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Contax 180mm f/2.8 Sonnar T* C/Y Mount Lens, Germany, Black {72} with Built-in Hood

Model #218583
  • $193.00

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New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
BN Bargain
With Caps; Made in Germany
$193.00
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Zeiss-made 180mm f/2.8 Sonnar for C/Y mount shooters

The Contax 180mm f/2.8 Sonnar T* is a German-made telephoto built around the classic Sonnar optical formula, with Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating applied to every element. That coating cuts ghosting and flare in ways that matter when you're shooting into strong backlight or against bright backgrounds, exactly the situations where lesser telephotos fall apart. The built-in hood adds protection without extra bulk, and the 72mm filter thread gives you a manageable front end for a lens of this reach and speed.

At f/2.8, this focal length produces a working combination of subject isolation and reach that portrait and event photographers have always valued. Manual focus is the operating mode here, which suits deliberate shooting styles far better than it inconveniences them. C/Y mount adapts to a wide range of modern mirrorless systems with standard third-party adapters, meaning this glass still earns its place in current workflows. A German-manufactured Zeiss Sonnar at f/2.8 represents a level of optical engineering that holds up against anything made in the decades since.

Who It's For

Portrait photographers shooting on adapted mirrorless bodies will get direct use from the f/2.8 maximum aperture at 180mm, which produces strong subject separation at moderate working distances. Telephoto enthusiasts drawn to Zeiss optical rendering can access the Sonnar T* character at a fraction of new-glass pricing. Film shooters with existing C/Y bodies, Contax RTS, RX, or ST series, get a native-mount fast telephoto. Theatrical and performance photographers who work in available light will appreciate f/2.8 at this focal length when distance keeps them from the stage.

Key Features

  • Sonnar optical formula with T* coating on every element
  • 180mm focal length, f/2.8 maximum aperture
  • German-made Zeiss construction
  • C/Y mount adapts to modern mirrorless systems
  • Built-in lens hood
  • 72mm filter thread
  • Manual focus operation

FAQ

What's the optical design of this 180mm?
It's a Sonnar formula lens made by Zeiss with T* anti-reflective coating on every element. That coating eliminates the ghosting and flare you'll see in uncoated or partially coated telephotos when shooting into bright light.
Is this lens autofocus or manual focus?
Manual focus only. For deliberate shooting-portraiture, events, studio work-that's actually an advantage, not a limitation.
What mount is this, and does it work on modern cameras?
C/Y (Contax/Yashica) mount. It adapts to mirrorless systems with standard third-party C/Y to E-mount, L-mount, or RF adapters. Works on Sony, Leica, Canon RF, and most others.
What filter size does it take?
72mm. The built-in hood is already integrated, so you're not buying extra accessories to get full protection.
How does f/2.8 at 180mm compare for portraits?
You get genuine subject separation and enough reach to work from a comfortable distance without distortion. Portrait and event photographers have built entire careers around this exact combination.
Where was this lens made?
Germany. Zeiss manufacture, full stop.
Will this lens work on digital cameras?
Yes, via C/Y to digital mount adapter. Infinity focus is accurate; no optical corrections needed. It behaves exactly as it did on film bodies.
SpecificationValue
Focal Length180mm
Max Aperturef/2.8
MountContax/Yashica (C/Y)
Filter Thread72mm
Country Of ManufactureGermany
ColorBlack

This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.

Brand Name Contax
Filter Size 72mm
Focus Type Manual focus (only)
Lens Mount Contax AE
Lens Type Telephoto / Long
Max Focal Length 180mm
Min Focal Length 180mm