Contax 90mm f/2.8 vs Olympus 35mm f/2.8 Shift: Portrait vs Perspective

Quick answer

Choose the Contax 90mm f/2.8 Sonnar for classic portrait work with beautiful rendering, or the Olympus 35mm f/2.8 Shift for architectural and interior shots that demand perspective control.

Trade-offs at a glance

• Focal length and use: 90mm on the Contax gives a classic portrait perspective with subject isolation. 35mm on the Olympus is a wide angle that lets you capture interiors and exteriors with room to shift.
• Special feature: The Olympus has shift capability to correct converging verticals. The Contax has no shift, but delivers the smooth bokeh and sharpness expected from a Carl Zeiss Sonnar design.
• Optical condition trade-off: The Contax has front element marks that don't affect images, making it a great value. The Olympus is optically cleaner but costs more. Both are fully functional. Inspect sample images if possible, but both are rated as very good to excellent.

Product facts

• Contax 90mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Sonnar G Series Lens - USED: Condition: Used, fully tested, 90-day warranty. Very Good cosmetic condition, glass has some marks on front element that won't affect image quality. You get a reliable portrait lens with minor cosmetic wear at a budget-friendly price.

  

• Olympus 35mm f/2.8 Shift OM Lens - USED: Condition: Used, fully tested, 90-day warranty. Excellent cosmetic and optical condition, very light debris that won't affect images, smooth shift and aperture ring. The shift mechanism works smoothly, making it ready for precise architectural work right out of the box.

  

Which lens fits you?

Best for

• Portrait photographers who want a classic short telephoto with Zeiss rendering
• Architecture or interior shooters who need perspective control on a budget

Not for

• Anyone needing a single do-it-all lens—these are specialized tools
• Macro or extreme close-up work (neither lens is designed for high magnification)