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ZEISS Milvus 50mm f/2M ZF.2 Macro Lens for Nikon F

BH #ZE502MZF2 • MFR #2096-558
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ZEISS Milvus 50mm f/2M ZF.2 Macro Lens for Nikon F
Key Features
  • F-Mount Lens/FX Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22
  • Planar Optical Design
  • ZEISS T* Anti-Reflective Coating
Pairing a normal-length perspective with an impressive 1:2 maximum magnification ratio, the Nikon F-mount Milvus 50mm f/2M ZF.2 from ZEISS features a floating elements design to ensure consistent image quality when working with both close and distant subjects. Inspired by the classic symmetrical Planar optical design, this lens is capable of achieving well-corrected imagery with controlled aberrations and distortions. An enhanced ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has also been applied to significantly reduce ghosting and flaring for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in difficult lighting conditions.
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ZEISS Milvus 50mm f/2 Macro Overview

Pairing a normal-length perspective with an impressive 1:2 maximum magnification ratio, the Nikon F-mount Milvus 50mm f/2M ZF.2 from ZEISS features a floating elements design to ensure consistent image quality when working with both close and distant subjects. Inspired by the classic symmetrical Planar optical design, this lens is capable of achieving well-corrected imagery with controlled aberrations and distortions. An enhanced ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has also been applied to significantly reduce ghosting and flaring for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in difficult lighting conditions.

The manual focus design is complemented by a rubberized focus ring for fine-tuned, precise control over your focus position. Additionally, Milvus-series lenses also feature an equally aesthetic and durable frosted, anodized metal lens-barrel surface along with a weather-sealed construction to protect against dust and moisture.

Normal-length prime is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, however can also be used with DX models where it provides a 75mm equivalent focal length.
Ideal for macro shooting, this lens offers a half life-size 1:2 maximum magnification along with a minimum focusing distance of 9.4" to suit working with close-up subjects.
Bright f/2 aperture helps to achieve a more compact, portable form factor while also remaining versatile for use in a variety of lighting conditions.
Planar optical design affords high sharpness and consistent performance throughout the focusing range to suit photographing at a wide range of imaging scales.
ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating has been applied to each lens surface to help minimize reflections and provide greater contrast and color fidelity.
Floating elements system helps to maintain consistent image quality throughout the entire focusing range.
Manual focus design is benefitted by focusing and depth of field scales along with hard stops at both infinity and minimum focusing positions.
Manual aperture ring has clicked indicators throughout aperture range. Using the included De-Click Tool, this ring can be mechanically 'de-clicked' for smooth, silent rotation throughout the aperture range; making it ideal for video applications.
Weather-resistant construction includes internal seals to guard against dust and moisture as well as a blue sealing ring at the lens mount to protect the lens-camera interface.
All-metal lens barrel has a frosted, anodized surface along with a rubberized focusing ring for both durability and improved tactile control.
EAN: 4047865401074

ZEISS Milvus 50mm f/2 Macro Specs

Focal Length
50mm
Aperture
Maximum: f/2
Minimum: f/22
Lens Mount
Nikon F
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
45°
Minimum Focus Distance
9.4" / 24 cm
Magnification
1:2 Macro Reproduction Ratio
0.5x Magnification
Optical Design
8 Elements in 6 Groups
Focus Type
Manual Focus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
67 mm (Front)
Dimensions
3.2 x 2.9" / 81 x 73 mm (Diameter x Length)
Weight
1.5 lb / 660 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.42 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
10.45 x 5.45 x 4.85"

ZEISS Milvus 50mm f/2 Macro Reviews

Beautiful color, dimensional rendering, microcontrast and sharpness

By Jie
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-06-03

Both 100mm and 50mm f2 lenses have strong micro contrast, beautiful color, excellent sharpness, great spatial dimensional rendering.

Excelent lens. Bought it in 2017 and feels like new in 2022

By Miguel
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-24

Great lens. It was the first Zeiss Milvus I bought (have since also bought the excellent 25mmf1.4 and 85mmf1.4). It's been one of my main workhorses in rough places and it still feels like new, so great build quality. The optical quality is remarkable and the macro capability is definitely a big plus.

See any errors on this page?

question

What is the differance between Distagon Optical Design and Planar Optical Design in Zeiss Lenses ?
Asked by: Gerhard
The different names designate different optical schemes. The Planar design is used in Normal to Telephoto focal length lenses. The Distagon is a more complex designed and is used Wide Angle lenses.
Answered by: Andrea O.
Date published: 2023-03-25

question

Is there any noticeable focus breathing when shooting video ?
Asked by: Stephen
50mm lenses, even cheap ones, barely breathe at all. I would suspect you would need a laser microscope to measure the breathing on any Zeiss 50mm Milvus.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2021-04-09

Can you use filter for this lens. What is the ...

Can you use filter for this lens. What is the filter size?
Asked by: Thomas
The ZEISS Milvus 2/50M takes a 67mm filter. You can read more about this lens at: https://www.zeiss.com/camera-lenses/int/photography/products/milvus-lenses/milvus-250m.html#data
Answered by: ZEISS Camera Lenses
Date published: 2019-01-18

Is there a firmware update to make this ...

Is there a firmware update to make this compatible with the Nikon Df?
Asked by: Jonathan
No, the ZEISS Milvus 50mm f/2M ZF.2 Macro Lens for Nikon F is already compatible with Nikon Df.
Answered by: Olivia G
Date published: 2024-03-28

I am a serious panoramic photographer, my ...

I am a serious panoramic photographer, my question is how is this lens perform the sharpness at infinity? i have a nikkor 55mm f/2.8, i don't like it perform at infinity. Thank you!
Asked by: Jun
I use the Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/2M ZF.2 Macro on a Nikon d850. The lens is incredibly sharp at all focus points, from close to infinity. 3-4 frame panoramic images in the forest made with this lens produces a final image that is simply stunning, sharpness wise. Don't think you can go wrong adding this lens to your bag. Just realize that this lens, like all the Zeiss Milvus lenses, is manual focus. I find this lens a joy to use.
Answered by: Vance
Date published: 2022-10-15

question

Can aperture be set from the camera body?
Asked by: Santiago
Yes, the aperture can be set on a Nikon camera body.
Answered by: Richard R.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

why is the milvus 50mm f/2M more expensive than milvus 50mm f/1.4 ? was thinking about buying, but dont know which one to get.
Asked by: Xiayang S.
Both lenses are weather resistant. It's more expensive due to the macro optics.
Answered by: James B.
Date published: 2021-04-09

question

Certainly the Macro range is great but how does it compare to standard lenses when you are doing landscapes or anything focused farther away?
Asked by: Steven
The ZEISS Milvus 2/50M uses a floating lens element design that optimizes performance from close focus through infinity. As a result, the lens serves a dual purpose as either a close-up macro lens, or a general purpose standard lens. You can view some images at the ZEISS Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/groups/carlzeisslenses/pool/tags/milvus250m, or the Milvus 2/50M Flickr group: https://www.flickr.com/groups/2885243@N21/
Answered by: ZEISS Zeiss Expert
Date published: 2020-09-20
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