Sony Zeiss Lenses

[sdgmusic]

What is the difference between the Sonnar and Planar Lenses. Other than their focal length and other features, what between these two makes the GLASS different?

 

[dxqcanada]

Wikipedia:

Compared to Planar designs the Sonnars had more aberrations, but with fewer glass-to-air surfaces it had better contrast and less flare.

While very sharp, the Planar lens suffered from flare due to its many air-to-glass surfaces. In the 1950s, when effective anti-reflective lens coatings became available, coated Planars were produced with much-improved flare.

 

[dxqcanada]

Also, the Sonnar and Planar lens designs are used for different types of focal lengths.

The Planar design is better for fixed focal length.
The Vario-Sonnar is better for zoom lenses.