Lens Summary
Brand: Zeiss
Also Known As: Zeiss 50mm f/1.4
Lens Type: Prime Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Manual Focus
Lens Mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K
Release Date: 2006-01-01
MSRP Price: $725
Made in: Germany
Infrared Rating: Poor
Production Status: In Production
Lens Description: The focal length of the Planar T* 1,4/50 is equal to the perspective of the human eye. Its fast aperture and exceptional compactness are its outstanding features. This lens produces pleasing portrait style quality at the widest aperture and sharpens considerably beyond f/4 for any general purpose application.
Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Prime Lens |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Mount Type | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K |
| Format | Full Frame / FX |
| Compatible Format(s) | 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor (APS-C) |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | No |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:6.6 |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | Yes |
| Maximim Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 45° |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 7 |
| Lens Groups | 6 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 (rounded) |
| T* Anti-Reflective Coating | Yes |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Manual Focus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.45m |
| Distance Information | Yes |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 58mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | Yes |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Dimensions | 66 x 69mm |
| Weight | 350g |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
Lens Construction 
MTF Chart
MTF Chart
There is no objective answer to the question: Which lens is the best? The answer depends on how you want to depict the motive. Zeiss Planar 50 f:1.4 is excellent for those, who take some time to compose the picture. The rendering is beautiful at f:4 and further up. However, if you wish for a cheap, sharp versatile point-and.shoot lens, then Canon’s small 40 f:2.8 is a better choice. Planar is rather soft at f:1.4 – which is perfect if you wish for a dreamy effect in portraits or landscapes.
This lens is designed in Germany by Zeiss, but manufacturing is done by Cosina Voightlander in Japan.