No photo available for this lens
Production
1995
Country
Japan
Optical
5 elements in 4 groups
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Contax G Sonnar 90mm f/2.8
Contax G
Overview
The Contax G Sonnar 90mm f/2.8 brings Zeiss's legendary Sonnar design to the compact G-mount system. The Sonnar formula, invented by Zeiss in 1929, uses thick elements to minimize air-glass surfaces, resulting in excellent flare resistance and unique rendering. This modern interpretation maintains that character while achieving remarkable sharpness. It's a sleeper in the G lineup — less famous than the 45mm but equally impressive.
Verdict: The portrait sleeper of the Contax G system. While everyone focuses on the 45mm, this 90mm quietly delivers beautiful images with classic Sonnar character. Compact, well-built, and optically excellent — it deserves more recognition.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Smooth and pleasant, not as creamy as f/1.4 lenses but well-behaved with 6 aperture blades.
Color
Neutral and accurate, with natural skin tones and clean whites.
Sharpness wide open
Excellent wide open, remarkably sharp for a vintage lens, with good corner sharpness by f/2.8.
Flare resistance
Well-controlled with multi-coating, minimal ghosting.
Contrast
Good contrast with punchy midtones, well-balanced.
Vignetting
Light vignetting wide open, gone by f/2.8.
Community Insights
What people love
- Classic Sonnar character
- Beautiful bokeh for portraits
- Compact size for a 90mm
- Warm, flattering color
- Excellent flare resistance
- Adapts well to mirrorless
- 90mm ideal for headshots
What people dislike
- f/2.8 limiting for low light
- Native G-mount autofocus unreliable
- Adapter required for other systems
- Less sharp than the 45mm
- Overshadowed by the 45mm's fame
Pro Tips
- Excellent portrait lens on adapted mirrorless
- 90mm + 45mm makes a perfect two-lens kit
- Warm rendering suits portraits naturally
- Good travel lens — light for 90mm
Sources (2)
phillip_reeve-
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-zeiss-sonnar-2-890/
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Contax G Sonnar 90mm f/2.8 brings Zeiss's legendary Sonnar design to the compact G-mount system. The Sonnar formula, invented by Zeiss in 1929, uses thick elements to minimize air-glass surfaces, resulting in excellent flare resistance and unique rendering. This modern interpretation maintains that character while achieving remarkable sharpness. It's a sleeper in the G lineup — less famous than the 45mm but equally impressive.