Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 N Lens

This is a short, chubby lens, looks handsome with the petal lens hood. As with other lenses in the N-series, the zoom and focus rings have the same feel as a manual focus lens. This is a 3 section zoom, but unfortunately not very well sealed - dust on the lens barrel may be brought inside the lens by the zooming action. I figured out a way to partially disassemble the lens so that I can use a dust blower to clean the back of the front element.

The autofocus is driven by an ultrasonic motor for very quiet operation. In terms of sharpness, this is not the lens to end it all. Other N series lenses such as 17-35/2.8, 50/1.4, 85/1.4 and 100/2.8 are all much sharper. But of course, we should not expect the 24-85 to be replacement for fixed focal length lenses. Apparently, it is tuned for common photographic situations. For example, the distortion at 24mm is not excessive, and at 85mm you have very good close-up performance. When Zeiss designed a zoom like this they had to make some compromises, and they did a great job making the right ones, creating a very practical lens. I end up using this lens a lot even when the 85/1.4 and 100/2.8 are both in my camera bag as well, mainly because of the flexibility, AF speed and light weight that the 24-85 offers.

You may use this lens on 3 cameras: Contax N1, Contax NX and Contax N Digital. Alternatively, you may convert the lens mount to Canon EF and use it on cameras such as 5D, 20D, 300D, 350D, 400D, etc. (It will still autofocus after conversion.)