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Production
1995
Country
-
Optical
12 elements in 7 groups
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Contax Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Sony-E
Overview
The Contax Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 was Zeiss's answer to the telephoto zoom challenge. A massive undertaking in optical engineering, it brought Zeiss precision to the long zoom category. While not as famous as the portrait primes, it served wildlife and sports photographers who demanded the Zeiss difference at distance.
Verdict: A solid telephoto zoom for those committed to Zeiss. Not the most exciting lens in the lineup, but it delivers Zeiss quality where others can't reach. Best for daylight conditions.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Smooth and pleasing bokeh, with clean bokeh balls and minimal outlining.
Color
Neutral to slightly cool color rendition, without excessive warmth.
Sharpness wide open
Excellent sharpness in the center, even wide open, with good corner performance when stopped down. Sharpness peaks at f/8.
Flare resistance
Good flare resistance, especially at longer focal lengths.
Contrast
Punchy, high-contrast rendering without being harsh.
Vignetting
Moderate vignetting wide open, minimal by f/2.8.
Community Insights
What people love
- Zeiss quality at telephoto
- Versatile range
- Good build quality
- T* coating
What people dislike
- Slow aperture (f/5.6 at 300mm)
- Heavy and large
- Not as sharp as prime telephotos
- Variable aperture
Pro Tips
- Needs tripod or high shutter speed
- Best in good light
- Consider primes if you need speed
- Check for fungus carefully
Sources (2)
phillip_reeve-
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-contax-vario-sonnar-t-4-5-5-6-100-300/
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Contax Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 was Zeiss's answer to the telephoto zoom challenge. A massive undertaking in optical engineering, it brought Zeiss precision to the long zoom category. While not as famous as the portrait primes, it served wildlife and sports photographers who demanded the Zeiss difference at distance.