Let's try 135mm again

This is my second 135mm lens. I tried a Vivitar 135mm f/2.3 before, but wasn't too happy with it. Mechanically it's a beautiful lens, hefty and nicely built. But too much CA, coupled with the Fuji X-E1 with its slow EVF in dim light made me sell the Vivitar. The weight also made it nose heavy on the Fuji. I also didn't have the Zhongyi at the time, so effectively it was a 200mm lens. 

Now I have a Contax 135mm f/2.8. Smaller and lighter than the Vivitar, but still a solid lens. Coupled with the faster refresh rates on the EVFs of the Fuji X-E2 and X-T1 (did I mention that I have an X-T1?), this lens is a better fit.

So far I've only managed to take it on two outings, but I'm happy with what I see. It's not as sharp as the other Contax/Zeiss lenses wide open, but it does have the slightly nervous bokeh of its siblings. The version I have is an AEJ, so it does show a bit of the ninja star. 

Overall, not a bad buy. Now, on to some samples.

(Contax) Hollywood dreaming

Ah, eBay, my wallet's nemesis. I had the first and only bid on a Zeiss 28mm f/2 ZF.2 that should have sold for much more than I paid, so pleasant surprise, another new lens for the growing kit. I think I need to stop my eBay and craigslist browsing as it's been an expensive month.

Online research says this is a copy of the Contax version, nicknamed "Hollywood" in some circles. It's yet another hefty lens, with all that glass and metal. Focusing is very smooth, with just the right heft (are you listening, 24mm Samyang?). Definitely a pleasure to use. The hood is another story; who still uses flocking in this day and age? Sharpness and contrast are excellent, and the lens produces bokeh that's typical of the Zeiss lenses that I've used: smooth with a hint of nervousness. There isn't much falloff wide open, but there is a bit of chromatic aberration, both purple and green.

I've only managed one outing with the lens (being sick is no fun, especially when there's a car show), but I'm looking forward to using the 28mm more.

I now have four Zeiss lenses (granted, only one made in Germany). The 50mm Ultron is still the most Zeiss of them all in my opinion, having that special something that makes photos taken with it stand out.