Made between 1975 and 1984, the quickest way to describe these lenses would be ‘Superspeeds but Full Frame’… They were Zeiss’ flagship 35mm stills lenses with optical designs that arguably in some cases haven’t been surpassed to this day. They’re characterised by organic rendering, impressive micro contrast and beautiful flares, and they all cover full frame without vignetting.
The 21mm demonstrates exceptional geometry on full frame; the 28mm has astonishing close focus, making it an incredibly versatile lens. Unlike Superspeeds, the 21 and 28mm are sharp wide open. They have well controlled stunning gold and rainbow flares.
The Superspeed 35, 50 and 85mm open up to a dreamy T1.4, begin to resolve sensibly at T2.1/3 and are as sharp as a tack from T2.8 and deeper.
For lens aficionados, these are the earlier AE versions, meaning more fun flares, but with the irises replaced when rehoused by Whitepoint Optics, meaning sweet smooth bokeh. The new housings have a consistent from diameter of 110mm.
- 21mm T2.9, close focus 10″
- 28mm T2.1, close focus 9″
- 35mm T1.5, close focus 1′
- 50mm T1.5, close focus 1’ 5
- 85mm T1.5, close focus 3′
Shot with Zeiss Contax:
Made between 1975 and 1984, the quickest way to describe these lenses would be ‘Superspeeds but Full Frame’… They were Zeiss’ flagship 35mm stills lenses with optical designs that arguably in some cases haven’t been surpassed to this day. They’re characterised by organic rendering, impressive micro contrast and beautiful flares, and they all cover full frame without vignetting.
The 21mm demonstrates exceptional geometry on full frame; the 28mm has astonishing close focus, making it an incredibly versatile lens. Unlike Superspeeds, the 21 and 28mm are sharp wide open. They have well controlled stunning gold and rainbow flares.
The Superspeed 35, 50 and 85mm open up to a dreamy T1.4, begin to resolve sensibly at T2.1/3 and are as sharp as a tack from T2.8 and deeper.
For lens aficionados, these are the earlier AE versions, meaning more fun flares, but with the irises replaced when rehoused by Whitepoint Optics, meaning sweet smooth bokeh. The new housings have a consistent from diameter of 110mm.
- – 21mm T2.9, close focus 10″
- – 28mm T2.1, close focus 9″
- – 35mm T1.5, close focus 1′
- – 50mm T1.5, close focus 1’ 5
- – 85mm T1.5, close focus 3′
Shot with Zeiss Contax: