This topic is in the 2016 archive. You can read it and like its posts here. It is read only.
Archive 2016CY 100 3.5 for backpacking
p.3 #1CY 100 3.5 for backpacking
Eoin wrote:
Paraphrase ... Contax lenses had their time back in the 80's and if more modern Loxia type versions were made these fine old Contax would be relegated to collectors cabinets ....
I have trouble understanding that sentiment. Firstly if Zeiss decided to make a Loxia 85 f/2.8 or 100 f/3.5 I would think the price would be in the €800 region given their current offerings.
Compared to these sub €200 old Contax lenses I would suggest these are seriously good value for money. One is missing the electronic coupling that can invoke focus magnification but other than that I prefer the renderings...Show more →
I currently own the C/Y28/2.8, 85/2.8, 100/2 and 180/2.8. I have been collecting these lenses, because I prefer their 3D rendering and micro contrast to the flatter rendering of some of the more "perfect" modern lenses. Also, they are relatively inexpensive, so one can acquire several older lenses for the cost of one newer lens. However, I do think that the Loxia lenses (at least the 35 and the 50 that I own) render beautifully. The Loxia 50 is especially gorgeous. (I have no personal experience with the Loxia 21.) I am not a fan of the Batis 25 and 85, despite their extreme sharpness at max aperture. So Zeiss still knows how to make lenses that suit my taste (and that of a lot of other folks). I just hope that they keep making them.
Rob
Paraphrase ... Contax lenses had their time back in the 80's and if more modern Loxia type versions were made these fine old Contax would be relegated to collectors cabinets ....
I have trouble understanding that sentiment. Firstly if Zeiss decided to make a Loxia 85 f/2.8 or 100 f/3.5 I would think the price would be in the €800 region given their current offerings.
Compared to these sub €200 old Contax lenses I would suggest these are seriously good value for money. One is missing the electronic coupling that can invoke focus magnification but other than that I prefer the renderings...Show more →
I currently own the C/Y28/2.8, 85/2.8, 100/2 and 180/2.8. I have been collecting these lenses, because I prefer their 3D rendering and micro contrast to the flatter rendering of some of the more "perfect" modern lenses. Also, they are relatively inexpensive, so one can acquire several older lenses for the cost of one newer lens. However, I do think that the Loxia lenses (at least the 35 and the 50 that I own) render beautifully. The Loxia 50 is especially gorgeous. (I have no personal experience with the Loxia 21.) I am not a fan of the Batis 25 and 85, despite their extreme sharpness at max aperture. So Zeiss still knows how to make lenses that suit my taste (and that of a lot of other folks). I just hope that they keep making them.
Rob
Apr 25, 2016 at 07:52 PM
p.3 #2CY 100 3.5 for backpacking
I know this is a 100mm thread, maybe we need an 85mm F2.8 Sonnar thread too 
I just got my copy of the 85mm and took it out for a test drive
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1255248/1575#13532985
I'll have to do a side by side with the 100mm but it's right up there with it.
Mike
I just got my copy of the 85mm and took it out for a test drive
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1255248/1575#13532985
I'll have to do a side by side with the 100mm but it's right up there with it.
Mike
Apr 28, 2016 at 07:03 AM
p.3 #3CY 100 3.5 for backpacking
Thanks mcbroomf! The c/y 85mm 2.8 and 100mm 3.5 are both wonderful lenses!
Apr 28, 2016 at 07:33 AM
p.3 #4CY 100 3.5 for backpacking
This thread hasn’t been live in awhile, but because I’m considering the C/Y Zeiss Sonnar 100/3.5 as a light travel/landscape lens, I wondered if anyone can confirm optical differences between the older AEJ version and the newer MM version. Jannik on Phillip Reeve’s site mentions the two versions but was testing the older one, which looks excellent, but I’m just wondering if it makes sense to hunt down the MM. thanks!
May 18, 2019 at 12:59 PM
p.3 #5CY 100 3.5 for backpacking
There are no optical differences between the two. The AEJ version doesn’t have ninja star bokeh, so it’s not really worth getting the MM version unless you plan on using it on a Contax film camera in P or S mode
May 19, 2019 at 12:32 AM