Leica 35-70/4ROM vs Zeiss Contax 35-70/3.4?

[Fuchs]

Hello all

I am currently using a Zeiss Vario Sonnar 35-70/3.4 on my A7, an outstanding zoom referred to usually as better even than the corresponding primes, at least the Contax 35/2, 50/1.7 and (perhaps, I've never tried one of those) 85/1.4. I do not want to discuss what better means in this context, as I understand each of these lenses have other characteristics that justify owning them, as wider apertures, different bokehs, etc.

Anyway, the Contax design is a push-pull one, good for film, but a real vacuum pump sucking dust and injecting it into the sensor chamber of the A7.

I am considering the Leica Vario-Elmar R 35-70/4 ROM, regarded by many as in the same league of the Contax zoom in terms of image quality, and being a two-ring design maybe more sensor friendly with regard to dust sucking abilities.

My question is, has anyone tried both lenses (it may be on film or digital), and is able to comment about differences or similarities in character, image quality, color rendition etc? Or point me to any online reviews? I have browsed the usual forums and reviews sites to no avail.

Thanks in advance

Ed

 

[whited3]

I am eager to hear people's thoughts. Mostly because I am interested in the zeiss for my A7 as well.

 

[Stephen G]

I've been using the Zeiss on my M240 and been pleased - https://www.flickr.com/photos/xx573v3xx/tags/zeissvariosonnar3570mmf34/

 

[Fuchs]

From an IQ, dimensions, and camera balance viewpoint, it is really good, giving almost the maximum IQ from wide open, no vignetting and no color smearing at the corners. Focusing is very precise, the dampening of the focus/zoom ring is near perfect, it does nos crawl out of position when fully extended to 35mm and set upwards, and the Macro position is useful, even if its available only at the widest focal. I use it on the A7.

The cons are IMHO, as said, its push-pull design and the relatively slow aperture, other than that it makes for am almost perfect all round standard zoom.

To the wide side, I use a SMC-Pentax 24mm which is an excellent performer, an Elmarit M 21/2.8 (some color smudging) and the Sony 10-18 OSS zoom, incredible on the A7 between 14 and 16mm (in the no-crop mode).

 

[Shac]

For what it's worth b/c I have never tried the Zeiss - I really enjoy the Leica 35-70/4 on my A7. Also I prefer the 2 ring form over a push-pull as with some of my old Nikkors)
3 Examples with no correction in Lightroom (though it's available - I forgot)