Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS
The Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* lens is a short, high speed telephoto lens built for the exacting SLR photographer. It provides an unusually bright and clear image in the finder. Even at full aperture, it delivers top image quality. Its angle of view and exceptional performance make the Planar T* 1.4/85 ZF the lens of choice for portraiture on location or in the studio.
Now offered as a "ZE" type lens, which makes it compatible with any camera that uses the Canon EF bayonet lens mount. All existing exposure programs (P, AV, TV, M) and the AF verification function of the camera are supported, and lens information (focal length and speed) is passed on to the camera. Certain functions that require the use of AF lenses (various subject programs, A-DEP) are partially unavailable.
- The lens' shallow depth of field at wide apertures allows the use of selective focus. This helps to emphasize the primary subject by defocusing the background.
- The 9-blade, circular aperture produces a smooth and natural rendition of defocused images, as well as nearly circular shapes of point sources of light.
- Geometrical distortion is imperceptibly low, allowing high quality documentation photographs, both analog and digital.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 85 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/1.4 Minimum: f/16 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 29° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.28' (1 m) |
| Magnification | 0.1x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:10 |
| Groups/Elements | 5/6 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | No |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 72 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.03 x 3.35" (7.70 x 8.51 cm) |
| Weight | 1.54 lb (700 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 25 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Durable (19)
- Strong construction (19)
- Consistent output (16)
- Nice bokeh (15)
- Rugged (15)
Cons
- Heavy (4)
Best Uses
- Low light (13)
- Portraits (11)
- Night photography (9)
- Weddings (8)
- Video (7)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (9), Semi-pro photographer (8), Professional (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (15)
Most Liked Positive Review
The new standard in EF quality
Prior to purchasing the Zeiss 85/1.4 ZE, I had very high hopes for it, and I am pleased to report, after having the lens for a few weeks now, it does not ...Read complete review
Prior to purchasing the Zeiss 85/1.4 ZE, I had very high hopes for it, and I am pleased to report, after having the lens for a few weeks now, it does not disappoint.
Upon removing the lens from its box, the first thing I noticed was its absolutely superior build quality. I have owned and used some of the finest cameras ever made, and the Zeiss 85/1.4 ZE is arguably the finest-made lens I have ever owned. The lens is heavy due to its all metal construction, but it is nowhere near "too" heavy. The mass is just right for aiding in stability while shooting.
The glass and coatings are pristine, and the focus ring is ultimately precise, offering just the right amount of feedback to complement the long-throw focus; it is very easy to achieve a precise focus with this lens, provided you have a precision focusing screen installed in your DSLR (it is *highly* recommended).
Image quality is superior, with sharpness, edge-to-edge sharpness, bokeh, and anti-flare qualities being top-notch, and in my opinion, unsurpassed. I have yet to see any evidence of fringing or distortion at all. This lens really does live up to Zeiss' claims about its quality.
Even the lens shade is of utmost quality. The fine-engineering is evident when you click the shade onto the lens for the first time and hear the sharp "tik" as it takes hold. The shade can also be installed in reverse onto the lens to facilitate compact travel.
My only negative comment about buying the lens is that I wish it would have come with a Zeiss soft case.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
A Bit Disappointing
Rented this lens for a week, to compare to my Canon 85mm f/1.8. Own Zeiss 100mm f2 Macro, 50mm f1.4, and 21mm f2.8, all of which are outstanding lenses. The 85mm ...Read complete review
Rented this lens for a week, to compare to my Canon 85mm f/1.8. Own Zeiss 100mm f2 Macro, 50mm f1.4, and 21mm f2.8, all of which are outstanding lenses. The 85mm was a disappointment to me, especially with the vignetting that occurred wide open. Didn't see the 3D snap I get with other Zeiss lenses. May be due to being a rental, but doesn't appear to be worth the $800 difference versus the Canon 85/1.8, which may be the best value in the Canon lineup.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 25 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
I purchased this lens for my new Canon 5D Mark II camera, primarily for video and occasional stills shooting. I am amazed at the way images "pop" with this lens. The separation from the background is AMAZING, with its high-quality optics producing phenomenal "bokeh" (soft focus background blur).
Fast (f/1.4) and contrasty in low-light, and tack sharp edge-to-edge throughout its aperture range.
The mechanical build quality of this lens is also superb -- using all metal construction. The focus ring is long throw and smooth as butter!
I highly recommend this lens. One of the best I've ever owned!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
This is an excellent lens. Sharp. I use it mainly for HDSLR video, which means the manual focus isn't a downside. In fact, the ease of focus with this lens is excellent, especially compared to my Canon 24mm L lens. I consider this lens to be a very good value. At this price, I expected a lot and was not disappointed at all.
Build quality is excellent. The lens is appropriately heavy. The hood is metal and attaches easily and securely.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Biting Sharpness
- Nice Bokeh
- Superb Construction
- Wonderful color
Cons
- Soft wide open
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
When I first started using this lens more than a year ago, I was disappointed. It wasn't as sharp as I was expecting on my 5DmkII when shooting wide open, and sometimes even as I started stopping it down. I slowly discovered that many of my issues were user error, that my technique had become sloppy and that this lens expected me to put out my best performance every time I used it. When thoughtfully used and properly focused and supported, this lens is capable of producing results that are downright "magical".
In fact, magical is the best word I can use to describe it. Every once in a while I produce a shot with this lens that redefines my expectations of my own photography, and then I spend days, weeks and sometimes months practicing to master the technique that led to the discovery. This is an extremely challenging lens to use. Focus shift means you need to use live view to get the best results. And use a monopod for better support when shooting live view. The change of character from milky smoothness wide open to biting sharpness stopped down makes it several lenses in one, each with its own unique drawing style and way of looking at the world.
Get this lens, explore it, savor it and learn from it. It will challenge you. It becomes the master and makes you the learner. Sit at its feet for a while and don't get discouraged. It will surprise you and show you that you are both a better and worse photographer than you had every dared to imagine. If you don't give up then you and your photography will be changed because of it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Portraits
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
This lens takes beautiful portraits.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
I use this lens for Outdoor Portraiture
This Lens it's the best 85mm available for DSLR Full Frame Bodies
No other brand can beat this Lens Color Reproduction,Detail,Micro Contrast and more ...
i wasn't sure about the manual focus because i learn Photography in Autofocus Cameras.
I try it the first week with my friends but i was 50% in keep it and 50% returned.I decide to give it one las try with a Professional model and after that i figure out than the lens not just show me its Superb Image Quality or That unbelievable Contrast Without Burn the Highlights and Show Some Detail in the Shows,It Show me How Wrong i was letting the camera decide for me my point of Focus.
This is an Extraordinary Lens,Build to Last,Superb and there's no other 85mm Like this one Out There.
This is More For Less and Please don't put and UV filters in the front of it !!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Candids
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
If you like the Zeiss 50/1.4, you'll love this lens. At big apertures it has an old-fashioned rendering that is very nice, especially in black and white. Stopped down, it's super sharp. It's really two lenses in one, just like the ZE 50/1.4. Buy it, you won't regret it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Beauty
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
brilliant. pure zeiss quality. easy to focus, amazing results
This is a portrait lens so if you shooting wide open, you should expect soflty flattering images.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
Used it the first time on some portraits last week. Astounding. Love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
[...] I was able to sign for it and break the gem out of the box before leaving for a reception. First impression was it looked and felt like a throw back lens of the '70s. Heavy and well constructed. It is all metal and I like that feel. Late evening photos were in my back yard of some early spring flowers shot at f1.8. WOW! The images were crisp but with a well balanced fall off and bokeh. Early signs are I will use this lens a lot. I shot some portraits where I normally use my Canon L glass 24 to 70mm zoom. This was a nice change and the manual focus does not bother me at all. Having that bokeh with background is an added value to the portrait. One down side I would not shoot wide open. The depth of field is really just several mm deep and shallow. Overall I really like it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Video
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
works perfecet with my canon 5D and my canon 7D, great performance in video!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Art
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
Outstanding. If this lens is ever removed from my camera, it will be because I have gotten a new camera.
I didn't want to plunk down so much money on an unknown, but this lens is unbelievably awesome!
The manual focus is superbly precise, viewfinder clarity is excellent, and the magically thick (or thin--you decide) DOF is worth every penny. The wide aperture means snapshots at midnight at 800 ISO or lower are actually pretty easy.
The image and build quality of this lens are similar to the legendary 55mm Planar sold with the Contarex Professional--speaking from experience, each lens es muy delicioso.
There is some edge aberration when used on the 5dmkii but it's addressable in post--many lenses on the mkii have this characteristic.
The lack of autofocus is not for the timid--focus screen changes may alleviate some jitters--if you shoot from the hip, save up your money for the Canon 85 2.8 or whatever.
If you grew up using MF, or if you simply cannot stop looking at photos taken with Zeiss lenses, buy this. You will not be disappointed!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Portrait photography
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
Excellent clarity, micro contrast, color and sharpness. Everything you would expect from Zeiss. Definitely not for the beginner photog. Manual focus, focus shift on certain Canon bodies that must be compensated for but once you make it work for you the results are amazing. Many have doubted this lens online but if you know what you're doing it can produce stunning images all the way from F1.4.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
This lens is incredible... from the construction to it's performance, it is an impressive lens. I own the Planar f/1.4 50mm, and I just had to invest in this one as well. I use it with my Canon 5d Mark ii and it's been very responsive (the lack of aperture ring had me worried). It takes beautiful portraits, gives me consistent and beautiful color and I have nothing bad to say about this lens whatsoever.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- High contrast
- High resolution
- Rugged
- Smooth Focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
I put off buying this lens because the first Zeiss 85mm I tested in the ZF mount was not any better than my Canon EF 85mm 1.8. But I was itching to buy another lens, so I decided to try this ZE version. Well, it is much better in the corners at f8, and slightly better in the center. This is important to me as I print 40" x 60". And, of course, I'm hoping that Canon will so come out with a 28mp full frame soon, so I want a lens that will match that sensor. I feel confident this new Zeiss will do that.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Vignetting
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
Rented this lens for a week, to compare to my Canon 85mm f/1.8. Own Zeiss 100mm f2 Macro, 50mm f1.4, and 21mm f2.8, all of which are outstanding lenses. The 85mm was a disappointment to me, especially with the vignetting that occurred wide open. Didn't see the 3D snap I get with other Zeiss lenses. May be due to being a rental, but doesn't appear to be worth the $800 difference versus the Canon 85/1.8, which may be the best value in the Canon lineup.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Not great lens covers
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
Beautiful Images.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
This lens is the best in the market, by far. It has the Zeiss "signature": even sharpness, and unbeatable colors. Those who claim that the lens isn't sharp at 1.4, didn't understand that this lens 1.4 aperture was designed specifically to be used as a PORTRAIT lens. At 1.4, it's perfect for portraits. It will be an excepcional landscape lens at 2.8 and smaller apertures.
Pros
- Great Picture Quality
Cons
- Difficult focusing
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Portraits
- Travel
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
What a fantastic lens. I also purchase the focusing screen which is a must with this manual focus lens. A heavy lens! I still need to get use to the focusing challenge of this fixed focal length lens and the manual focus, but I love it already.
Pros
- Durable
- Great Features
- Great Picture Quality
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Close -ups
- Nighttime
- Special Events
- Tote Along
- Travel
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
Portraits of Pets, Night Photos, General All Around, Some Wildlife & Outdoor
I have a 300mm canon on an XSI that I use to take wildlife shots, a lot of the time I have it set to manual focus because the brush is so thick, it has a hard time finding focus. So the manual focus is second nature for me.. It is very smooth and with the AF verification function very easy to focus. Well Built, Solid Construction,Slightly Heavy but balances nicely in your hand...
Long Story Short I'm already saving up for a 28mm f/2 Zeiss for landscapes....
The only con I can think of is after I purchase the 28mm I will have to buy Third body because this lens will never come off my T1I...
Yes I am very satisfied with this lens... If you want to take crisp clear photos with nice bokeh, then just hit the buy button you won't be sorry ...
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Zeiss Telephoto 85mm f/1.4 ZE Planar T* Manual Focus Lens for Canon EOS:
I own the Canon 85mm 1.2L and have tried the Canon 85mm 1.8 as well. I would say this Zeiss lens is a good inbetween the 1.8 and 1.2.
The the picture quality is awesome and the bokeh is "creamy" like many others have mentioned. One of the things to keep in mind that this is a manual focus lens. Being spoiled by auto-focus for so many years, it to mee a little bit of time to adjust and re-learn how to focus manually. At the same time, the manual focus adds to the nostalgic factor and it is kind of rewarding after awhile.
As far as construction goes, this lens is solidly built. The focus ring is firm and smooth allowing minute adjustments. This is a must have for shooting in low-light and, if you have a 5DMKII, for video.
If you are looking for a good 85mm lens, on a budget, then the Canon 85mm 1.8 will serve you well.
If you shoot want something faster than a 1.8 but the price of the Canon 85mm 1.2L is prohibitive, then this lens is for you. Not to mention it is noticeably lighter than the Canon 1.2L.
I highly recommend this lens to anyone that wants a unique lens and/or shoot alot of video. Either way, whether you are shooting stills or video, you won't be disappointed. Just keep in mind, it is manual focus.
- Similar:
- Canon EF 85mm 1.2L, Canon EF 85mm 1.8
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $45.99
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $11.99
What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- Metal Lens Hood
- 2-Year Warranty
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