I'm currently in Tokyo, in Shinjuku (several camera shops across the street fro; the hotel), and saw some Contax lenses that tempted me:

Zeiss Sonnar 180/2.8 T* MM
Zeiss Sonnar 135/2 T* MM
Zeiss Sonnar 135/2.8 T* MM
Zeiss Makro-Planar 100/2.8 T*

Would these lenses work on my 1Ds with a contqx to eos adapter (i.e., no mirror issues?). I've never used an alternative lense before (thought I suppose my 45 TS-E is half way there :-), and don't want to lose my money if I buy it and find out it won't work (since I will only be in Japan for two more days).

If anyone can tell me which of these lenses are the best (my standard is my 85 1.2L ... I really wanted excellent color and great sharpness, otherwise I don't wantg to waste my money on mediocre lenses that won't get used).

Any timely advice/help would be appreciated!

the 100 is one of the sharpest lenses zeiss ever made, a great lens. if you can get it for under $750 US, a great deal. zeiss now offers a 100 macro in the ZF format for about $1400 US which probably is better all around (flare resistance, warranty, etc) but isn't any sharper. i have the 100 and got it for $700.

both 135's are also good lenses but not quite in the same league as the 100. the 2.8 is a bargain at under US $350. fantastic IQ stopped down to f8 -great landscape lens. no CA and sharper than the L stopped down.

i'd pass on the 180.

All those are exceptional, apart from the 135/2.8 wide open. The 135/2 is a particular gem.

The 180/2.8 isn't quite as sought after: the Pentacon mount version of the Sonnar is excellent and can be had for about $250.

The newer ZF 100mm Makro is very fine and should be considered as an alternative to the CY version; it all depends on the price.

Thanks for the quick replies ... do you know if the 100 Makro will work on a Canon 1Ds, though? This is the real issue for me. Also, do you know what the color/contrast/CA is like on the 100? I would actually really like a macro, and the price is around 700 USD (80,000 Yen) and it seems to be in quite good condition. In any case, they have several.

Kevin.

jonboring wrote:
the 100 is one of the sharpest lenses zeiss ever made, a great lens. if you can get it for under $750 US, a great deal. zeiss now offers a 100 macro in the ZF format for about $1400 US which probably is better all around (flare resistance, warranty, etc) but isn't any sharper. i have the 100 and got it for $700.


Actually, according to the reports I've seen or heard, as well as the Zeiss' published MTF's, the new Zeiss ZF 100mm f2.0 Makro-Planar is indeed sharper than the still-quite-excellent 100mm f2.8 Makro-Planar for Contax/Yashica.

I currently use the makro-planar on my 5D and 1Ds2; it's a great macro lens while at long distances isn't sharper than 85L. No CA, great colors; I like its bokeh.

Unless you are using some specific wide-angle Cz lenses, lenses of that FL on the 1Ds will not be an issue.

www.pebbleplace.com has a leica and CZ database showing user reports of issues with lenses and EOS mirrors. Unless it staes a clear 'No', the lens will likely fit - unless you have a 5D. With it's larger mirror, copies can have issues. That being said, I use a number shorter FL CZ lenses on my 5D that are rated 'iffy' with no issues. The same lenses were used by me on a 1Ds Mk and Mk2 with zero issues.

On some you may have to trim the 'shark fin' (see pebbleplace) to avoid marking the inside of the mirror box (not the mirror itself).

It takes 15 minutes with a dremel and is painless. In my mind there is no sense creating black dust inside the mirror box on your DSLR to keep a bread & butter lens 'mint'. Most people buying CZ lenses these days are using them on EOS slrs anyway, so....

None of the lenses in question are collector items (e.g. 21/2.8) , so it shouldn't be an issue.

AE or MM (green F22 or F16 marker) matters not a bit re: using them on an EOS body, but they do sell for more in the used market vs. the optically indentical AE versions.

The 135 is considered a steal, the 100/2.8 awesome, the 100/2 one of the best portrait lenses, the 180 has mixed reviews. The general consensus being that the Nikon 180/2.8 is a far better deal for roughly the same or less money. The 135/2 reviews are mixed - check out

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic2/237992/0#1966417

Enjoy the shopping.

Connet999:

Thank you for the very helpful reply (the same to others who took the time to reply as well!). Have your tried any of the AF confirmation adapters? I saw a Hoada website that I might order one from.

http://haodascreen.com/cyeos.aspx

Thanks again for the very helpful list! I searched in google but didnt find any lists like this on my own.

Kevin.

I have happypage CZ and Leica confirm adapters and love them. The chips are encoded with exif data for 50mm F2.0.

I also have Hoada Nikkor confirm adapters (2). They're ok, the chips are flashed for 50mm F1.8 or 1.2 (can't remember and too lazy to check..:>) and the adapter seems much more fussy as to when it thinks someting is or isn't in focus. They also needed to be adjusted to fit snugly. I ALWAYS verify focus with my optional focus screen until I',m 100% I can trust the adapter in question.

Don't get me wrong, Hoada gear works fine, but I'm used to and prefer happypagehk's products. The Hoada's make a nice 2nd choice until, for me, I see some more product available from happypagehk. Take the leap - you'll love it.