Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 (m42) -- 2nd copy

2009-06-10
I finally have some product shots of my 2nd copy of Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 in M42 mount. The lens comes with a Pentaxcon6 to M42. It is in great cosmetic condition.

with hood and cap
Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 (m42)


without hood
Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 (m42)



Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 (m42)


More in this Photo Set in Flickr


I recently took it out and have a Friday morning date with my wife over coffee. The lens is similar to my 1st copy. I lose the focus trap and in many test shots, I have off focus errors and I will try another time adding a small piece of aluminum foil around the lens mount to enable focus trapping.
at f/2.8
Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 (m42) test shots with Pentax K20D

likely at f/2.8
Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 (m42)

Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 (m42) test shots with Pentax K20D

Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 (m42) test shots with Pentax K20D

at f/8.0
Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 (m42) test shots with Pentax K20D


Impressions & Notes:
  • A bit heavy for a 180mm lens. Last time I check on it, it is about 3.5 lb. This lens does take some time to get used to. I thought it is too heavy to carry around it for long but I was okay in the shooting. The lens is actually short and bulky. Compared to my photosniper, this lens is easier to handle as it is shorter in length and I don't get pulled down in shooting in an horizon
  • The lost of focus trap leads me to some focusing errors
  • I have been shooting straight in Av mode. In f/2.8, I find that I need to +0.3 to +0.7 for Ev compensation
  • Sharpness is decent for this lens. When I stopped down to f/8.0, color and contrast are better.
  • In 180mm focal length, shallow DOF seems to help isolating the person better from the blurred background.
  • Minimal focusing distance is about 5.5 feet and 1.7m
  • Weight is 3.5 lb
  • I don't have a filter on the 2nd copy and I would guess about 82mm in filter size.
  • It is difficult to carry this lens in my current backpack.
  • I hesitate in selling this lens as it is a sheer beauty to use. Unless I can put it into good use, I feel the guilt in having it in my gear list not frequently used.

Related:

4 comments:

Lars Dahlin said...

Hi Hin!

I also got this sweet lens and I have to say that this is probably my favorite lens.
Here's a image I took earlier this spring: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alopex/3712574309/in/set-72157621210399949/

I also want to mention that your blog rocks! :o)
My best regards!
/Lars Dahlin
Ostersund, Sweden

Hin Man said...

Lars, thank you so much for your visit and your encouraging comment. I almost sold my 2nd copy of this lens, I am glad no one show interest and I am keeping it for myself.

Anonymous said...

Hey Hin Man,

Appreciate if you could please let me know if focus trap works for this lens on the new Pentax DSLR? I am thinking of buying CZ MC 135mm f3.5

Anonymous said...

Appreciate your blog....very helpful.
Can you explain why a focus trap adjustment was necessary on this 2nd lens, and apparently unnecessary for your 1st lens. And appreciate if you can describe what "focus trap" means.
Thx
Mike

Post a Comment

 

About

Welcome to Hin's Photo Corner, this is my learning blog on photography, blogging and advertising. And I hope you enjoy your visit. For contact, please comment in blog post or email me directly hintheman at gmail.com.

 

B&H Best Deals

Statcounter