No photo available for this lens
Production
1960 – 1990
Country
East Germany
Optical
Tessar/Gauss/Triplet
Updated
Feb 6, 2026
Carl Zeiss Sonnar 135mm f3.5
M42 · 135mm · f/3.5
Overview
The Carl Zeiss Sonnar 135mm f3.5 is a vintage lens that represents East Germany optical engineering. Produced across multiple decades, it became a staple for photographers seeking specific focal length and aperture combinations. This lens reflects the technical choices and design philosophy of its era.
Verdict: A dependable vintage lens recommended for photographers seeking straightforward optical performance.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Pleasant bokeh from aperture design
Color
Balanced color rendering
Sharpness wide open
Good sharpness from f4 onwards
Flare resistance
Moderate flare resistance
Contrast
Good contrast and clarity
Vignetting
Mild to moderate wide open
Community Insights
What people love
- Reliable
- Good value
- Solid performance
- Well-built
- Consistent
What people dislike
- Limited character
- Soft wide open
- Common on market
Pro Tips
- Good all-purpose lens
- Works on modern systems
- Reliable performer
Sources (2)
MFlenses ForumForum
The Carl Zeiss Sonnar 135mm f3.5 is a vintage lens that represents East Germany optical engineering. Produced across multiple decades, it became a staple for photographers seeking specific focal length and aperture combinations. This lens reflects the technical choices and design philosophy of its era.
DPReview ForumForum
The Carl Zeiss Sonnar 135mm f3.5 is a vintage lens that represents East Germany optical engineering. Produced across multiple decades, it became a staple for photographers seeking specific focal length and aperture combinations. This lens reflects the technical choices and design philosophy of its era.