Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras
The Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount cameras is a macro lens that provides a normal perspective and allows for close focusing down to 9.4" (24 cm). It uses a new lens design which incorporates floating elements to ensure high performance across a wide focusing range. As a result, the lens can be used for non-macro applications and becomes a versatile 'standard' lens when used with a full frame camera.
The new ZF.2 lenses are an enhanced version of ZF lenses. They feature an electronic interface (CPU) that enables support of all important camera operating modes such as shutter priority, aperture priority and programmed auto exposure or manual exposure settings. Photographers no longer have to set the parameters in the camera menu as the lens now transmits standard data such as focal length, speed and the aperture setting to the camera. This data can then be viewed in the EXIF data of each picture.
The ZF.2 lenses have a mechanical lock on the aperture ring to lock the aperture ring at the lowest setting and prevent unintentional adjustment while taking pictures.
For technical reasons, these lenses do not have a half-step aperture lock between the lowest (stop position) and the second lowest aperture setting. This guarantees reliable recognition of the automatic position. The lowest aperture on ZF.2 lenses is colored orange to emphasize the automatic position of the aperture ring.
- Compatibility
-
Nikon:
F2-A, Nikkormat FT3, FM, FM2 (Manual only)
F2-AS (Manual & Shutter Priority only)
EM (Aperture Priority only)
EL, FE, FE2, FM3A, F3 (Manual only)
F301, F501, FG (Manual & Aperture Priority only)
FA, F4, F5 (all functions supported)
F70, F90, F90X, F100, F401, F601, F801, D1, D1X, D1H, F50, F55, F65, F75, F80, D40, D40X, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80, D90, D100, D3000, D5000 (all functions supported)
F6, D2-Series, D200, D300, D300s, D3, D3s, D3X, D700 (all functions supported)
FujiFilm
FinePix S1Pro, S2Pro, S3Pro, S5Pro (all functions supported)
Kodak:
Kodak Pro 14n (all functions supported)
- The floating elements design ensures a high quality image throughout the entire focusing range.
- Precision mechanics and a very large angle of rotation enable the photographer to very precisely focus on the details in the image.
- Optical system of fantastic performance and long-life, metal precision mechanics
- ZF.2 lenses have F bayonet and mechanical aperture coupling as well as CPU coupling for Nikon, Fujifilm or Kodak SLR cameras.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View | 45° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.45" (24 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.5x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:2 |
| Groups/Elements | 6/8 |
| Diaphragm Blades | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | No |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 67 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.83 x 3.46" (7.19 x 8.79 cm) |
| Weight | 1.17 lb (530 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Strong construction (7)
- Nice bokeh (6)
- Consistent output (4)
- Durable (4)
- Rugged (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro photography (6)
- Landscape/scenery (4)
- Low light (4)
- Weddings (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (4), Photo enthusiast (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (8)
Reviewed by 9 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Optical quality
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
Great lens, just wished the focus was shorter...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
sharp in focus areas. smooth out of focus blur. no noticeable geometric or color distortions.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
Very good lens, sharp, sharp, sharp, love it
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Manual focus works easilF
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
Comments about Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
A good basic lens. Very well made and ample sharpness to function as advertised.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great color rendition
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
I wrote a very positive review on this site for the Nikon 55/2.8 AI-S, based on using it for thousands of shots over 30 years. I still stand by that review, but I have to say this Zeiss is in a different league. Why? 1) the color rendition is phenomenal. I have never seen more accurate color straight out of my D3s. 2) the bokeh, which is at best acceptable with the Nikon, is truly exceptional with this Zeiss. 3) the extra stop, with the shallower depth of field, offers significantly more creative opportunities.
As with fine audio equipment, fine lenses are rarely completely described by specs alone. If you have a good camera and you are critical of your results, I'm betting this lens will deliver for you in spades.
To be completely objective, the Nikon has one advantage - it is significantly smaller. That's it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Stellar image quality
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
This is one of the best lenses in the world. I am a fine arts photographer by profession, and this is the only lens I have been using on my D3x for the past two years. There is virtually no CA, and that equates to outstanding resolution. But it is the smoothness of the bokeh at f4 to f8 that really makes this a useful tool, creating fluidic depth to the shot. While I prefer a 35mm fl lens, the 50mm is something that you can grow to love, trading width for depth. Perhaps HCB was right, and the 50 is one of the most powerful focal lengths.
In any regard, your not going to find a better lens. The build quality is superb. The image quality is stellar. The only problem in owning this lens is that you are out of excuses in regard to the quality of your work! :)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
Comments about Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
This lens becomes the prime lens on my D700. It provides absolutely image quality and supremely rich colors. Plus, I mostly use it as macro lesn due to its remarkable 1: 2 production ratio, although my 105mm can do better. So far, I haven't find out any weakness of this lens, except it's a manual focus lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
I was not sure that I really need this lens but now that I have used it for two weeks I am wondering, why it took me so long to order it.
Sharpness across the whole picture on the D3X, super color fit, and wonderful out-of-focus bokeh.
Manual focus is really no issue and I am totally happy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Cheap Lens Cap
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
Comments about Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
This Makro-Planar is very sharp at F2 with max resolution across the frame at F5.6. I use the lens regularly at F16 and beyond without noticeable degradation in sharpness due to diffraction.
It is a very versatile lens. It is glued to my D3s all the time. Its great for panoramas since it produces very little distortion and vignetting; makes it very pain free to stitch. This focal length is great for full body portraits. Being a macro lens you can also use it for very tightly cropped face-shots.
The ZF.2 mount works with Aperture Priority Mode and also has focus confirmation which I've found to be highly accurate. I use this lens with no manual focusing screen on the D3s. From my experience I've found that MF on DSLR is much more accurate than the Rangefinder systems.
The only problem I have found is that this lens comes with a terrible lens cap. It easily comes off and very hard to put back on. Be sure to buy the 67mm Nikon lens cap with your purchase.
Displaying reviews 1-9
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $32.85
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $11.99
What's in the Box
- Lens Shade
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- 2-Year Zeiss Limited Warranty
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