85/2 Sonnar - No love?

[Fujitsu]

This is one of the very expensive models in the ZM line up and it doesnt get much "press" here or anywhere else.

Anyone using and liking the lens? Please share some pictures!

 

[samoksner]

I shot it once, I only took a couple frames out of fear it would be so good that i would have to rob a bank to buy it. I would love to see some images from others though.

 

[back alley]

much love
little money

 

[ferider]

As much as I love Sonnars - the ZM 85/2 is a double Gauss.

No reason for me, not to use a Summicron instead - in my case the last pre-asph.

The respective Sonnar position in my kit is filled with a classic Nikkor.

You can get both and more for the price of the ZM.

 

[back alley]

actually the hex 90 is probably the best bet in this focal length category.

 

[photony texas]

I had one on loan to me for two weeks as a trial/test.
It was a beautiful drawing lens for the type of photography i like to do.
BUT...it cost a lot of cash $$$$
The lens I worked with had what I felt was a a mechanical problem that drove me nuts.
The barrel would knock around just when moving the camera. Hard to explain but it was a little thud feeling you felt when holding the camera body and moving. The focus mechanism is what some people would call very very loose compared to other Zeiss lenses. I was told this was because of design and had to be that way. Even with the knock problem (which I was told after the factory looked at it that they found nothing wrong) I would love to own this lens if I could afford the $$$$
look around in my Photo Gallery to see some shots with this wonderful Optic...

 

[bennyng]

I have a copy and quite like it despite it's odd shaped barrel. For some strange reason, I find the 85mm focal length closer to my heart than the 90mm.

1/250 sec, f/4.0. Zeiss Sonnar 85mm f/2.0 on Epson R-D1 at ISO 200.

ASA 1600, 1/125 sec, f/2.0 on AE mode. Carl Zeiss Sonnar 85mm f/2.0 on Zeiss Ikon using Fujifilm Natura 1600.

Cheers,

 

[Sanders McNew]

Okay, I'm cheating. I don't have the new Zeiss
lens but I do have the Nikkor LTM 85/2, which is
a Sonnar built on the Zeiss design. This thread
prompted me to pull it out and shoot it this
evening -- my daughter, up on the roof with the
last of the day's sun:


Foma 200 @ EI 100, 1/125 @ f/2.8

I'm wondering how the new Zeiss lens would have compared.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Love or money?

It's a lovely lens -- I've taken a couple of shots with it -- but (a) I already have 90 and 75 Summicrons and (b) I suspect the 85mm focal length puts off those who don't have 85mm frames in their cameras, even though on my tests the 85mm ZI frame was identical to the 90mm frame on my MP: http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/zeiss.html.

Cheers,

R.

 

[rbiemer]

I have an 85/f2 sonnar, not the 85/f2 Sonnar and quite like it. But most of my praise for it is over in the FSU forum...
(somebody had to testify for the Jupiter!)
Roger, I can't speak for everybody but for me, not having 85mm frame lines was never a bar to using an 85mm lens. I just use the 90 frame lines--Bessa R and R2A--and adjust later if needed. Usually I don't need to.
Rob

 

[fuwen]

My brief experience with the Sonnar

http://www.fuwen.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=162

 

[shadowfox]

Fuwen, just want to say that I like the way you review the lens. Lots of technical info, but not boringly so. Nice photos that gives me an idea of how the lens behave is also a plus.

That 35RF Rollei had me do a double take, I forgot about that version of Cosina-produced RF. Nice looking one, I might add.

 

[Hacker]

The Zeiss is a huge and heavy lens, but very sharp and has a high contrast. Since I shoot mainly portraits, the lens that sees the most action is the Nikkor 8.5cm f/2.

 

[hellomikmik]

it's my only RF lens so i have no choice but love it. i like its FL, to keep the distance. in digital i use ZFs (Makro Planars) so Sonnar does not feel so big.

 

[italy74]

"Only (one) but good!" Congrats.. I think you made us