Difference between Carl Zeiss "Vario-Sonnar" and "Vario-Tessar" Lenses

Bean · 14th June 2004

Sony uses Carl Zeiss lenses in their higher-end models.

Just wondering what are the differences between a Vario-Sonnar and Vario Tessar Carl Zeiss Lens?

ST1100 · 14th June 2004

The names of Zeiss lenses (Biogon, Distagon, Mirotar, Planar, Sonnar, Superachromat, Tessar, Vario-Sonnar, Vario-Tessar) refer to their optical design.

Sonnar ('sun') was originally a design well suited for bright lenses (f1.5 and above) while Tessar ('four') was an original 4-element design that was famous for sharpness. 'Vario' builds on the orginal design to make the lenses 'variable focal length', or more commonly known as 'zooms'.

http://www.zeiss.de/C12567A8003B58B9?opendatabase => click on 'Lens Names'.

If you're asking about practical differences, sorry, i don't know.

Tachi · 14th June 2004

Tessar lens is well known for its centre sharpness, but gradually smoothen towards the side. But this is the best design that the world of optics can achieve with just 4 elements.

For Sonnar lens, the overall performance would be better than Tessar. But it may lack the tack sharpness of Tessar, especially at the centre.

These are my observation, base on my Contax stuff.

14th June 2004	#1
Bean Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 855	Difference between Carl Zeiss "Vario-Sonnar" and "Vario-Tessar" Lenses Sony uses Carl Zeiss lenses in their higher-end models. Just wondering what are the differences between a Vario-Sonnar and Vario Tessar Carl Zeiss Lens?

14th June 2004	#2
ST1100 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Singapore, Bedok Posts: 1,801	The names of Zeiss lenses (Biogon, Distagon, Mirotar, Planar, Sonnar, Superachromat, Tessar, Vario-Sonnar, Vario-Tessar) refer to their optical design. Sonnar ('sun') was originally a design well suited for bright lenses (f1.5 and above) while Tessar ('four') was an original 4-element design that was famous for sharpness. 'Vario' builds on the orginal design to make the lenses 'variable focal length', or more commonly known as 'zooms'. http://www.zeiss.de/C12567A8003B58B9?opendatabase => click on 'Lens Names'. If you're asking about practical differences, sorry, i don't know.

14th June 2004	#3
Tachi Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: town area Posts: 393	Tessar lens is well known for its centre sharpness, but gradually smoothen towards the side. But this is the best design that the world of optics can achieve with just 4 elements. For Sonnar lens, the overall performance would be better than Tessar. But it may lack the tack sharpness of Tessar, especially at the centre. These are my observation, base on my Contax stuff.