Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85 mm f/ 1.4 C/Y Lens

Extreme sharpess in both centre and edge. At f1.4, lovely 3D effect.

Weaknesses:

Bokeh can sometimes be a bit harsh. Lens tends to get dusty inside as like many Contax lenses, sealing not very good. 

Comments:

I used both the f1.4 and f1.2 Anniversary versions of this lens from the late 90's to 2005, when I sold all my Contax CX/Y lenses and camera bodies. I had at different times, both German and Japanese versions of the f1.4 (AEG and MMJ). I was a beta tester for Contax in the early 2000's and I had discussions with Zeiss engineers about the relative merits of the German and Japanese made lenses. Their view was that the MMJ Japanese lenses, in pretty much every case, were at least as good and often better performers than the earlier AEG lenses. The machinery for grinding the lens elements in Kyoto, was newer and more modern than Oberkochen and the T* coating was improved on the later MMJ lenses. The inspection regime by Zeiss inspectors was equally rigorous. 

I am thinking of re-buying an 85mm f1.4 Planar, now that I can use SLR lenses on my Leica M240 (I already use the 28-85 and 100-300 Vario Sonnars). I don't particularly like the 75mm f2.5 Leica Summarit I have for a lens in this focal length range. The alternative is the Leica 80mm Summilux-R, which is not as sharp as the Planar 85, especially at the corners but has slightly nicer bokeh. Wilson

• Bokeh!!!
• Fully usable at 1.4
• Very durable form-factor
  

  Weaknesses:

  Little bit expensive. But if being compared to modern editions it is not so expensive...

  
  

  Comments:

  Excellent portrait lens.

  Can be used for any artistic photography work. If you can afford it - buy it. Be sure you will not regret!

  
  
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