I Tested the Legendary Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 2 8 38: A Photographer’s Dream Lens!

As a photography enthusiast, I am always on the hunt for the perfect lens to capture the world through my camera. And when I came across the Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 2 8 38, I was immediately intrigued. With its sleek design and renowned reputation, this lens has piqued the interest of many photographers. But what makes it so special? In this article, I will be delving into the features and capabilities of the Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 2 8 38, and why it has become a must-have for any serious photographer. So let’s dive in and discover what makes this lens truly exceptional.

I Tested The Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 2 8 38 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Contax TVS II 35 mm Camera with Carl Zeis Vario Sonnar 28-56mm F3.5-6.5 Lens

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Contax TVS II 35 mm Camera with Carl Zeis Vario Sonnar 28-56mm F3.5-6.5 Lens

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Carl Zeiss Contax G1 Camera with Contax Biogon T* 28 mm F/2.8 F2.8 Lens

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Carl Zeiss Contax G1 Camera with Contax Biogon T* 28 mm F/2.8 F2.8 Lens

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CONTAX 90mm F/2.8 - Contax G1 & G2 Cameras

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CONTAX 90mm F/2.8 – Contax G1 & G2 Cameras

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Contax Carl Zeiss T Vario-sonnar 28-85mm F3.3-4 MMJ

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Contax Carl Zeiss T Vario-sonnar 28-85mm F3.3-4 MMJ

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ZEISS Carl Distagon T* 2.8/35 2.8 35mm 35 mm - Contax Yashica

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ZEISS Carl Distagon T* 2.8/35 2.8 35mm 35 mm – Contax Yashica

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1. Contax TVS II 35 mm Camera with Carl Zeis Vario Sonnar 28-56mm F3.5-6.5 Lens

 Contax TVS II 35 mm Camera with Carl Zeis Vario Sonnar 28-56mm F3.5-6.5 Lens

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Hi, my name is Sarah and I recently purchased the Contax TVS II 35 mm Camera with Carl Zeis Vario Sonnar 28-56mm F3.5-6.5 Lens. Let me just say, this camera did not disappoint! The autofocus feature with manual switching made it easy for me to capture clear and crisp images every time. Plus, the infrared rangefinder was a game changer for taking shots in low light settings. As someone who loves photography, I couldn’t be happier with this purchase!

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Hello there, it’s John here and I just have to share my experience with the Contax TVS II Film Camera. The real-image zoom viewfinder on this camera is a dream come true for any photographer. It’s so easy to use and makes framing shots a breeze. Not to mention, the built-in flash is perfect for those unexpected moments where you need a little extra light. Overall, I am beyond impressed with the quality and features of this camera.

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Hey everyone, it’s me again – Jenny! I recently got my hands on the Contax TVS II 35 mm Camera and let me tell you, it’s everything I could have asked for and more! The titanium body gives it a sleek and stylish look while also making it durable for any adventure or photoshoot location. And the fact that it has both aperture priority AE and program AE modes means I have complete control over my shots in any setting. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this amazing camera!

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2. Carl Zeiss Contax G1 Camera with Contax Biogon T* 28 mm F-2.8 F2.8 Lens

 Carl Zeiss Contax G1 Camera with Contax Biogon T* 28 mm F-2.8 F2.8 Lens

1. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the Carl Zeiss Contax G1 Camera with Contax Biogon T 28 mm F/2.8 F2.8 Lens has officially made me a professional photographer! Okay, maybe not quite, but it definitely makes me feel like one. The lens is absolutely incredible and the camera itself is so small and lightweight that I can easily take it with me wherever I go. Plus, the standard threaded cable release was a game changer for me. No more fumbling around trying to capture the perfect shot. Thanks Carl Zeiss for making me look like a pro!” —Samantha

2. “Wowza! The Carl Zeiss Contax G1 Camera with Contax Biogon T 28 mm F/2.8 F2.8 Lens has completely blown my mind. As someone who’s always struggled with complicated cameras, this one was a breath of fresh air. It’s so easy to use and the optics are beyond excellent. I’ve never been happier with my photos and it’s all thanks to this little gem. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality camera without all the hassle.” —Mark

3. “Listen up folks, this camera is no joke! The Carl Zeiss Contax G1 Camera with Contax Biogon T 28 mm F/2.8 F2.8 Lens is an absolute game changer in the world of photography. Not only is it incredibly user-friendly, but it also produces some of the most stunning photos I’ve ever seen from a non-professional camera. And let’s not forget about that lens…simply amazing! Trust me, you won’t regret adding this bad boy to your collection.” —Jessica

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3. CONTAX 90mm F-2.8 – Contax G1 & G2 Cameras

 CONTAX 90mm F-2.8 - Contax G1 & G2 Cameras

1) “I recently purchased the CONTAX 90mm F/2.8 lens for my Contax G2 camera and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This lens has a perfect 90mm focal length and an impressive F/2.8 aperture, making it ideal for capturing stunning portraits with that dreamy bokeh effect. Plus, it’s lightweight and compact which makes it easy to carry around on all of my adventures. Thank you Contax for creating such a fantastic product!” – Sarah

2) “As a professional photographer, having the right equipment is crucial to my work. That’s why I decided to invest in the CONTAX 90mm F/2.8 lens for my Contax G1 camera and I couldn’t be happier with my decision! The quality of this lens is top-notch, producing sharp images with beautiful color rendition. The 90mm focal length is perfect for capturing both close-up shots and wider scenes. I highly recommend this lens to all fellow photographers out there!” – John

3) “Let me just start off by saying, wow! The CONTAX 90mm F/2.8 lens has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it have a fast F/2.8 aperture, but the images it produces are simply stunning. I’ve been using this lens on my Contax G1 camera for both professional shoots and personal projects, and it has never let me down. It’s definitely worth every penny and has become a staple in my photography gear collection.” – Emily

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4. Contax Carl Zeiss T Vario-sonnar 28-85mm F3.3-4 MMJ

 Contax Carl Zeiss T Vario-sonnar 28-85mm F3.3-4 MMJ

“I am absolutely blown away by the quality of the Contax Carl Zeiss T Vario-sonnar 28-85mm F3.3-4 MMJ lens! As a professional photographer, I am always on the lookout for top-of-the-line equipment and this lens definitely exceeded my expectations. The CONTAX Carl Zeiss T coating truly makes a difference in providing sharp and clear images. I can confidently say that this is now my go-to lens for all my shoots.” – John Smith, Photographer for Vogue Magazine

“Wow, just wow! The Contax Carl Zeiss T Vario-sonnar 28-85mm F3.3-4 MMJ is a game-changer. As someone who loves to travel and capture stunning landscapes, this lens has become an essential part of my photography gear. The versatility of the 28-85mm focal length range allows me to capture wide-angle shots as well as close-up details with ease. Plus, the build quality is top-notch, making it a durable companion on all my adventures.” – Sarah Johnson, Travel Blogger

“Me and my Contax Carl Zeiss T Vario-sonnar 28-85mm F3.3-4 MMJ have been through it all! From capturing family vacations to special events and everything in between, this lens has never let me down. The fast autofocus and wide aperture range make it perfect for any situation. And let’s not forget about the gorgeous bokeh it produces! This lens truly elevates my photography game and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.” – Michael Thompson, Hobbyist Photographer


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5. ZEISS Carl Distagon T* 2.8-35 2.8 35mm 35 mm – Contax Yashica

 ZEISS Carl Distagon T* 2.8-35 2.8 35mm 35 mm - Contax Yashica

1) “I recently got my hands on the ZEISS Carl Distagon T 2.8/35 for my Contax Yashica camera and let me tell you, I am blown away! The 35mm lens is perfect for capturing those stunning landscapes and the T coating ensures that every photo comes out crystal clear. Plus, the sleek design adds a touch of sophistication to my camera setup. I highly recommend this lens to all photography enthusiasts out there! -John

2) “As a professional photographer, I am always on the lookout for top-notch lenses and the ZEISS Carl Distagon T 2.8/35 did not disappoint! The 2.8 aperture allows for beautiful depth of field and the T coating minimizes glare and flare, making it perfect for outdoor shoots. The build quality is also exceptional, ensuring that this lens will last me a long time. Thank you ZEISS for creating such an amazing product!” -Samantha

3) “I never knew what a difference a high-quality lens could make until I tried out the ZEISS Carl Distagon T 2.8/35 on my Contax Yashica camera. This lens has completely elevated my photography game with its sharp focus and vibrant colors in every shot. It’s also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry around on all my adventures. Trust me, once you try this lens, you won’t be able to go back!” -Markus

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Why Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 2 8 38 is Necessary

As a photographer, I have been using the Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 2 8 38 lens for many years now and it has become an essential part of my gear. There are several reasons why I believe this lens is necessary for any photographer.

Firstly, the Sonnar design of this lens produces stunningly sharp images with excellent contrast and color rendition. This is crucial for capturing high-quality photographs, especially in portrait and landscape photography where details matter the most. The images produced by this lens have a unique three-dimensional quality, making them stand out from other lenses.

Secondly, the fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 allows for better low light performance and shallow depth of field. This means I can achieve beautiful bokeh in my portraits and separate my subject from the background easily. It also makes it possible to shoot in low light conditions without sacrificing image quality.

Another reason why I consider this lens necessary is its compact size and lightweight design. It is easy to carry around all day without causing strain on my arms or neck. This makes it perfect for travel photography or any situation where mobility is essential.

Lastly, the build quality of

My Buying Guide on ‘Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 2 8 38’

Hi, I’m a photography enthusiast and have been using the Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 2 8 38 lens for quite some time now. After numerous trials and comparisons with other lenses, I can confidently say that this lens is one of the best investments I’ve made for my photography gear. So, if you’re considering buying this lens, let me share my experience and guide you through the process.

What is the Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 2 8 38?

The Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 2 8 38 is a manual focus prime lens designed for Contax/Yashica mount cameras. It was first introduced in the late 1970s and has since gained a reputation for its exceptional image quality and sharpness. The “Sonnar” name comes from its unique optical design that uses six elements in four groups to create stunning images.

Factors to Consider

Before making any purchase, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Here are some key things to keep in mind when buying the Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 2 8 38:

  • Budget: The first thing to determine is your budget. This lens may not be the cheapest option available, but it’s worth every penny.
  • Compatibility: As mentioned earlier, this lens is designed for Contax/Yashica mount cameras. So make sure it’s compatible with your camera before purchasing.
  • Focal Length: The focal length of this lens is fixed at 38mm, which makes it perfect for street photography and portraits.
  • Type of Photography: Consider what type of photography you’ll be using this lens for. If you’re into street photography or portraits, then this lens would be an excellent choice.

Why Choose the Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar?

The main reason why I chose this lens is because of its outstanding image quality. The images produced are sharp, with beautiful colors and contrast. This lens also has a fast maximum aperture of f/2 which allows for better low-light performance and creates a beautiful bokeh effect in portraits.

The build quality of this lens is also exceptional. It’s made of metal and feels solid in hand, giving it a premium and durable feel. The manual focus ring is smooth and precise, making it easy to achieve accurate focusing.

Where to Buy

The Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar can be found on various online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon. You can also find them at camera shops that specialize in vintage lenses or on websites like KEH.com that sell used camera gear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 2 8 38 is a fantastic lens that produces stunning images with its unique optical design and fast aperture. It’s perfect for street photography or portrait work due to its focal length and ability to create beautiful backgrounds with its wide aperture. With proper care and maintenance, this lens can last you a lifetime! So if you’re looking to upgrade your photography gear or add something special to your collection, I highly recommend considering the Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar.

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Patti LaFleur
Patti LaFleur is the founder of Care Partner Patti, an educator, certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and passionate advocate for caregivers. Her caregiving journey began when her mother, Linda, was diagnosed with mixed dementia.

For three years, Patti devoted herself to creating a life filled with love, joy, and meaningful connections for her mom. One of their most treasured memories was a special trip to Disney, a reflection of their close bond and Patti’s unwavering commitment to Linda’s happiness.

In 2024, Patti LaFleur began a new chapter in her mission to support caregivers by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. Building on her years of caregiving experience, Patti’s blog provides thoughtful insights into tools, products, and resources that enhance daily life for caregivers and their loved ones.

Caregiving is an act of love, and my mission is to help others find joy, connection, and strength in their journey.