55mm filter size = relatively affordable filters

Very decent sharpness. If it's not sharp I prob need to check my eyes checked or learn to focus faster. If I really want to nitpick further I'd be better off shooting medium format. Hahahaha...

Good contrast

Nice bokeh

Relatively fast f/4 means easier focusing

For the price there's nothing to nitpick about

None that I can really think of. A depth of field scale on lens barrel would be useful - that's not really a weakness is it? Doesn't store well in my camera bag though. Do note lens isn't an internal focus design so length will extend/retract, albeit slightly, according to focus distance.

I have a Contax 137MD with a Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.7 (which I took over from my father long ago) and have long yearned for a longer CZ lens to supplement the 50mm. However it wasn't until early 2007 that I spotted the used Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 80-200mm f/4. In all fairness, I have only shot Kodak E100VS and Fuji Provia 100F through it in daylight and I've been pleased with it's performance at f/4 and I have not used other apertures.

Finally I have a zoom Zeiss lens to pass on to the next generation!

Customer Service

NA

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 70-210mm f/4-5.6
Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8

Tack sharp, natural contrast and phenominal optics that consistently deliver.

It is a tad long and I would rather have a seperate zoom ring, then a focus ring. Not a push-pull zoom as it is. I do wish that the design allowed for a tripod collar or balanced better with the camera. Would also be nice to have an f2.8. But, who am I to complain? If I want all that, then I'll get a Nikon 80-200 ED for $900.00 used instead. And it would be a gargantuan lens!

I can't complain about the price vs. the quality of the lens. Even at twice the price, it's a solid piece of glass. It's Zeiss, the bokeh (detail in background)is incredible and the colors are richer and more natural that any lens I've ever used. I've never experienced a vignetting problem, but I don't shoot at f4. I've just always been bowled over at the quality of the optics, and at about $300.00, I don't think I could've done better. Also, never have had a flair problem. I do a ton of studio work and the lens just seems to "absorb" what you don't want. If you do intentional flair, it doesn't seem to wash out the shot. I'm giving this lens a 4, 5 for value. A 5 would be something that isn't attainable, unless it's the ultra rare Zeiss 85mm 1.2 with the 3 leaf aperature 9for a Rollei SL35). And, that lens is unattainable. But, I do love this lens and I wouldn't trade it in, except for the aformentioned Zeiss. If you are a Contax user, get the lens. Bargains can be found, if you're up at stupid o'clock in the morning and happen to come across it on eBay at the right moment. This guy had a Buy It Now Price of the $325.00 incl shipping... so yeah, I jumped on it. And that's whay, for value, it gets 5 stars.

Customer Service

It's used, so I don't think that they are going to pay attention to me. So long as I don't abuse it, I don't think it's going to give me any trouble.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 80-200 ED Tamron 38-100 3.8 (ancient but lovely lens, first generation Adaptall)

Small filter Light

Vignetting

Gotten a pretty good deal for mint 2nd hand piece. Tested before buying, yet found minor vignetting under certain odd situations - skys, empty fields - F4 towards 200mm. This is a design fault rather than sample fault. Good for travelling due to light weight (680g), although I found it rather longuish - it doesnt zip up well in my bag. Picture quality - no complains. Typical Zeiss. Good damping for zooming function. Switching to 100-300, will live with additional 300g than vignetting :)

Customer Service

None needed

Similar Products Used:

Tamron 70-210 F3.5

Typical CZ result, good bokeh effect

A little bit slow

Excellent lens weight for these range of zoom. Pictures were typical CZ taste. Zoom and focus ring was smooth with good damping. Handling was good. Ideal gear for travelling.

Customer Service

No need

Similar Products Used:

CZ50/1.7, CZ135/2.8

None

None

I bought this lens second hand, pretty mint, but with small marks on front glass. Pretty heavy and long for a lens compared to what is available now, but what makes this stand out is the superb build quality, and slick barrel movement. Image quality of also excellent for a zoom lens, full of the characteristics you would expect from Zeiss. Fixed F4 aperture thru zoom range, is also good. Compared to Leica zooms, this lens seems small and light, though Leica wins on build quality. Overall, a great ''serious'' allrounder zoom lens.

Similar Products Used:

Leica Zooms Canon Zooms Nikon Zooms

One touch design, solid Zeiss construction and finish, sharp throughout the zoom range

only f4 which makes it slower than other 80-200 zooms, can focus beyond infinity, not the sharpest Zeiss but sharper than any consumer zoom

Quite a nice MF zoom. Conservative design and range

Customer Service

No need for service

Similar Products Used:

Sakar 28-135

The highest price/performance if you consider the focal length of this lens and its price. A little bit slow but excellent result even wide open (f/4). Size and weight is hard to beat. Sharpness is much better than Sonnar 180/2.8. Compact, but long. With Metal hood#5, this lens looks awesome.

A little bit long.

Get it, you'll love it. Cover almost every focal length you need. You'll be amazed for the price of this Zeiss optics. Don't let the price fools you, it's Zeiss and it's glass... best performance.

Customer Service

No need, it's built to last

Similar Products Used:

Almost all Contax lenses

Light and durable. Surprizingly affordable for its image quality. Flare control is so effective that it can be actually used without a hood when it is not to shiny (but I use it anyway). 55mm filter thread is a nice bonus in terms of filter prices: B+W polarizer will set you back for only about 40 bucks, which is very reasonable.

have not find any so far. One can say that 2.8/300 is sharper... Duh...

Great lense for travel - light, compact, reasonably fast. Image quality is astonishing for someone who tries it for the first time, but nothing special compared to other Zeiss lenses. The price, however, makes it stand out. It is cheaper and faster than 100-300, for instance and cheaper than 2.8/180 prime. The best combination in terms of colours is with Agfa RSX II 50 and 100 reversal films, in my humble opinion, of course.

Customer Service

did not need. On other occasions Kyocera is very responsive and friendly. They took care of my AX body in three days.

Similar Products Used:

Canon 80-200 f/2.8L
Tokina ATX 80-200 f/2.8
Sigma 75-200 f/2.8~3.5
Schneider Variogon 140-280 f/5.6

-one touch zoom
-very compact
-light, good weight to handle
-55 mm. filter, superb!

-f. 4 too slow a little bit

this is the sharp len for every zoom and f-stop. superb for against the light directly. You can save so much for 55 mm. filter, its size give me a comfortable to handle especially outdoor photography. please don't let f-stop to tricks on you, view of this lens stiil bright.

Customer Service

-

Similar Products Used:

Zeiss 25
nikon 80-200
canon 75-300