Contax Vario-Sonnar T * 70-300mm F4-5.6

This is no doubt the sharpest 70-300mm zoom in the market. It is expensive but the use of expensive glass partial dispersion glass makes this lens in par with primes lens. Sharpness and resolution are close to the older C/Y 100-300mm Vario-sonnar in spite of large zoom ratio. Wide open aperture performance is outstanding at all focal settings. At macro mode, the lens can focus to objects at close distance (M 1:4). It lives up to the reputation of Zeiss uncompromising quality.

Very sharp Metal lens barrel construction Dual focus mechanism

expensive bulky and heavy

Zeiss 100-300mm f4.5-5.6 Vario-Sonnar Canon EF75-300 IS.

The old rule of thumb saying prime lenses have a much sharper image than a zoom is dead. I am so excited that I went with the Contax over the Nikon and Canon. Most of my photography is people (Weddings, ext). As a matter of fact even though this lens is set up for 35mm I find it hard to notice much of a difference in sharpness from my Contax 645 to the N1 with this lens. I have never seen an image as sharp as this one in a 35mm zoom. Yes, the price is a bit more, but lets face it. If you are shooting professionally what is a few hundred dollars difference between Zeiss lenses and Nikon or Cannon. The return on investment is my far worth the extra money. Especially when you will recover the cost of the lens after just one shoot any way. If you need a sharp telephoto zoom this lenses is it, end of story!

Razor Sharp!

NONE

Sigma, Canon, Pentax

The quality of a zoom is supposed to be inferior to that of a prime lens. This lens and its sister, the 24-85 may finally give that myth the lie. It is heavy sturdy, quiet, elegant. As with the Audi S-4, a sportscar dressed in modest garb, no one who is not in the know will understand what you are driving or shootng with. The stealth camera (N-1 Contax and its sibling lenses) for those hooked on Nikon and Canon.

range, clarity, depth of color, ability to hand hold beyond my expectations

a bit of searching for correct focus BUT miracle of miracles the shooter can override with a quick twist and suite him/herself with manual focus

Canon 100-400
tamron range to 200

not expected