Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 Sonnar T* Contax/Yashica – review
Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 Sonnar T* Contax/Yashica lens review, aka Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 CY
Mount – Contax/Yashica (C/Y)
This is the compact portrait lens released by respectable Kyocera based on Yashica technologies with the license of famous Carl Zeiss. This lens should be magic by origin.
The lens for the test was provided by Egor Nikolaev (Егор Николаев) – many thanks and greetings.
Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 Sonnar T* specifications
Name engraved on the lens | Carl Zeiss Sonnar 85mm 1:2.8 T* |
f[mm] | 85 |
A max [1/f] | 2.8 |
A min[1/f] | 22 |
Lens design [el.] | 5 |
Lens design [gr.] | 4 |
Filter thread Ø front(rear)[mm] | 55 |
Lens Shade | – |
closefocus[m] | 1.0 |
Dimension Ø x length [mm] | 61×47 |
Weight[g] | 232gr |
Year | 1975 |
Style | CY |
Notes |
More data
Floating elements | NO |
Aperture blades number | 6 |
Confidence in the test results of reviewed copies | Enough high |
Reviewed Lens SN: | 8435525 |
Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 Sonnar T* lens exterior
Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 Sonnar T* sharpness
Сlose-distance resolution test, minimal distance
Testing methods description
- Target: 10-15 cm picture, printed on glossy photo paper
- Distance: 1.7m
- Camera: Sony A7II (24mpx, full-frame, tripod, remote control). M-mode, ISO fixed, WB fixed, SteadyShot – OFF.
- The test was repeated for every F-stop on every focus position with manual focus adjustment for each shot. That is to avoid the effect of field curvature.
- RAW processing: Capture One, default settings. All quality settings – 100%. Crops – 300×200 px
Original target image (printed in horizontal orientation on 10cm X 15cm glossy photo paper)
Scene preview
Test results
Long-distance resolution test
Testing methods description
- Target: cityscape
- Distance: > 200 meters to center focus point
- Camera: Sony A7II (24mpx, full-frame, tripod, remote control). M-mode, ISO fixed, WB fixed, SteadyShot – OFF. The focus point is on the center only.
- RAW processing: Capture One, default settings. All quality settings – 100%. Crops – 300×200 px
Scene preview
Test results
Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 Sonnar T* aberrations
Vignetting
Geometric distortion
Coma aberrations
Chromatic aberrations
Long-distance bokeh
Test #1
Test conditions: the lens was focused on minimal distance on the scale (1.0m), buildings are on “infinity”-distance.
Test#2:
Test conditions: lens was focused on 2.0m
Light bubbles bokeh – long distance
Test #1
The lens is on the minimal focusing distance 1.0m, lights are on infinity (cityscape)
Test #2
Test conditions: lens was focused on 2.0m
Carl Zeiss 85mm 1:2.8 Sonnar T* – final conclusion
This is the rare case when it is possible to say: this lens has no weakness. Of course, the word “almost” is always somewhere around such sentences because ideal lenses are absent in our singularity, but the main idea is true – this Carl Zeiss is really cool.
It has nice sharpness even on wide-opened F2.8, the normal level of vignetting, almost zero geometry distortion, and no coma. A very small level of chromatic aberrations is presented, but nothing serious if to use digital cameras. Add here a nice bokeh, or, in rather in other words – the bokeh, which a normal person cannot find fault with.
Amazing size, weight, and build quality are also in the set.
However, it must be said that this lens is not very fast, and this is the payback for some of its advantages. Those. it is a bit of a compromise, and this is worth remembering when choosing.
Now you understand my enthusiasm – this is a lens that you can put on any camera and shoot without thinking about the limitations. Without a doubt, it can be recommended for photographers of any level, but only if there is the confidence that F2.8 will be enough.
2 Comments
Eric Charles Jones · 2022-06-09 at 06:54
Thanks for your review. There is not much current info about this lens out there.
Regards
Thomas · 2022-08-14 at 05:11
I’ve used this 85mm Contax lens for 41 years — now currently integrated with my Canon system. My experience with it in the field affirms this superb review. “No weakness” was my immediate impression while observing studio stills on Kodachrome 25 in the early 80s. Among the best of Zeiss.