Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZF user reviews
Review by: KAMERAKat9 on Jun 8th, 2009
Experience of this type of product: Good,
Time product owned: More than a year, Price paid: $484. USD
KAMERKat9
I am a B&W photographer and printer. I borrowed the Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 ZF. When I printed the second image, I bought the lens. Unbelievable tones! Whereas the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AIS (Photodo Gr 4.4) gives a tone, the Zeiss gives TWO tones. One has to see a B&W print. Also very sharp.
I would rate the Zeiss a Gr 4.6, estimate.
I am a B&W photographer and printer. I borrowed the Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 ZF. When I printed the second image, I bought the lens. Unbelievable tones! Whereas the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AIS (Photodo Gr 4.4) gives a tone, the Zeiss gives TWO tones. One has to see a B&W print. Also very sharp.
I would rate the Zeiss a Gr 4.6, estimate.
Review by: mustha on Jun 26th, 2008
Experience of this type of product: Good,
Time product owned: More than a year, Price paid: 550$
I bought this lens to replace my Nikon 50mm f/1.8 AI. I use it with an Nikon Fm2 camera, I also have a Nikon 50mm f/ 1.4D AF Nikkor, so my opinions are always drawn in comparison with my experience with the two Nikon lenses.
I admit that electronics might be useful though I don't miss it.
The focus ring is extremely smooth and accurate, more than the Nikon lenses, and the lens is excellently built.
Overall image quality exceeds both Nikons, notably in sharpness and colour accurateness.
I noted a slight barrel distortion on f/2.8 but less than the Nikon lenses.
I haven't tested it in digital cameras.
The following links will take you to some of the images produced with the combination "Nikon FM2+Carl Zeiss Planar T* 1,4/50 ZF + Fuji PRO 160C":
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I admit that electronics might be useful though I don't miss it.
The focus ring is extremely smooth and accurate, more than the Nikon lenses, and the lens is excellently built.
Overall image quality exceeds both Nikons, notably in sharpness and colour accurateness.
I noted a slight barrel distortion on f/2.8 but less than the Nikon lenses.
I haven't tested it in digital cameras.
The following links will take you to some of the images produced with the combination "Nikon FM2+Carl Zeiss Planar T* 1,4/50 ZF + Fuji PRO 160C":
image1
image2
image3
image4
image5
image6
image7
image8
image9
Review by: Sari on Sep 1st, 2007
Experience of this type of product: Good,
Time product owned: Less than a month, Price paid: 400usd
Good lens, Not so expencive in Japan
Review by: jcmthk on Jan 21st, 2007
Experience of this type of product: Good,
Time product owned: Less than a year, Price paid: USD 496
The most expensive 50/1.4 I have even owned, but worth every penny when the picture is out.
Review by: Nicky on Dec 5th, 2006
Experience of this type of product: Good,
Time product owned: Less than a month, Price paid: 650$
Indeed,a fantastic hunk of glass! Extremely sharp, gives true and saturated colors, and a smooth overall picture. In my opinion, ideal for portraiture. The right case to empty the money-box!
Review by: jazzaddict on Nov 28th, 2006
Experience of this type of product: Good,
Time product owned: Less than a week, Price paid: 635 euro
I've owned the Nikkor 50mm F 1.4 AF D, but the Zeiss beat it all the way down. Sharpest lens I've ever seen, even wide open. Superior build quality. A must have !
Review by: Editorial on Aug 29th, 2006
Experience of this type of product: Good,
Time product owned: Less than a week, Price paid: $499
Top end lens. Immaculate sharpness across all apertures and build quality is exceptional. Deserves its reputation
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428 MTF tests
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Help the lens community by reviewing or rating a lens today via our lens search