The Contax G Carl Zeiss 35mm f/2 Planar T* lenses are a series of high-quality lenses designed for the Contax G series of rangefinder cameras. These lenses were produced by the renowned German optical manufacturer Carl Zeiss and were specifically designed for the Contax G system. The 35mm focal length offers a versatile perspective, making it suitable for a wide range of photography genres, such as street photography, portraits, and landscapes.
**Introduction to the Contax G Carl Zeiss 35mm f/2 Planar T* Lenses**
The Contax G Carl Zeiss 35mm f/2 Planar T* lenses were first introduced in 1994, along with the Contax G1 camera body. The lenses quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional image quality, superb build construction, and precise autofocus capabilities. They were specifically designed to maintain a compact size while delivering outstanding optical performance.
**Key Features and Specifications**
One of the standout features of the Contax G Carl Zeiss 35mm f/2 Planar T* lenses is the incorporation of the T* lens coating. This multi-layered coating effectively reduces lens flare and ghosting, resulting in improved contrast and color accuracy. The lenses also boast a fast maximum aperture of f/2, allowing for excellent low-light performance and the ability to achieve a shallow depth of field.
In terms of build quality, these lenses are built to last. They feature a robust metal construction with a smooth manual focus ring and precise aperture control. The autofocus system is driven by a silent and quick motor, ensuring accurate and swift focusing in various shooting situations.
**Image Quality and Performance**
When it comes to image quality, the Contax G Carl Zeiss 35mm f/2 Planar T* lenses truly shine. The lenses produce images with remarkable sharpness, even when used wide open at f/2. The colors are vivid and well-saturated, while the contrast is pleasingly rich. The lens rendering creates a three-dimensional quality to images, with a smooth transition between sharp areas and pleasing background blur.
The autofocus performance of these lenses is highly commendable. The system is fast and accurate, making it suitable for capturing moving subjects and ensuring sharp images even in challenging conditions. Additionally, the lenses produce minimal distortion, ensuring straight lines and accurate proportions in architectural or product photography.
**Availability and Pricing**
The Contax G Carl Zeiss 35mm f/2 Planar T* lenses were discontinued in the early 2000s, following the discontinuation of the Contax G system as a whole. However, they can still be found on the second-hand market or through specialty camera stores. The price of these lenses can vary depending on their condition and rarity, but expect to pay around $800 to $1,200 for a used lens in good condition.
**Conclusion**
The Contax G Carl Zeiss 35mm f/2 Planar T* lenses are a testament to the excellence of German optics and precision engineering. These lenses offer exceptional image quality, build construction, and autofocus performance, making them highly sought after by both professional and enthusiast photographers. Despite being discontinued, they have remained popular in the photography community and are cherished by those who value the combination of compactness and optical excellence. If you can get your hands on a well-maintained example, you’ll have a lens that will deliver stunning results for years to come.
