Overview

The Carl Zeiss Jena Biotessar 165mm f/2.8 is a six-element, three-group lens derived from the Tessar formula, dating from the early 1920s. It offers excellent definition over the whole field at full aperture, and when stopped down to f/3.5 or f/4.5, it matches Tessars of those apertures. The lens is uncoated, as coating was developed after its manufacture. It was available in various mounts and shutters, typically for large-format cameras, and is a fine lens of sound optical performance. It suits photographers seeking a fast, universal lens for large-format or adapted use.