* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Contax 200mm f/2 APO Sonnar T* MM C/Y Mount Lens {Gel}
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Contax's 200mm f/2 APO Sonnar, Carl Zeiss glass at its most serious
The 200mm f/2 APO Sonnar T* MM is one of the most demanding optics Contax ever produced in the C/Y mount system. The apochromatic design corrects chromatic aberration across all three primary wavelengths, so color fringing at f/2 stays controlled in a way that standard telephoto designs can't match. T* anti-reflective coating keeps contrast and color fidelity strong even when shooting into or across a light source. The gel filter holder at the rear gives photographers a practical way to use large-format filtration on a lens whose front element would make conventional filter threads prohibitively expensive.
MM compatibility means the lens communicates program and shutter-priority exposure data to MM-generation Contax bodies. On modern systems, C/Y adapters are well-established on both full-frame mirrorless mounts and 35mm film bodies, so the optical investment remains fully accessible. At f/2 and 200mm, the combination of reach and maximum aperture is narrow enough that this lens has always occupied a specific, uncompromising niche, the kind of glass purchased deliberately, not casually.
Who It's For
Portrait photographers drawn to shallow depth of field at distance will find the f/2 maximum aperture at 200mm produces subject separation that slower telephoto primes simply cannot replicate. Film shooters running a Contax RTS or Aria body get full MM metering integration. Documentary and photojournalism photographers working in low light need the light-gathering advantage that f/2 provides at this focal length, and the APO correction keeps subject color accurate under mixed or artificial sources. Collectors and optical enthusiasts building a serious C/Y system will recognize this lens as one of the mount's flagship pieces.
Key Features
- 200mm focal length with f/2 maximum aperture
- Apochromatic optical design corrects chromatic aberration
- T* anti-reflective coating for contrast and color fidelity
- MM-compatible with program and shutter-priority exposure data
- Contax/Yashica C/Y mount
- Rear gel filter holder for large-format filtration
FAQ
- What does APO mean on this Contax lens?
- APO (apochromatic) corrects chromatic aberration across all three primary color wavelengths, which keeps color fringing controlled at f/2 - something standard telephoto designs struggle with at that aperture.
- Will this lens work on modern mirrorless cameras?
- Yes, through C/Y adapters, which are well-established for both full-frame mirrorless and 35mm film bodies. The optical design remains fully accessible.
- What's the purpose of the gel filter holder?
- It lets you use large-format filtration without threading filters directly onto the front element, which would be impractical on a 200mm f/2 lens.
- Does MM compatibility matter if I don't own a Contax MM body?
- Not functionally. MM lets the lens communicate program and shutter-priority exposure data to MM-generation Contax bodies, but the lens performs identically on all C/Y-mount systems.
- How does T* coating affect image quality?
- T* anti-reflective coating maintains contrast and color fidelity even when shooting into or across a light source - critical at maximum aperture where internal reflections can degrade contrast.
- Who should buy a 200mm f/2?
- Photographers who deliberately need the combination of 200mm reach and f/2 maximum aperture. It's uncompromising glass for specific shooting demands, not a general-purpose telephoto.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 200mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Mount | Contax/Yashica (C/Y) |
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 |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Contax MM |
| Lens Type | Telephoto / Long |
| Max Focal Length | 200mm |
| Min Focal Length | 200mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
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.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
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.
Excellent
Excellent
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.
Bargain
Bargain
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.
Ugly
Ugly
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.
