Anyone use the Zebra version of the Pentacon CZ Jena DDR 180

[Dream Merchant]

Hi everyone.

I figured someone here would be an expert on these.

I'm looking at an offer for what I believe is a Pentacon mount version of the Carl Zeiss Jena DDR Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 lens. It's the 'zebra' version.

I've not had any experience with CZ Jenas, only the Contax CZ versions.

How would a lens like this in very good condition compare to a Contax CZ 180mm 2.8?

Would you be able to share any sample photos taken with this lens?

Are there any peculiarities or specifics I should consider before getting this lens with an EOS adapter?

Thanks in advance!

[Attila]

I have both lenses certainly Contax is better , but a good copy of Jena lens very close to it.

http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/german/zeiss/sonnar/carl_zeiss_jena_sonnar_180mm_zebra/

[Dream Merchant]

Attila, thank you for the very quick reply and also the link!

How much do you figure a good copy is worth paying (in USD)?

As a reference ... I have very recently been spoilt seeing the results from CYCZ 85 1.4 AEJ and 28-85mm zoom lense on a Canon DSLR! Would I be disappointed from the results of the 180 Pentacon CZJena DDR or please let me rephrase: How many % of the CYCZ lens performance can I expect from the Pentacon lens?

Should I look at a CZ JENA 180MM F/2.8 Sonnar (all black lens) instead for better performance?

[Attila]

Hard question we have all different opinion from same cases. Personally I almost don't like B&W photographs most people love it.. I like only on a limited area them. Same thing your question...

http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/german/zeiss/

All Carl Zeiss Jena

http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/german/carl_zeiss/

All Carl Zeiss Contax


Price of good copy of Zebra Sonnar 100-200 usd.

If you have already Contax version don't take it.

[Laurence]

Dream, I had the Zebra 180/2.8 for quite a while before
foolishly selling it. It was crap on the outside, but the glass
was wonderful. I'm now looking for another, because
I frankly loved the lens. It's big, it's clunky, and it's
excellent.

I could certainly guess that a Contax is better, if you
are looking deeply into a print with a microscopic glass.
However, I made some "crackling sharp" 16x20s from
the Sonnar.

In my opinion, the Sonnar outstrips my skills
as a photographer. I was never disappointed with
the sharpness, and since I didn't know any better,
I assume that it was just as resolving as the MC version.

[Dream Merchant]

Thanks again Attila.

I saw those earlier but I asked because from the web version (album) on my screen, many f the shots look a little soft! Many of them look almost out-of-focus ... so it's hard to tell. Also, I wanted to hear first-hand encounters from users.

Which Laurence has very graciously provided. Thanks Laurence!

I will be looking more seriously into the Pentacon CZ Sonnar zebra, but as some have mentioned ... hard decisions. I can't really afford the inflated prices on ebay for the CYCZ version. Local sources are worse. Going by what Attila estimates, even the Pentacon versions are inflated in price on ebay.

[Karhallarn]

I own the CZJ 180 2.8 Zebra Version and use it on my Nikon D1x. It's tack sharp at f4 and can be really sharp at f2.8 if focused correctly.

I wouldn't let it go anyway! I payed 80€ for it and I would pay even 200€ today because it's such a great lense!

There is something around the look of the CZJ lenses that makes the gorgeous! I can't explain!

this picture was taken with the CZJ and there is no postprocesing or anything else applied! Just raw converted to jpeg! F2.8!

[aoleg]

I compared the two. The Contax version is certainly better: sharpness wide open, contrast (especially contrast), less bulk and weight and far less gambling when it comes to sample variation and QC problems. On the other hand, a 'Zebra' can be had for $140-170, while Contax Sonnar will cost at least $340 (for comparison, CZJ MC Sonnar 180/2.8 can be $240-270, and it's still bulkier and less sharp than the Contax). That said, from f/4 the two lenses are almost equally sharp.

[Dream Merchant]

Thanks guys!

That's more info for me to work on.

Back to the think tank ...