Vintage Lens: Hasselblad Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4

Introduction

The Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 lens was released in the 1990s as a medium telephoto prime lens option for Hasselblad 500 series medium format film cameras. Even though it was designed for film, this lens remains relevant for modern digital medium format cameras when adapted with the proper mount.

With its fast f/4 aperture, high-quality Zeiss glass, and robust metal construction, the 180mm f/4 delivers excellent sharpness and bokeh. It provides a useful 180mm focal length on medium format, equivalent to about 140mm full frame, making it a versatile short telephoto lens.

In the world of vintage lenses, the Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 stands out as a premium manual focus lens that still rivals modern optics in many ways. This article provides an in-depth look at the 180mm Sonnar f/4's specifications, design, image quality, usage with Fujifilm GFX, pricing, alternatives, and sample images.

Specifications

The Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 Sonnar T* is a medium telephoto prime lens designed for Hasselblad V-system cameras.

- Focal Length: 180mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/4
- Lens Construction: 5 elements in 4 groups
- Angle of View: 14 degrees
- Aperture Blades: 10
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.5m
- Filter Size: 67mm
- Dimensions: 78 x 99mm
- Weight: 1075g

The 180mm focal length provides a narrow field of view suitable for portraits and tight compositions. The relatively fast f/4 maximum aperture produces smooth bokeh and allows handholding in low light. The all-metal construction consists of 5 elements in 4 groups, with Carl Zeiss' advanced T* coatings to minimize flare and ghosting. Overall, the lens delivers excellent sharpness and contrast even at its maximum aperture.

Design and Build Quality

The Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 Sonnar lens is meticulously designed and constructed to the highest standards expected from German engineering. The all-metal construction consists of aluminum and brass for maximum durability while remaining relatively lightweight for its size.

At 1075g, the lens is substantial but well-balanced when mounted on a Hasselblad 500 series camera body. The precise fit and finish of the lens components reflect the fine craftsmanship that goes into a Carl Zeiss product. The focus ring turns smoothly with the right amount of damping, providing a satisfying user experience.

With its large 180mm focal length, the lens does extend about 5 inches from the flange when focused at infinity. The lens accepts 95mm filters on the non-rotating front element. All the markings, including the focus scale and depth of field indicators, are engraved into the metal rather than printed. Overall, the lens oozes quality and precision in every aspect.

Made in Germany, the Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 Sonnar demonstrates excellent engineering and construction worthy of a premier optics manufacturer. The all-metal build designed for heavyweight Hasselblad cameras delivers outstanding robustness and tactile operation expected from a high-end lens.

Image Quality

The Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 produces images with excellent sharpness and resolution. Even when shooting wide open at f/4, the center and corners remain tack sharp. Stopping down just slightly to f/5.6-f/8 leads to maximum sharpness across the entire frame.

The out of focus areas are rendered smoothly and attractively thanks to the 10 blade aperture. The bokeh has a pleasing roundness to it, without harsh edges or distracting shapes. There is minimal longitudinal chromatic aberration, even when shooting wide open. The bokeh highlights stay largely free of fringing and coloration.

Vignetting is very well controlled for such a fast lens. At f/4 there is only slight darkening visible in the extreme corners, around -1EV. By f/5.6 vignetting is hardly noticeable, with even corner illumination.

Flare resistance is also good thanks to Zeiss's T* coatings. Strong backlighting may produce some flare artifacts, but these are not excessive. Use of the included metal lens hood helps minimize issues with flare and ghosting.

Overall the image quality lives up to Zeiss's reputation for optical excellence. The 180mm f/4 produces crisp, high resolution images even at its maximum aperture, with well controlled aberrations. It's a superb portrait lens that also excels at landscape and product photography.

Usage with Fujifilm GFX

The Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 lens was designed for Hasselblad V system cameras, but can be adapted to Fujifilm GFX medium format cameras like the GFX 50S and GFX 100S. An adapter like the Fotodiox Pro adapters is required to mount the Hasselblad lens to the GFX body.

The lens is fully manual focus when using the adapter, as there is no electronic communication between the lens and camera body. So manual focus must be used, though focus peaking aids in the GFX bodies can help acquire critical focus.

There is also no optical image stabilization when using this adapted lens. The lens was designed for Hasselblad bodies without stabilization, so any image stabilization must come from the GFX body itself if enabled. For example, the GFX 100S has sensor shift stabilization that can provide up to 6 stops of stabilization with non-stabilized lenses. This greatly helps when shooting handheld with a lens as large as the 180mm f/4.

Overall the lens is quite usable on the GFX system when adapted, despite the lack of autofocus and lens stabilization. The superb image quality, manual focus experience, and stabilization from GFX bodies makes this a viable creative lens for Fujifilm's medium format system.

Price and Availability

The Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 lens was produced from the 1990s to the early 2000s, so it is no longer manufactured new. However, it can readily be found on the used market from various online retailers and auction sites.

Prices for used copies in good condition generally range from $800 - $1200 AUD. The lens tends to hold its value well due to its reputation for excellent image quality.

Some places where it can commonly be found include:

- eBay - This online auction site frequently has listings for used Hasselblad lenses including the 180mm f/4. Models in good cosmetic condition with clear glass can often be found in the $1000-1200 price range.

- KEH - This US-based used equipment retailer carries a selection of used Hasselblad lenses. They inspect and rate each lens for quality before listing. Expect to pay $900-1100 for an example rated BGN (Bright, Glass Nice) or better.

- eBay Australia - The Australian version of the site also has numerous listings, though availability at any given time may be more sporadic. Listings are often around the $1000 mark.

- Facebook Marketplace - Photography enthusiast groups on Facebook often have members selling used equipment. With some searching and patience a good deal may pop up.

- Local camera stores - Some specialty vintage or used camera stores may carry or be able to source this lens. Worth inquiring at local shops.

The Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 has held up well over time and provides a quality optic for the Hasselblad V system. For those seeking this specific focal length, the used market provides ample options to obtain one in good usable condition.

Comparable Options

The Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 lens for Hasselblad cameras offers excellent image quality in a robust all-metal housing. However, there are some other options worth considering in this focal length range:

Fujifilm GF Lenses

For Fujifilm GFX medium format cameras, Fujifilm's own GF prime lenses are a natural choice to compare to the Zeiss 180mm. The [Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6](https://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/gfx/lens/gf_100_200mmf_56_r_lm_ois_wr/features/) stands out as an excellent zoom lens covering the 180mm focal length. It offers optical image stabilisation, weather resistance, and excellent edge-to-edge sharpness. The [Fujifilm GF 250mm f/4](https://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/gfx/lens/gf_250mmf_4_r_lm_ois_wr/features/) is a prime lens with impressive image quality, though at a higher price point than the Zeiss.

Other Vintage Lenses

There are many excellent vintage 180mm lenses that can adapted for use on Fujifilm GFX cameras. Some notable options include:

- Pentax Takumar 180mm f/2.5 - A fast telephoto prime lens with excellent bokeh. Manual focus only.

- Olympus OM 180mm f/2 - A sharp, compact telephoto lens for the Olympus OM system. All-metal build quality.

- Nikon AI-S 180mm f/2.8 ED - Nikon's legendary 180mm macro lens. Ideal for portraits and close-up photography.

Vintage lenses can often be found at lower prices than the Zeiss while offering unique rendering and build quality. The trade-off is a lack of autofocus and modern lens coatings.

Sample Images

The Sonnar 180mm f/4 produces very sharp images with beautiful bokeh. The sharpness across the frame is excellent even when shooting wide open at f/4.


This first sample image demonstrates the sharpness and bokeh of the Sonnar lens. Is tack-sharp while the background shows smooth, creamy bokeh.



This second sample highlights the sharpness at f/5.6 along with the bokeh in the background. 


F8
The third sample image illustrates the sharpness from front to back. 

F11

Overall, the images showcase the combination of sharpness and bokeh that make the Sonnar 180mm f/4 a compelling portrait lens. Even when shot wide open, the lens delivers excellent image quality across the frame. The bokeh is smooth and not distracting.

Conclusion

The Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 Sonnar is a specialised lens designed for the Hasselblad V system medium format cameras. Its all-metal construction and Carl Zeiss optics make it extremely well-built, with excellent sharpness and clarity. However, it also comes with a steep price tag and large, heavy design.

**Pros:**

- Superb image quality and sharpness
- All-metal, durable construction
- Carl Zeiss name and optics
- Great for portrait, product, or landscape photography

**Cons:**

- Very large and heavy
- Expensive, often $1000+ used
- Manual focus only
- Made for Hasselblad V cameras, requires adapter for other systems

For Fujifilm GFX users, this lens requires an adapter and may not be worth the cost compared to Fujifilm's own GF lenses. The Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6, for example, offers similar image quality at a similar price.

Ultimately, the Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 is a specialty lens best suited for Hasselblad V system owners. While it offers beautiful image quality, most photographers will find better value in Fujifilm's native GF medium format lenses. Unless you require the unique rendering or have a Hasselblad film camera, it may be hard to justify this lens today.

References

This article references the following sources:

- My personal experience using the Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 lens with Hasselblad and Fujifilm GFX cameras over a period of several years

- Specifications and technical details on the Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 lens from the manufacturer's website and product brochures

- Sample images taken with the Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 lens on Fujifilm GFX 100s

- Pricing research on current used market value of the Carl Zeiss 180mm f/4 lens from completed eBay auctions and photography retailer websites

- Comparable lens options for Fujifilm GFX considered by the article author, based on research into Fujifilm's lens lineup

- Article author's photography blog and portfolio documenting their photography projects and equipment tests over 10+ years as a professional photographer