Which telephoto lens would you prefer (Nikon or Zeiss)?

[jamais]

There shall be a telephoto lens lying under the christmas tree. Which one would you prefer for portrait, children and some landscape photography and why?

1. Nikkor 2.5/105 AI-S or
2. Zeiss Sonnar 2.8/85 (Yashica/Contax mount)

Thank you for your opinions!

 

[f16sunshine]

There shall be a telephoto lens lying under the christmas tree. Which one would you prefer for portrait, children and some landscape photography and why?

1. Nikkor 2.5/105 AI-S or
2. Zeiss Sonnar 2.8/85 (Yashica/Contax mount)

Thank you for your opinions!

I've used the Contax f2.8/85 since the 80's. It was my first tele lens and second overall ever!
i love the small size and smooth yet sharp rendering. I've mostly used it wide open for Portraits but also used it for Landscape and to take pulti shot Panos.
My understanding is the lens is an Ernostar scheme. Contax later based the Contax G sees 90mm off from the original Yashica Contax SLR.

Not my best but an old snapshot scan of on e6.

 

[KoNickon]

Speaking entirely from a mercenary standpoint, the Zeiss is more expensive generally, so that would be my preference! Otherwise, very little difference between the two in terms of quality; it then becomes a question of which focal length you prefer.

 

[stompyq]

The nikon. Because I owned it and loved it. Never owned the Zeiss.

 

[mfogiel]

These are both manual focus lenses - I have both, even if the 105 is still in the P (Sonnar) version.
Both lenses are very nice - the preference should go to a combination of factors:
- which body you prefer - Nikon or Contax
- what type of photos are most frequent/important.
Personally, I would go for the Sonnar 85, as this is a fl that is much more useful. I like the 2.8 aperture, as this is what makes the lens small, and gives you the best bokeh on an aperture ( 2.8 ) which is entirely usable even at closer distances, as the dof is sufficient. Another point is the flare resistance, 3d effect and micro contrast, that are typical Zeiss.

Sonnar 85/2.8


20127919 by mfogiel, on Flickr

Nikkor 105/2.5 P


201213510 by mfogiel, on Flickr

 

[Phil_F_NM]

I've owned the Nikon and the Zeiss. I liked both but I prefer the Nikon because it's just as good and at a lower price. Everyone has an opinion though.
If you like the 85mm length, get the Zeiss (or a Nikkor) and if you like 105, get the Nikon. One thing Nikon can offer is if you get the early P version, you get a true 105mm Sonnar which is a very unique lens with a unique look.

Phil Forrest

 

[jamais]

Thank you so much for your opinions and the nice photos (I especially like the swimming pool photo)!
@Phil: Can you tell me if the P version of the Nikkor would be compatible with my Nikon FE?

 

[Phil_F_NM]

The Nikkor 105mm P version would be compatible only if it has had the AI coupling modification done.

Phil Forrest