Zeiss Contax Tele Tessar 200mm/f3.5. Any comments on this lens?

[Guest]

I've seen one of these for sale for a good price but I've not seen much information about the lens. I believe it is the forerunner to the 200mm f4 and that it is quite bulky, other than that I've not seen any commments about it's performance.

Has anyone used one of these lenses? Is it a worthwhile investment or should I hold on for a 200 f4 or a 180 f2.8 (or a lottery win and a 200 f2... droool!).

Thanks,
Jon

 

[Guest]

Hi Jon,

A colleague of mine had the 200mm f3.5 in his Contax system and I used to borrow it for certain shoots. I found it to be very similar in optical performance to my Zeiss 135mm f2.8 – which is a compliment indeed. And of course, it is built like a Zeiss...

You really can't go wrong with any of these Zeiss telephotos.

-Tom

 

[Guest]

Hi Jon,

I'm a proud owner of a CZ 3,5/200. I don't know if you already have purchised one or not but I have to declare that I still cuold not be disappointed with CZ lens made in West Germany. My experience is that it is perfect for portraiture because it's razor sharp and soft at the same time. The contrast is also on the possibly best level mostly by using tradittional B&W negatives. I usually take shots of children, their faces can't stand the modern mass (can be also prof.) lenses. It can be performed only by the "old" lenses that are made of "relaxed" glas. I also have a CZ 1,4/85 and a CZ 1,4/35 each made in West Germany. I also used to have a CZ 2,8/135 but that cannot be a base of comperison. If you are still hasitating and have the opportunity to purchise a 3,5/200 just do it.

Zoltán

 

[Guest]

I just bought one, absolutely like new except for the slight wearing of the paint on the lens mount. It is typical of classic Zeiss, with the ability to dig into the shadows. I took the attached photo as a test of that ability, and the result was as hoped. Just a snapshot, but what a lens!