I'm currently looking for a telephoto zoom for my Sony A7RII and have read amazing things online so far about the Contax 100-300mm. I currently have the Contax 35-70mm lens which is pretty amazing. But anyhow, I'm curious how this lens compares against modern lens like the Sony FE 70-200mm F/4 G or the Canon 70-200mm F/4? Is the lens fairly heavy?
Right now I'm debating between getting a native lens (Sony 70-200mm) or go for this Contax lens. I'd mainly use it for landscapes so AF isn't that big of a deal for me.
Likewise, I have the same question as above...also, if anyone knows how it compares to Leica's 80-200/4 Vario Elmar. I have a friend who loves the latter. I've never been all that impressed with my Canon 70-200/2.8 IS (version #1) and I'd consider switching to the Contax or Leica. I have no need for autofocus.
I have owned Canon 70-200/2,8L IS, Canon 70-200/4L non IS, Canon 70-200/4 IS, Nikon 70-200/4 AF-S and Contax VS 80-200 f/4 and none of them was as good as the Contax 100-300, except maybe the Canon f/4 IS which came close. Esp. between 100-200 the Contax is really great. Only drawback is, it's only f/4,5-5,6 and if you use it on A7(R)II you have to adjust focal length for IBIS manually when zooming all the time.
If you find a good copy I'd buy it immediately, if you don't like it, which I doubt, you can sell it again easily without a loss, I'm sure.
I had the VS 80-200 that I can compare. Good for portraits, light weight and high magnification for close ups, however for landscape the VS 100-300 is the better choice.
It's a clear case of the MTF telling the story, I seriously doubt any zoom outside rare Leica exotica comes close. There is so much more pictorial density to the images. Never to be seen again, of course - no AF and now Zeiss has seriously jumped the shark. Get this - several Milvuses are actually heavier than this gem.
I have the Zeiss 80-200, Leica 70-210 and Voigtlander 180mm APO Lanthar and they all are nice lens - however my C-Y Z 100-300 VS has better sharpness, micro contrast and character. Its an awesome lens and shoots great wide open. Its heavy (925g) and I use the Novflex adapter with tripod collar. I also use a rubber hood to shade the lens. Here are some examples taken with this lens.
Dave
The original contax rubber hood I had fell apart after some limited use - let's say < 500 extend / contract cycles while I owned it, and looked new at the beginning. Wouldn't invest in one unless it's for show / purists.
You guys are making me want to buy one right this very moment. Have any of you tried Sony's native FE lens (70-200mm)? I was looking at DXO and it scores better than canon's 70-200 f4 IS.
Also what's a fair price to pay for the Contax 100-300mm? Seems like the going rate on ebay is 800 - 1,000.
There is not much offer @ eBay these days, 2 or 3 from Japan usually around 800 EUR.
The lens is rare.
The rear lens element is a glued element of 2 lenses, and the glue tends to become foggy and produce some haze after time. This is a known problem, I read about it here at FM, don't remember where exactly.
Cleaning is not possible afaik, usually this element was replaced with a new one when the haze occurred, but nowadays no more spare parts are available from Kyocera.
So, try to find one with high serial numbers that were produced in the mid 90's, numbers beginning with an 8 are the latest ....
Sellers usually know what they offer, so is the price ...
Although the rear element group could be fragile, I've heard some reports that the rear element damage could be caused by trying to the TC with the lens ( the Mutar would hit the rear element when the lens is at 100mm), or possibly something else like exposing the lens to very high heat. I've had mine for 7-8 years now and haven't seen any sign of issues with the rear element.
I always suggest a late serial number for any used lens, but mine is a 750xxx number with beautiful glass and excellent mechanics. Seems to be from a good run.
singularity001 wrote:
You guys are making me want to buy one right this very moment. Have any of you tried Sony's native FE lens (70-200mm)? I was looking at DXO and it scores better than canon's 70-200 f4 IS.
Also what's a fair price to pay for the Contax 100-300mm? Seems like the going rate on ebay is 800 - 1,000.
I've tried my Canon 70-200/2.8 (I) compared to a friend's Sony 70-200/4. Sharpness was extremely similar, but I thought the Canon had a hair smoother bokeh.
pdmphoto wrote:
... I've heard some reports that the rear element damage could be caused by trying to the TC with the lens ( the Mutar would hit the rear element when the lens is at 100mm), ...
To be specific, Mutar I is safe with the VS100-300, but Mutar II and III must be avoided. Whether the latter two cause rear-group separation, or just gouge the glass, is a test I leave to braver souls.
Mine is 746xxx and no issues here - knock on wood!
pdmphoto wrote:
Although the rear element group could be fragile, I've heard some reports that the rear element damage could be caused by trying to the TC with the lens ( the Mutar would hit the rear element when the lens is at 100mm), or possibly something else like exposing the lens to very high heat. I've had mine for 7-8 years now and haven't seen any sign of issues with the rear element.
I always suggest a late serial number for any used lens, but mine is a 750xxx number with beautiful glass and excellent mechanics. Seems to be from a good run....Show more →
Have any of you guys used this lens in very humid environment for extended periods of time? With the push/pull design I'm wondering if I'd need to worry about moisture getting into the lens and camera body and causing damage? I'm going to be in South East Asia for a good 4 months and am wondering how this lens will handle all of that humidity.
singularity001 wrote:
Have any of you guys used this lens in very humid environment for extended periods of time? With the push/pull design I'm wondering if I'd need to worry about moisture getting into the lens and camera body and causing damage? I'm going to be in South East Asia for a good 4 months and am wondering how this lens will handle all of that humidity.
I'd be using it on a A7RII.
Not this lens but I lived in Singapore for 8 years and had many trips in humid jungles Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India with Canon equipment, which included the push/pull 100-400 lens. Never had a problem. One thing to keep in mind is that the biggest risk is your equipment coming out of an air conditioned room into the hot/humid outdoors. Either keep the lens stored outside, or keep in a plastic bag until warmed or at least in keep in the camera bag until your equipment is warm.
The IQ of this lens is really amazing. Here is a pic taken this week - probably 2 clicks below wide open. I'm including a 100% crop that demonstrates the consistent mind-blowing sharpness of this lens.
Amazing lens, I use it for filming on my FS7 - perfect focal distance for Bride/groom shots saying their vows and the quality is just unreal. I will have to take a screen grab sometime..
, I've heard some reports that the rear element damage could be caused by trying to the TC with the lens ( the Mutar would hit the rear element when the lens is at 100mm), or possibly something else like exposing the lens to very high heat. I've had mine for 7-8 years now and haven't seen any sign of issues with the rear element. 
