Tamron Adaptall 135mm f/2.8 BBAR Multi Coated (CT-135, 1976-1979)

Tamron Adaptall 135mm f/2.8
BBAR Multi Coated
(CT-135, 1976-1979)

2017.09.11 - Published

2022.08.08 - Re-written, re-uploaded

Tamron Adaptall

135mm f/2.8

BBAR Multi Coated

Model - CT-135

Years Produced - 1976-1979

System - Adaptall

Minimum Focusing - 1.5 meters

Focus Throw - 180 degrees

Filter Thread Ø - 55mm

Aperture Range - f/2.8 - f/22

# Diaphragm Blades - 6

Optical Formula - 4 elements, 4 groups

Coating - BBAR MC

Made in Japan

Special Features:

Built-in retractable lens hood

Manual/Auto diaphragm switch

Broad Band Anti Reflective Multi-Coating

VERSIONS

Model# 280 (1958-1962)

135mm f/4.5

T-Mount, 4el/2gr

(Tamron's first SLR lens)

https://www.tamron.co.jp/data/old-lens/olm135f4_5.htm

Model# 680 (1962-1969)

135mm f/2.8

T-Mount, 4el/4gr

https://www.tamron.co.jp/data/old-lens/olm135f2_8.htm

Model# 680AR (1962-1969)

135mm f/2.8

Fixed Mount, 4el/4gr

https://www.tamron.co.jp/data/old-lens/olm135.htm

Model# 860 (1963-1969)

135mm f/3.5

T-Mount, 4el/4gr

https://www.tamron.co.jp/data/old-lens/olm135f3_5.htm

Model# JSG-28Au (1972-1973)

135mm f/2.8

Adapt-A-Matic, 4el/4gr

https://www.tamron.co.jp/data/old-lens/lm135.htm

Model# CT-135 (1976-1979)

135mm f/2.8

Adaptall, 4el/4gr

https://www.tamron.co.jp/data/old-lens/ct135.htm

Model# 03B (1979-1984)

135mm f/2.5

Adaptall-2, 4el/4gr

https://www.tamron.co.jp/data/a2-lens/03b.htm

Photo Album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/M3nAWhqUPrxEnyQn7

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Impressions

History

Tamron created its first interchangeable mount system in 1957, called the T-Mount. It was followed by the Adapt-A-Matic (1969-1973) and later the Adaptall system (1973-2006). Tamron made five versions of this lens.

The 135mm f/4.5 (1958) was the first SLR lens that they made. From the 1950s to 1970s, zoom lenses were perceived as inferior to prime lenses. Cameras often came with prime lenses as kit (35mm, 50mm, 135mm) -- that is why these lenses are very common in the used market and sell very cheap.

The Adapt-A-Matic system only lasted four years from 1969 to 1973. Many of the lenses in this system were carried over to the Adaptall with only mere cosmetic changes.

Handling

The Tamron Adaptall 135mm f/2.8 (CT-135) is a stylish, compact and lightweight lens. It comes with a short retractable lens hood, which I felt should have been longer (maybe 40cm) to be more effective. The focusing ring is velvety smooth. It has a switch on the side which lets you toggle between Manual and Auto diaphragm. It is an annoying placement because I had a tendency to touch it while turning the aperture ring.

Adaptability

The lens was very popular during film era, but it can still be adapted to any modern DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Genuine Adaptall adapters can still be found in the used market, but third party adapters can also be bought cheaper. The only difference is that genuine Adaptall adapters support auto diaphragm and meter coupling, the third party ones are fully manual.

Image Quality

The lens has a decent sharpness at f/2.8, but it does look a bit soft, which is what you want shooting portrtait with. It sharpens up once stopped down to f/4. One of my samples demonstrates this lens with a Kenko Closeup Filter (+3) and stopped down to f/16, it does make a good macro lens too! I like the pleasing colors, but it has a tendency to render cooler (greenish/blue) than my other lenses.