150 f4 Sonnar choice C vs CF

Colden · Jan 31, 2010

I am looking to get a 150mm f4 Sonnar and the choice is between a C lens ($280) and CF ($450). I am not intending to use it with flash and both have the T* coating. The lens will probably be used wide open up to or around f8 handheld so either could work fine, I am sure.

But what are the fine points in the final image that will be different? I've read things such as "a more vintage look" with a C lens, but perhaps someone can explain this in more concrete terms. (It is a $200 difference after all.)

Thanks in advance!

Q.G. · Jan 31, 2010

The glass in both lenses is the same.
If both have the T* coating too, there will be absolutely no difference in image quality or look.

photobum · Jan 31, 2010

The CF is a newer lens. The disadvantage to the C is in shutter repair and parts availabilty. The CF has a B-60 filter mount and the C a B-50. This may mean something if you have a bunch of B-60 lenses. Will you see a difference in image quality? Only to lens snobs and ad men. Both have great glass.

Sirius Glass · Jan 31, 2010

I have only CF lenses for the reasons in the previous posts, but I would like to point out that almost all C lenses take the B-50 filters and almost all CF lenses take B-60 filters. It is good to settle on one or the other and have only one set of expensive filters. I chose CF lenses.

Steve

Colden · Jan 31, 2010

I already have a CF 80 f2.8 Plannar, so sticking with a CF Sonnar would give me some uniformity and filter advantages over the cheaper C lens. Leaving mechanical advantages of being newer and easier to repair and so forth, I am wondering if each lens has a distinct look. From the replies so far it would seem that, no.

Wish it was possible to find shots of similar subject matter with each lens, or perhaps someone here owns or owned both and can comment further? Thanks again.

Sirius Glass · Jan 31, 2010

Colden said:
I already have a CF 80 f2.8 Plannar, so sticking with a CF Sonnar would give me some uniformity and filter advantages over the cheaper C lens. Leaving mechanical advantages of being newer and easier to repair and so forth, I am wondering if each lens has a distinct look. From the replies so far it would seem that, no.

Wish it was possible to find shots of similar subject matter with each lens, or perhaps someone here owns or owned both and can comment further? Thanks again.

I have the 150 CF. It looks like the 80mm CF, longer, heavier, and a smaller f/number.

Steve

redrockcoulee · Jan 31, 2010

There is also the possiblity of an adapter. My 150 is a CF and am someday going to get a 50 or 60 CF and have a set of B60 filters. But my 100 is a T* and I have the B50 to B60 adapter on it full time even using a B60 lens hood and lens cap. The other difference between C and CF is the CF have a "better" focusing ring, at least if feels easier to grip. For the $200 difference for the 150 I would think about the T* and the adapter. At the wide end it is a different matter.

Sirius Glass · Jan 31, 2010

I do not see a gain. Part of the $200 gets used for an adapter and that means keeping track of one more part that is not really necessary when one considers that the CF is new and probably in better condition than the C. Plus the servicing C issues now and in the future add up to getting a lens for $200 less and end up paying much more in the long run.

This is false economy for the OP.

150 f4 Sonnar choice C vs CF

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