Zeiss Sonnar


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I quite excited about soon-to-arrive Zeiss Sonnar in m-mount. From what I have read, its an updated version of the same lense that HCB used frequently. Not sure if other Leica users share the same sentiments.
 

shutterspeed said:
I quite excited about soon-to-arrive Zeiss Sonnar in m-mount. From what I have read, its an updated version of the same lense that HCB used frequently. Not sure if other Leica users share the same sentiments.

From what I understand, there is a slight variation in the optical formula between the old and new. Have yet to see a direct comparision between the two though. I use an old Sonnar and much prefer it over the Summilux ASPH, if the new Sonnar is anything like the old, count me in :)
 

The new C Sonnar is very similar in design to the old one but with an additional air-space for the front group. Comparing MTF the 50/2 Planar seems better, also closing focuing for 50/2 is closer the C Sonnar close focus at 0.9m. Distorsion however the 50/1.5 is better than the planar.

There are also discussions on Hong Kong Contax forum, if u can read Chinese, forum.contax-club.org

I was thinking to get a 35/2 or 50/2 next but this 50/1.5 may solve my problem. No news of releasing date yet. Excited to see Zeiss being active lately with ZH mount, ZS mount, ZM mount and also the Sony Alpha mount.
 

regit said:
From what I understand, there is a slight variation in the optical formula between the old and new. Have yet to see a direct comparision between the two though. I use an old Sonnar and much prefer it over the Summilux ASPH, if the new Sonnar is anything like the old, count me in :)

After looking through some of my prints, I actually prefer photos taken with the Summarit (stopped down, of course) than the 'cron that I have. At this point, like you, I do have a slight preference for lenses of older design. I hope that the 'new' Sonnar would not sacrifice its key traits for edge-to-edge sharpness.
 

fuwen said:
The new C Sonnar is very similar in design to the old one but with an additional air-space for the front group. Comparing MTF the 50/2 Planar seems better, also closing focuing for 50/2 is closer the C Sonnar close focus at 0.9m. Distorsion however the 50/1.5 is better than the planar.

There are also discussions on Hong Kong Contax forum, if u can read Chinese, forum.contax-club.org

I was thinking to get a 35/2 or 50/2 next but this 50/1.5 may solve my problem. No news of releasing date yet. Excited to see Zeiss being active lately with ZH mount, ZS mount, ZM mount and also the Sony Alpha mount.

Earlier on, I was also thinking of getting a 35. After much thought, I think I'm sticking with a 50 as the main lense. 35 and 50 are quite different focal lengths.

Will the Sonnar be made in Japan? Not concerned about the quality, but the pricing. Any lense that comes out of Germany is going to cost a bomb.
 

shutterspeed said:
Earlier on, I was also thinking of getting a 35. After much thought, I think I'm sticking with a 50 as the main lense. 35 and 50 are quite different focal lengths.

Will the Sonnar be made in Japan? Not concerned about the quality, but the pricing. Any lense that comes out of Germany is going to cost a bomb.


Should be made in Japan and the price is likely to be between 21ZM and 25ZM. But with the T* coating may not be the same character as the old sonnars but definitely will be good shooting against light.
 

From the many posts in RFF, it appears that this new sonnar has serious focusing issue at near distance, wide open of course.

Those who are about to spend $$$$ on this lens, beware.

YOL
 

Most of the Zeiss supporters still get the Sonnar for its character. I settle for a 50f2 Planar instead and is quite happy with it. Sharp right to the corner, and very resistant to flare like other ZM lenses.
 

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