14 DAY TRIAL // Carl Zeiss is a German optics manufacturer that is highly regarded around the world for its high-quality optical lenses used in various domains.
After the last Contax reflex cameras were withdrawn from the market, Zeiss decided to modify the optical design of its lenses to fit Nikon, Canon, and Pentax cameras. Since then, the German manufacturer has released 13 new lenses, with the Sonnar T* 2/135 being the latest addition, if we don't consider the latest Optus optics.
DxO Labs has recently tested this amazing lens and shared its conclusion with the rest of us. It comes with a “floating design” construction that includes 11 elements in 8 groups and provides superior sharpness at close range.
Although the lens has no autofocus capabilities, it's capable of focusing down to 0.8m / 2.62ft, closer than most rivals in its class. The new ZE model can fit Nikon and Canon DSLRs, but both versions look very different from one another.
The EF-mount Zeiss ZE lens is heavier (930g / 2.05lbs), longer (130mm / 5.12in), and doesn't come with an aperture collar as the Nikon F-mount version does.
The Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 2/135 ZE lens for Canon manages to score an amazing 38 points, which makes it the best fixed telephoto lens for EF-mount DSLRs. The optic also packs an outstanding sharpness level even at maximum aperture.
Moreover, chromatic and spherical aberrations are very well controlled, so the lens is living up to its Apo (Apochromatic) designation. Transmission is exceptional at 2T-stops, distortion is almost non-existent, and vignetting is at expected levels with 1.5 Ev.
Compared with the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T 100mm f/2 ZE, both lenses share similar results, although the Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 2/135 ZE is slightly sharper.
Side by side with the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM and Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM lenses, the Sonnar T* 2/135 ZE outperforms both when it comes to sharpness levels, although the Canon 135mm f/2L manages to score similar results at wider apertures.
The Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 2/135 ZE is currently the sharpest and best corrected lens for EF-mount DSLRs, managing to outperform even Canon's famous135mm f/2L optic.
