Just how good are the various Schneider-made MF zoom lenses?

[tak_ming_leung]

I have posted this question in the hope of sharing my experience and

acquiring new information on the famous Schneider Variogon 125-

250/5.6 for Bronica E-series cameras.

I bought a second-hand sample shortly after a friend had told me that

it was a rare and very sharp lens with a ridiculously low used-price.

A close look at its optical spec revealed a highly sophisticated

design by Schneider incorporating exotic rare-earth glass, premium-

grade multi-coating, floating lens elements for fine-tuning

aberrations, and ultra-high precision fabrication and assembly of

mechanical parts.

I would like to hear from fellow photo enthusiasts who own and use

this over-achieving lens. A response I read from the other thread

states that the Variogons were designed during a period in which

Schneider was a dominant player in the professional TV broadcast

camera zoom lens business. Is it true?

[louis_webb]

If I didn`t already have a 150pe and 2x teleconverter,I would seriosly consider getting one of these-close focusing,great optics,etc.Ffords Photographic in Scotland has one for sale at £650(?-around 1000usd,maybe less,taking lack of tax into account for you pro`s/non-uk photographers).

[dick roadnight cotswolds]

Assuming that they are similar to the Hasselblad mount lenses they make, according to the MTF tables in the Hasselblad lens catalog, they are pretty good.

[thomas_diekwisch1]

Extraordinary. At least the 140-280mm. I used to own one and its quality clearly matched or surpassed that of fixed lenses. Also very good macro. After 10 years however I sold it with the rest of my 6006 system. Main reason: the unreliability of the 6006. But today I also don't think I'd buy another one. It's huge and not so fast. I may miss the quality, but then, I have a number of fixed focal length Schneiders to make up for it.