QBM Zeiss Sonnar 85/2.8 vs Tokina AT-X 90/2.5 macro

[caspert79]

This is a quick comparison between the Rollei QBM Carl Zeiss Sonnar 85mm f/2.8 vs the Tokina AT-X 90mm f/2.5 macro.
The C/Y Sonnar has another lens formula than the QBM version, so these findings don't necessarily translate to that lens.

First, infinity:

infinitycomparison by devoscasper, on Flickr

Centrally, the Tokina is a tiny bit more contrasty it seems, but nothing significantly. The Tokina has better corner performance.

Then, bokeh:
BokehComparison by devoscasper, on Flickr

The Tokina has softer bokeh than the Sonnar.
When you look at the last images, the Sonnar is capable of producing some very beautiful bokeh balls IMO. They are cat-eye shaped, but have a really attractive clearness and perfect shape to them.

This shot I made another day shows this better:
QBMSonnar8528 by devoscasper, on Flickr

The Sonnar occasionally produces images with great 3D quality IMO:
QBMSonnar8528_2 by devoscasper, on Flickr

Conclusion: these lenses are both great but have quite different qualities. The Tokina is great because of its sharpness, contrast and soft bokeh. The Sonnar delivers popping pictures with a unique fingerprint to them. Also, it's a great travel lens, being so little.

[pabeu]

Two great lenses. I guess something worth mentioning is the size and weight of the Sonnar. I have not had both lenses in my posession but I think the Zeiss is quite smaller and lighter than the Tokina. Correct?

[caspert79]