In this post I’ll be comparing the CONTAX Zeiss 100mm f2 at minimum focus distance, to the Nikon Z 105mm f2.8. These are very difference lenses designed for different uses, and still I found myself deciding between the two lenses because of the similar focal length, and the fact that the Nikon Z 105 macro …
I’ve been shooting with the CONTAX Zeiss 35-70mm f3.4 for a few weeks now and one thing really stands out about this lens, the complete lack of chromatic aberration, even wide open. Take a look at this 100% crop in bright light: Typically, bright white areas directly against a darker subject would produce green or …
Today I took an early fall hike with the CONTAX Zeiss 85mm f1.4. Backgrounds are pleasing with this lens. Just a random test shot of Anna above, but this gives you an idea of the bokeh quality. It’s perfectly sharp in the center at f1.4 at close distances but does experience some reduced contrast at …
When thinking of a standard zoom from CONTAX, it’s usually the 35-70mm f3.4 that people rave about. I’ve always shot with the 28-85mm and never really understood the lure of the 35-70mm. After shooting with it for a few days I’ve come to learn a few possible reasons for its highly regarded reputation. The first …
Initial Impressions of the CONTAX Zeiss 35-70mm f3.4 Read More »
Micro Contrast, or microcontrast, or tonal range, measures the ability of a lens to resolve shade variations. There has always been a debate whether micro contrast actually matters, or even exists at all. These debates typically also involve discussions of “3D pop” and “Zeiss rendering”. Over the years I’ve come to realize that some people …
I’ve been using the 100mm f2 for the past few days and have been blown away by its performance. The image above is a test shot to assess any corner vignette. As you can see, there really isn’t any. Some of the zoom lenses from CONTAX will vignette quite heavily, the 28-85 comes to mind, …
Lack of vignetting – CONTAX Zeiss 100mm f2 Makro Planar Read More »
I believe this lens to be pretty close to optically perfect. Colors and contrast are outstanding, even wide open. This image is scaled down for the web. The only edits were converting from RAW to JPG and downsizing. This is just a test shot, review to come shortly. I’m very impressed with this vintage lens …
CONTAX Carl Zeiss 100mm f2 Makro Planar Wide Open Read More »
Today I acquired the CONTAX Zeiss 100mm f2 Makro Planar and adapted it to the Nikon Z6 using the KIPON C/Y to N/Z adapter. Review to come shortly. There is always healthy debate online as to which focal length is best for portrait photography. I’ve used the newer Zeiss 135mm f2 APO for portraits and …
For this test I wanted to see how my current collection of CONTAX Zeiss lenses compared at minimum focus distance. This will give you a sense of the focal lengths, lens compression, bokeh, and other characteristics while choosing a CONTAX Zeiss lens. No images have been corrected or modified in any way. For this test …
Comparing an assortment of CONTAX Zeiss lenses at minimum focus distance Read More »
This is a quick comparison showing the minimum focus distance of the CONTAX Zeiss 50mm f1.2 to Nikon’s 55mm f1.2. The vintage 55mm from Nikon has been my go-to “Nifty 50” for quite some time. I’d really like to see how it stacks up against the 50mm from CONTAX. Minimum Focus Distance of CONTAX 50mm …
