When it comes to vintage telephoto lenses, this optic is literally a no brainer. Unlike some other Zeiss vintage optics, It's widely available, inexpensive, and delivers images of exceptional quality.

Its only rival in my opinion would be the Super Multi Coated Takumar 135mm f3.5, but it really ends up being a preference based on taste, they both are great optics, the Zeiss being perhaps slightly sharper and having a shorter minimum focusing distance of 1m.

Some people might think an aperure of f3.5 isn't very bright, but considering the average use we make of telephoto lenses, outdoors or in properly lit performance venues, f3.5 is absolutely enough and it guarantees a great background blur and sharp image.

The lens has an incorporated hood to help with contrast in the most demanding situations.

​

Why use the Carl Zeiss Jena MC 135mm f.3.5:

1) Great portrait/telephoto lens

2) Sharpness

3) Beautiful Zeiss colors

4) Smooth background blur

5) Multi coated

​

Weaknesses:

The construction material of the lens is fragile, can easily bend/break if accidentally dropped rendering the lens unusable.

​