OTHER ZOOMS
40-80 f4 ($??? new, $350 today/used)
The venerable 40-80 AE was replaced by the iconic 35-70 MM. This classic zoom is quite old (there are West German copies with serials in late 5's), and is the only short range zoom w/ the ninja star. Plagued with distortion both at 40mm and 80mm, this lens was nevertheless very strong at 50mm. We've never used it, but appears to have nice bokeh, with lovely vintage character. Perhaps because of it's lack of premium attributes, was never very popular? Easy to see why it was replaced by the legendary 35-70. Hard to recommend unless you're looking for a classic (though flawed) AE zoom with character (my gut tells me it flares like crazy, esp the very old ones).
70-210 3.3 ($??? new, $1,250 today/used)
This AE telephoto zoom is a conundrum - it remains outrageously expensive, though the 80-200 is arguably better for 1/4 the price. However, in it's hayday the 70-210 was almost certainly commendable. It was fast at 3.3 and provided a tad more range than traditional 80-200's. Also blessed with gorgeous macro close focusing. Never spectacularly sharp, its hefty price may have been a tough sell. Was eventually supplanted by the more modern and affordable 80-200 MM, and also by the spectacular 100-300. For the price, hard to recommend (unless you are specifically looking for a vintage AE tele zoom).
OTHER PRIMES
45 2.8 ($585 new, $350 today/used)
This pocket sized Tessar is tiny - but also hard to work with on set. However for specialty applications where a truly tiny medium prime is needed, this Tessar certainly fits the bill Proffessional wide open, sharp stopped down, and with minimal distortion, this micro prime is commendable. However hard to pick over the faster, better and more affordable 50 1.7. Designed with even more plastic than the 1.7, the build quality is also below normal Contax standards.
60 2.8 C Macro ($??? new, $450 today/used)
Allegedly the same optical design as it's bigger brother (the 1:1 "S") this smaller, lighter "C" can only focus down to 1:2. Some believe the "S" is superior across the board, but the MTFs suggest the "C" is also a fine lens. That said, hard to recommend when the prized "S" is only modestly more $$$.
200 3.5 ($??? new, $350 today/used)
Expensive in its day, and only marginally cheaper than the faster 180 2.8, this Tessar must have struggled to emerge from under the Sonnar's shadow. A poor seller, it was eventually replaced by the smaller and cheaper 200 f4 (a more true "budget" tele). Suffering from CA wide open, this vintage tele is not demandingly sharp. However its older coatings, ninja star, and classic design give it a unique render thats worth a second look. Terrific build quality too. I personally kind of like it.
200 f4 ($??? new, $350 today/used)
An updated, budget version of the 200 3.5, the f4 is smaller, making it better suited for travel. The MTFs suggest it's a fine lens. Though for the $$$ you're likely far better off getting the 180 2.8 or 80-200 f4 (depending on your needs).
