Contax Vario-Sonnar T* 80-200mm f4.0 Zoom

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Price Paid:  $350.00 from 2nd hand camera shop

Summary:
I have a Contax 137MD with a Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.7 (which I took over from my father long ago) and have long yearned for a longer CZ lens to supplement the 50mm. However it wasn't until early 2007 that I spotted the used Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 80-200mm f/4. In all fairness, I have only shot Kodak E100VS and Fuji Provia 100F through it in daylight and I've been pleased with it's performance at f/4 and I have not used other apertures.

Finally I have a zoom Zeiss lens to pass on to the next generation!

Strengths:
55mm filter size = relatively affordable filters

Very decent sharpness. If it's not sharp I prob need to check my eyes checked or learn to focus faster. If I really want to nitpick further I'd be better off shooting medium format. Hahahaha...

Good contrast

Nice bokeh

Relatively fast f/4 means easier focusing

For the price there's nothing to nitpick about

Weaknesses:
None that I can really think of. A depth of field scale on lens barrel would be useful - that's not really a weakness is it? Doesn't store well in my camera bag though. Do note lens isn't an internal focus design so length will extend/retract, albeit slightly, according to focus distance.

Similar Products Used:
Nikon 70-210mm f/4-5.6
Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8

Customer Service:
NA

dinein1970

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Price Paid:  $325.00 from eBay

Summary:
I can't complain about the price vs. the quality of the lens. Even at twice the price, it's a solid piece of glass. It's Zeiss, the bokeh (detail in background)is incredible and the colors are richer and more natural that any lens I've ever used. I've never experienced a vignetting problem, but I don't shoot at f4. I've just always been bowled over at the quality of the optics, and at about $300.00, I don't think I could've done better. Also, never have had a flair problem. I do a ton of studio work and the lens just seems to "absorb" what you don't want. If you do intentional flair, it doesn't seem to wash out the shot. I'm giving this lens a 4, 5 for value. A 5 would be something that isn't attainable, unless it's the ultra rare Zeiss 85mm 1.2 with the 3 leaf aperature 9for a Rollei SL35). And, that lens is unattainable. But, I do love this lens and I wouldn't trade it in, except for the aformentioned Zeiss. If you are a Contax user, get the lens. Bargains can be found, if you're up at stupid o'clock in the morning and happen to come across it on eBay at the right moment. This guy had a Buy It Now Price of the $325.00 incl shipping... so yeah, I jumped on it. And that's whay, for value, it gets 5 stars.

Strengths:
Tack sharp, natural contrast and phenominal optics that consistently deliver.

Weaknesses:
It is a tad long and I would rather have a seperate zoom ring, then a focus ring. Not a push-pull zoom as it is. I do wish that the design allowed for a tripod collar or balanced better with the camera. Would also be nice to have an f2.8. But, who am I to complain? If I want all that, then I'll get a Nikon 80-200 ED for $900.00 used instead. And it would be a gargantuan lens!

Similar Products Used:
Nikon 80-200 ED Tamron 38-100 3.8 (ancient but lovely lens, first generation Adaptall)

Customer Service:
It's used, so I don't think that they are going to pay attention to me. So long as I don't abuse it, I don't think it's going to give me any trouble.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5,
1 votes

Price Paid:  $550.00 from second hand, mint

Summary:
Gotten a pretty good deal for mint 2nd hand piece. Tested before buying, yet found minor vignetting under certain odd situations - skys, empty fields - F4 towards 200mm. This is a design fault rather than sample fault. Good for travelling due to light weight (680g), although I found it rather longuish - it doesnt zip up well in my bag. Picture quality - no complains. Typical Zeiss. Good damping for zooming function. Switching to 100-300, will live with additional 300g than vignetting :)

Strengths:
Small filter Light

Weaknesses:
Vignetting

Similar Products Used:
Tamron 70-210 F3.5

Customer Service:
None needed

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5,
1 votes

Price Paid:  $450.00 from Hong Kong 2nd hand

Summary:
Excellent lens weight for these range of zoom. Pictures were typical CZ taste. Zoom and focus ring was smooth with good damping. Handling was good. Ideal gear for travelling.

Strengths:
Typical CZ result, good bokeh effect

Weaknesses:
A little bit slow

Similar Products Used:
CZ50/1.7, CZ135/2.8

Customer Service:
No need

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Price Paid:  $450.00 from uk

Summary:
I bought this lens second hand, pretty mint, but with small marks on front glass. Pretty heavy and long for a lens compared to what is available now, but what makes this stand out is the superb build quality, and slick barrel movement. Image quality of also excellent for a zoom lens, full of the characteristics you would expect from Zeiss. Fixed F4 aperture thru zoom range, is also good. Compared to Leica zooms, this lens seems small and light, though Leica wins on build quality. Overall, a great ''serious'' allrounder zoom lens.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Leica Zooms Canon Zooms Nikon Zooms