Photography GearMorten ByskovOctober 23, 2024Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2 review, Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2 sample images, Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2 sample photos, Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2 and Leica SL2-S, Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2 adapted to a Leica SL2-S, Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2 image qualityComment

Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2 Review

The Zeiss Apo-Sonnar 135mm f/2 ZF.2 — Zeiss Apo-Sonnar 135mm f/2 ZF.2

Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 on a Leica SL2-S

It’s been a while since I've had hands-on experience with a fast telephoto prime lens. The Panasonic Lumix S 100mm f/2.8 that I tried in the spring was excellent, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, I would not put it in the fast category.

My friend Chris mentioned he has an F-Mount version of the Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 and asked if I was interested in trying it. Although it is a manual focus lens, I was thrilled to give it a quick test.

I dug out my Nikon F to Leica L-Mount adapter and met Chris at SFU (Simon Fraser University) in Vancouver.

Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2

Build Quality and Handling

The Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 is stunningly gorgeous to look at and handle. Everything about this lens breathes quality. Focusing is super smooth with a fairly long focus throw.

The large metal lens hood reinforces the quality feel but makes for a fairly large lens overall. Dimensions without the hood are 3.31 x 4.13" / 84.07 x 104.9 mm, and the lens weighs a hefty 2.9 lbs / 1,315 g.

The balance of the Leica SL2-S is okay, but it is undeniably heavy, and I feel that this lens is for special occasions or trips, perhaps not a daily carry.

With the F to L-Mount adapter the aperture ring is pushed an inch out from the camera and it makes for better ergonomics as it is easier to access with a bit of distance from the camera body.

Flowers at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. Sample image from a Zeiss App-Sonnar 135mm f/2 and Leica SL2-S. — Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2

Image Quality

I accidentally shot all the images in this quick review in JPEG instead of my usual RAW setting. As it played out it was a good exercise and I discovered that I dig the JPEG quality from my Leica SL2-S and that the files were fairly malleable.

I found the image quality from the Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 top-notch. I realize this was a limited test but as for sharpness, bokeh, and color output, I cannot complain. I was enthralled and envisioned that this is the kind of lens you would bring out whenever you wanted to deliver above-average results.

The sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide depending on your monitor size. Please click to view larger photos if viewed on your PC or laptop, or pinch-zoom if you are viewing on your phone.

Terry Fox Statue at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. Sample image from a Zeiss App-Sonnar 135mm f/2 and Leica SL2-S. — Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Leica SL2-S, Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 ZF.2

Final Thoughts

The Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 was initially released in 2012 but has now been discontinued. A quick eBay search shows pricing for used copies around $900.00 to $1100.00 depending on the condition of the lens. I would argue that this represents good value as long as you can live with manual focus and the weight of the lens.

For years I used 70-200mm zoom lenses in this focal length range but as soon I replaced the 70-200mm option for prime lenses at 85mm and 135mm I never looked back. The Zeiss Apo-Sonnar T* 135mm f/2 reminds me of such a prime lens where you simply marvel at the final output which makes you want to use it again and again.

Please keep scrolling for a few more sample images.