Comparing Hasselblad Telephoto lenses

Weihan · Apr 20, 2014

Has anyone compared the IQ of the Schneider Variogon 140-280mm and the Zeiss Sonnar 180/4 for Hasselblad? A friend of mine is selling both and I'd like to purchase at least one of these lenses but can't really justify both. I have the 150mm sonnar already, but would like to add to my Hassy collection. I'd appreciate any thoughts or opinions any of you might have on the 180 and the 140-280. THANKS!

Xmas · Apr 20, 2014

weight is normally the deciding factor... or space in a gbag if you are superman.

Slixtiesix · Apr 20, 2014

The 180mm is a great and versatile lens that I have myself. It is regarded as one of the best Hasselblad teles apart from the Superachromats. I have no experience with the zoom. The following points should be considered:

1. Weight (c. 1800g vs c. 1200g)
2. Size
3. Filter diameter
4. f5,6 vs. f4

Is the 180mm a CF or CFi? CFi might be more desirable because it is newer.
I would just ask your friend to let you shoot a test roll of slide film with either and then judge by yourself which has better sharpness and contrast or nicer bokeh or whatever does matter to you.

TimVermont · Apr 20, 2014

The Variogon would allow you to leave the 150 home and offers considerably more reach at the long end. As to focusing, use an acute matte screen and a newer body with a bigger mirror if possible. I've used two samples of this lens, both super.

RalphLambrecht · Apr 21, 2014

the zeiss sonnar 180 is a fantastic tack-sharp lens much better for close portraits than the 150.

Richard S. (rich815) · Apr 21, 2014

RalphLambrecht said:
the zeiss sonnar 180 is a fantastic tack-sharp lens much better for close portraits than the 150.

Why? Because it's sharper?

Slixtiesix · Apr 21, 2014

I think Ralph meant because the 180mm has a shorter minimum focus distance. But you can use the 150mm with tubes and get the same effect. I also recall the 180mm was said to be sharper at shorter distances by Zeiss, but I don´t know how big the advantage is over the 150mm, if there is any...

Hal Reiser · Apr 22, 2014

I do have the 140-280 as it is particularly suited to the kind of work I do. I gambled on the purchase as I was not able to come up with any owner feedback before I bought it.

It is a heavy lens but that was compensated by my ability to retire a number of fixed mount tele's. I mount it on a Manfrotto C55 carbon fiber tripod and have not experienced any vibration issues. The only thing I do not do is shoot it with the center column raised.

I can say however that the lens is incredibly sharp. Though I have not done any resolution tests with the lens it does appear to be much sharper than the teles it replaced. I cannot comment on the 180mm as I have never owned one.

Weihan · Apr 22, 2014

Hal Reiser said:
I do have the 140-280 as it is particularly suited to the kind of work I do. I gambled on the purchase as I was not able to come up with any owner feedback before I bought it.

It is a heavy lens but that was compensated by my ability to retire a number of fixed mount tele's. I mount it on a Manfrotto C55 carbon fiber tripod and have not experienced any vibration issues. The only thing I do not do is shoot it with the center column raised.

I can say however that the lens is incredibly sharp. Though I have not done any resolution tests with the lens it does appear to be much sharper than the teles it replaced. I cannot comment on the 180mm as I have never owned one.

Thanks to all for providing some feedback on these lenses. It's especially hard to find, as you've mentioned, any comments on the Variogon 140-280, so I'm grateful that you've actually been able to shed some light on its performance. I've now actually ended up getting both lenses despite having promised myself that I wouldn't. Many thanks to all for your opinions and ideas!

RalphLambrecht · Apr 22, 2014

yes,the 180mm isshrper and has more contrst in the corners. look at the MTF

Comparing Hasselblad Telephoto lenses

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