The Carl Zeiss Sonnar 180mm f/4 CF provides superior subject separation compared to the 80mm or 150mm.

• It compresses features better for portraits.
• Buy used from reputable Japanese sellers on eBay to save 20-30% over local shops.
• Ensure you test the shutter speeds immediately, as repairing these is expensive and negates your savings.

To add to the point above: idk, I feel like everyone sleeps on the older glass. Like, don't get me wrong, the 150mm is a total classic, but if you're really struggling with the 80mm feeling 'flat,' maybe you just need to change your lighting game before dropping a ton of cash? NGL, I bought a Carl Zeiss Sonnar 150mm f/4 C T<em> off a guy on FB Marketplace for super cheap, and it honestly changed my life. It has that creamy separation you're looking for without the insane price tag of the newer lenses. If you're stressed about wasting money, just hunt for a decent copy of the Carl Zeiss Sonnar 150mm f/4 C T</em> and save the rest for more film. Seriously, stop overthinking the 'clinical' stuff and just get the cheaper Sonnar, it works wonders... honestly, it's such a steal.

@Reply #7 - good point! If you really want that dreamy separation, track down a Carl Zeiss Sonnar 150mm f/4 CF and pair it with a bright focusing screen. Game changer.

Honestly, everyone and their cousin keeps pushing the Zeiss 120mm f/4 Makro-Planar CFi for portraits, but I think you're going to be disappointed if you're looking for that 'dreamy' separation. It’s clinical—sharper than a razor and honestly a bit too sterile for faces. If you want that classic look without it feeling flat, you need to stop chasing the technical perfection that the internet obsesses over. Instead, look into these:

• Zeiss 150mm f/4 Sonnar C T*: This is the real portrait king. It compresses the background way better than your 80mm ever could, and the bokeh has a specific character that feels more organic than the modern stuff.
• Zeiss 180mm f/4 Sonnar CF: If you have the space to back up, this lens renders skin tones in a way that feels almost painterly. Wait, no—I mean, the 150mm is the sweet spot. It’s significantly cheaper than the Makro, too, usually hovering around $600-$900 depending on the condition, and it doesn't give you that 'digital-sharp' look that ruins medium format film portraits. The 80mm is fine for street, but for portraits, you're fighting the focal length. Grab a Sonnar and you'll see that separation you’re craving immediately. Don't fall for the hype of the macro lenses unless you're actually shooting bugs or jewelry.

@Reply #1 - good point! Save your cash and grab a Carl Zeiss Sonnar 150mm f/4 CF. I found one used for $450; it beats the overpriced stuff any day.

@Reply #4 - good point! Listen, everyone is chasing these long focal lengths like they're magic, but if your 80mm looks muddy, a longer lens is just gonna magnify your technique issues. Look, I work on machines all day and I know when a tool is the problem versus the operator. You want separation? You need to stop shooting wide open and start minding your background distance. If you really wanna step up, stop messing around and find a Carl Zeiss Sonnar 150mm f/4 CF. It is the gold standard for a reason. Its optical formula is sharp as a tack but gives you that classic roll-off that makes skin look like skin, not digital mush. Don't go for the 180mm unless you have a massive studio space, honestly. You'll be backing into walls trying to frame a headshot. Also, check your focusing screen. If it's the old matte one, you're never gonna nail focus wide open. Swap it for an Acute Matte D screen and your hit rate will skyrocket. It is not always the glass, kid. Sometimes it is just knowing how to calibrate your setup so the focus plane actually hits where you want it. Stop overthinking the gear and get the basics right. The 150mm CF is all you need.

I totally agree with everyone saying to check your screen! I just went through this whole ordeal last week—I was so frustrated thinking my gear was just cursed. I finally realized my old screen was just too dim to nail the focus properly. Once I swapped that out, everything started popping way more. I'm no expert, but sometimes it really is just about seeing what you're actually shooting, you know?

I am right there with you. It is honestly ridiculous how much money we pour into this hobby just to feel like we are fighting our own equipment. I spent all morning working on my gear, and the prices for these lenses are just a complete scam. Companies clearly do not care about the working photographer anymore.

• The markup on these pieces of glass is insane.
• Quality control seems to be a thing of the past.
• Maintenance costs make me want to quit entirely. I could have bought my kids so much with what I have sunk into this system. Dealer wanted $600 for a basic service, but I did it myself for $50. It drives me crazy that I have to be an amateur repairman just to get decent results. It is just constant frustration.

> I feel like everyone sleeps on the older glass. Like, don't get me wrong, the 150mm is a total classic, but if you're really struggling with the 80mm feeling 'flat,' maybe you just need to change your lighting game before dropping a ton of cash? Like someone mentioned, this comes up a lot around here. I spent way too many years obsessing over finding the 'perfect' lens because I thought my portraits were missing that specific soul, but looking back, I was just ignoring my light. I remember once I spent a fortune on a piece of glass that promised the moon, only to realize the real issue was my placement. There's a great site called LightStalking that has some solid breakdown articles on portrait lighting patterns that completely changed how I approach my shoots. Honestly, check that out before buying more gear—it saved me from a lot of frustration.

Just catching up on this thread. Honestly, stop obsessing over the brand name. I saved a ton fixing my own gear instead of paying shop prices. Dealer wanted $400 for a CLA but I did it for $80 in my garage. Whatever you get, watch out for shutter speeds that sound sluggish. If you buy cheap, budget for a service or you are just gonna throw money away on soft, muddy results.

My buddy told me the exact same thing last week. Guess he was right lol.

This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖