Product ReviewsZEISS Planar T 50mm f/2 MF Lens For Leica

Try to check a few before you buy.

Old review for the black version of this lens:
A nice lens, not as sharp as the equivalent Leica wide open, may have problems focussing at infinity unless stopped down.
Build quality not remotely close to Leica, but neither is the price.
Unfortunate that it uses the off beat 43mm filter size.

Sum up - you get what you pay for. Much cheaper than Leica as it is made in Japan by Cosina for Zeiss, not made in Germany by the Zeiss.

New review for the chrome version:

This is my second attempt at using this lens. This time I picked up a silver/chrome version, instead of the black version I had previously.
The silver version seems much nicer finished, even though the body is unchanged. The blue font on the silver is much more visible, and pleasant to look at, than the dull red on the black version.
Mechanically - here is where it gets interesting. The focus weighting on this lens is much heavier than my black one, and more precise. The black one had play in it, this one has none and just feels like a higher end piece. The aperture ring is also tighter.
The focus effort is now tighter than my Summilux 50 1.4 Asph (or V1 Summicron 50mm f2 from 1952), but still not as smooth. I would compare it to the ever so gritty feel of the Summarit line. Either way, this silver Planar is a much nicer sample than my black one.
Optics? Great, no complaint.
The bottom line here is that if in the market for this lens, I would try to sample a few as it seems that the quality control is a touch variable.
I did not recommend my black version, but I do recommend my silver one.Read full review...

Great for the cost!

My dual range Summicron won't work on digital M cameras. This Planar covers my need for the rare time I need a 50mm. It's not a Leica, but a similar design. I'm not convinced the focus is spot on in closer shots, it appears to back focus. I have a number of Zeiss lenses. This one focuses smoothly and tight unlike my 28mm that is stiff and has a noticeable bump and loose spot. Zeiss products are very good but if you are very particular and have the money maybe a Leica product would be your choice. For the money Zeiss is a great value.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: ttlkurtis

Sharp image

It produces very sharp image. I have both SUMMICRON-M 50mm F2.0 and this Zeiss 50mm F2.0 for Leica. I tested on both M monochrome and M-P 240, and I couldn't tell the difference of image quality of them. Zeiss version (Japan made) is only half price as that of Leica SUMMICRON-M.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: nyjbloom

Amazing!

Awesome sharp and colorful lens ! Best value for money on a Leica M-mount camera.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: terrytoh75978

Sharp little prime

Excellent sharpness and image quality. Light but durable.
Excellent lens for the price!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: orcamru62

I totally recommend this lens, the Biogon 35/2 and the Sonnar 85/2.

What a great lens! There is more geometric distortion than with the 35/2 Biogon, but I don't notice any issue since I don't do architectural work. It's really sharp, focuses easily, and provides rich vibrant colors with the Portra and e100g film I like. Check out www.zeissimages.com or flickr to see examples.Read full review...

Great value

Amazing price and really beautiful lens.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: doclane

Outstanding 50mm lens.

Unless you need speed and AF, you're absolutely crazy to pass on this lens. It is crazy sharp with outstanding optics. I have heard about Zeiss lenses, but using this blew my mind. And I haven't even used it on a full frame, yet.Read full review...

As good as the Leica ones

This is a sharp 50mm lens. No asph glasses inside but presents excellent performance. I compared this lens with the leica 50mm lenses. I believe that they are all fabulous lenses. But do not forget that the Zeiss one is much cheaper than the leica ones.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: anarchyswan

Carl Zeiss pop and colors

Carl Zeiss pop and colors. Everything I love in an M lens. Small, smooth focus, solid clicks and the most important image quality. I get that lovely render I crave from Zeiss.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: photospot_japan