Carl Zeiss Tele-Tessar 180/6.3 (exa)

[Marek]

Among some bargains I want to re-sell in my country I bought this wacky silver beast from Poland outside eBay (hoping to be delivered this time )

I hope this to be mountable and not entirely wasteful for photography but, of course, it was very much the look and design why I picked this one. Cost around €105 including delivery.

Never seen to be sold that low earlier (barely being offered at eBay), don't consider it to be steal either Couldn't resist, you know...

[Snodge]

Mmmm, shiny! Looks great!

[Marek]

First sample hopefully solid enough to public. Of course wide open. Don't take composion into account, etc. - just testing.



Being VERY lightweight and pocketable, as well as with very smooth focal ring, the lens is generally excellent and easy to handle. With respect to its bad f for a 180mm lens, not exactly a "butterfly-range" MFD and more ordinary, a bit weak looking build when compared to its big brother, I somehow expected 180mm Tele-Tessar to be beaten by 250mm one. But nothing was more far from truth.

It has (far?) better sharpness, bigger contrast, seems to be betten in counterlight, has no serious chromatic aberration. Only the infinity is not "pimped" and therefeore not too Canon EOS compatible but I can really live with that. Bokeh is smoother and somewhat more pleasant, although not "wild".

Quite surprisingly, I could recommend the lens to anyone if prize is OK not for being rare and weird, but due to optical capabilities as well. Be happy to shoot more with, actually.

[Marek]

Some sharpness tests I've made yesterday. All of those are raws so I have no complaints about this atribute.









Most usable MF telephoto I've had so far.