....is this a unique lens, or multiple typos by different people?

Edited on Aug 06, 2008 at 08:36 PM

Aug 06, 2008 at 08:34 PM

Roslev
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p.1 #15 · Contax 135 2.8 MM

Jman13 wrote:
Roslev - I've seen a few mentions of the Contax 128mm on forums, but I've never seen any details of a 128mm lens anywhere else....is this a unique lens, or multiple typos by different people?

Typo....that I copy/pasted numerous times >_<

Aug 06, 2008 at 10:00 PM


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