Contax Distagon 2/28 "Hollywood" on 5DII

[Orio]

Reviewing interaction between Contax Distagon 2/28 and EOS 5DII

These are only quick test shots from my house, I will add more interesting photos when I can go to nicer places.

Close up focusing, no mirror problem:


100% crop:


Focus on the background line of trees, approx. 400 mt distance, no mirror problem:


Focus to infinity, mirror could not swing back, I had to unmount lens after shot
(with live view no mirror problem):


100% crop:


Focused on the house roof right of the pole, approx. 120-150 mt distance, no mirror problem:


One remarkable thing for me is how dimensional the rendering in spite of the very crappy flat lighted weather.

[kds315*]

The lens renders really dull and crappy images - get rid of it and get a good one for your new "flagship" camera body, I'll send you my address....

[koji]

The weather is not nice here neither, but the truly good lens performs and
reveals its nature under such a condition.

Viva hollywood (not movie)

[LucisPictor]

[poilu]

superb results in such weather! I am glad you can use your best Zeiss without mirror cutting

[jimlizard]

Very interesting, Orio!
Thank you for this test!

I was excluding this lens because of mirror issues with the 5D, but I never focus to infinity so, I think it should be more than ok to me.

Can you confirm if your lens is in a 100% stock condition, without modifications at the rear end?

I was looking for something wider, like the Zuiko 21mm f/2.0, but I'll not loose the opportunity, if I find a good deal in one of these.

Which other top-quality wide angle lenses did you test and how do you like this one compared to them (shapness, colour and contrast)?

[Orio]

[jimlizard]

Thanks again, Orio.

I was not expecting you to sell your copy.
I now own the 5D Mark II. Do you find it more "mirror friendly" than the first 5D, or is it the same?

[jimlizard]

Just bought one today!
MM version, made in West germany.

[Orio]

It is a bit more mirror friendly, mostly because with live view you can use many lenses that were not useable at all even on shaved 5D (but you have to take care to operate it properly).

With the Distagon 2/28 however you will have to shave the mirror of the 5DMkII also if you want to use it trouble free in normal mode at infinity focus (as indicated in my review).

[wilson.c]

Orio,

How much would this lens cost today? I saw a nice looking one in a shop but no price on it.

Thanks'n Regards,

[ManualFocus-G]

I know a very good dealer who has two of these in stock in E++ condition, the AE one is £649.00 and the MM is £799.00.

[Bruce]

can anyone compare the contax version to the new ZE version?
I havent either of these lens as of yet, but the cost difference would not be an issue so I wait for a good comparison.
In the meantime I use my CY 28/2.8.

[Nikos]

Orio, which adapter are you using?

While I am waiting for my Planar 1,4/85 (Contax), I am wondering if the adapter I ordered will prove effective...

I find the appearance of the Contax lenses very superior to the ZF/ZE/...
The focus ring on my 2/35 also feels too stiff.

[Nikos]

Bruce, you may find this interesting:

Source: http://www.pebbleplace.com/Personal/Zeiss_28mm_ZE_3.html

I can say without a doubt, given a choice between the original Contax 28mm F2 Distagon and a Zeiss 28mm F2 Distagon ZE, I would select the Zeiss 28mm F2 ZE every time. Some of my reasons include:
•Close-up performance at wide apertures (such as F2) is very good; most likely better than any of the three Contax 28mm F2’s I owned.
•The fully automatic aperture makes the lens more enjoyable and easier to use, and back at home in front of the computer - all the EXIF data is there - including the aperture value.
•There is no need for a third party lens adapter, so one variable is removed from the performance equation along with that nagging doubt of whether or not the adapter is compromising the lens’ performance.
•Canon 5D and 5D Mark II owners will no longer need to worry about mirror clearance.
•Purchasing a new 28mm ZE is mostly like cheaper than buying a Contax 28mm F2 Distagon plus a CY/EOS adapter, Contax 55-86 Metal Ring and Contax #2 Metal Hood. Also, Contax AE lenses are no longer serviceable by Zeiss; MM lenses are still serviced.
•Should there be anything wrong with a newly purchased 28mm ZE, replacement is simply a matter of returning the lens to the dealer for exchange or refund.

[Orio]

[wilson.c]

I picked up the Hollywood 28/2 today The shop had it for a bit less than what ManualFocus-G mentioned for the AE version, just a little under £600.

Tried it before the light faded when I got home. It must be my adapter as the shots don't look as sharp as I would expect from CZ lens. Shots were made f:8 in fading light. No PP just resize to 1024x768. All focus at infinity, with no mirror hitting.

[wilson.c]

Looks like I blamed the adapter too quickly. I tried some shots at infinity with LiveView and it's just perfect now. I though I got myself a 'dud'-Distagon