Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras
The Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount cameras is a bright and compact standard lens with precise manual focusing with a large rotation angle for precise control. The Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 is designed for medium and longer distances and provides high-performance when used wide open, and improves as the lens is stopped down. The lens construction controls flare and ghosting artifacts, resulting in a brilliant image with excellent contrast and natural color rendition. Combined with a DSLR with a 1.5 crop factor, the lens becomes a compact, lightweight 75mm portrait lens.
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 & Aperture Priority only)
EM (Shutter Priority only)
EL, FE, FE2, FM3A, F3 (Manual & Shutter Priority only)
F301, F501, FG (Manual, Shutter Priority & Program 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/1.4 Minimum: f/16 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View | 45° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.48' (45 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.15x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:6.6 |
| Groups/Elements | 6/7 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | No |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 58 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.60 x 2.72" (6.60 x 6.91 cm) |
| Weight | 12.35 oz (350 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 27 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Strong construction (19)
- Nice bokeh (16)
- Durable (13)
- Consistent output (12)
- Rugged (11)
Cons
- Heavy (3)
Best Uses
- Low light (15)
- Night photography (12)
- Landscape/scenery (10)
- Video (6)
- Macro photography (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (10), Pro photographer (6), Semi-pro photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (21)
Reviewed by 27 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast
- Rugged
- Sharp
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
I am an admitted old schooler, and I love fine equipment that is built to last. This lens produces the sharpest images and I expect it to be working long after the camera. You can feel the craftsmanship in ever turn of the focus and aperature rings. Heavy for its size, but woth its weight! Very fast.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Video
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
How you use the product?
I use the Zeiss for taking HDR/tone-mapped photographs. I find that the 50mm is a great lens and the fact that it's manual focus -- forces you to think about picture composition.
Things that are great about it?
As I mentioned above the manual focus forces you to think about your shot. It forces you to think about composition and to move around to get the best shot(s). It has helped me learn more about photography.
Things that aren't so great about it?
Well, I would initially say that I did not like the manual focus -- it's unforgiving. But once you learn how to use it; the manual focus is your friend. Additionally. the 50mm is a prime so you will have to move around to get the shot you want.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
The optics are amazing on this lens. Absolutely love it and the manual aperture is a nice bonus.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Bokeh
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
I just bought this Lens for my Nikon D3100.. This lens puts the kit lens to shame! The bokeh is ridiculous. I plan on keeping this lens on from now on..
I have only used it a couple of hours but the video I took was phenomenal.. Truly Amazing! I would like to use higher aperture in lower light.. That is the only thing I have trouble with.. I guess I need a full sensor.. The focusing is a little hard to work with but there's a little light that turns on when your in focus, otherwise I would have much trouble like I was having before noticing the light.. Can't wait for the nikon's new camera to tear up the 5d!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Video
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
Solid build, excellent in low light, beautiful bokeh. I use this on a canon 7D for video and timelapse. I bought the Nikon mount because of the manual iris ring, and because it's more future proof. I love this lens!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
this is a great lens it is vary good for video it has a long focus rotation for great control and is made like a tank would recommend for video 100% for photos its not the best but has great artistic value
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
I use this on my Sony Nex5n.
I bought a Forodiox pro Nikon F to Nex adapter 59.99 to attach it.
What can I say, this lens is fantastic! First the build quality is marvelous. The lens is made out of metal, it looks beautiful and is built well. The aperture ring clicks nicely and quietly. The focus ring is smooth and dampened.
Now the image quality is spectacular, nice high contrast. The colors are warm but not too warm, rich saturation without going overboard. I've found it to be nice and sharpe even at f/2.0, and insanely sharp by 3.3-4.0. Wide open at 1.4 is not sharp as some like but the depth of field is razor thin anyway. I have seen and noticed multiple time the 3d pop in images, they just jump out and have the special zeiss look.
The cons: manual focus only for those who it matters
The bokeh is nice but there are other lenses that beat it.
There's some lens flare in direct sun, not bad but there, I say this because my other zeiss 24mm has zero flare.
If you get this for your nex, and have other canon manual focus lenses, the Nikon focus ring turns the opposite, not a negative just a FYI.
Other than that I couldn't be more happy with this lens, it's phenominal in every way. Worth every penny to me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- No Distortion
- Sharpness
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Manual focus only
Best Uses
- Reproducing artwork
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
I use this lens to get digital images of my artwork for submission to competitions. It does a great job of getting a nice sharp image that I don't have to work at correcting. Because it's a planar lens, it doesn't distort the rectangular shape of the image. It is a manual focus, but it tells me by lighting up a dot inside the display when it is focused. I use this lens with a Nikon D700 body and love it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
This lens is really fantastic. Build to last. Shooting at f1.4 looks almost surreal. Worth every penny!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
Great feel from the first use! It's strange to go back to old times and do have to "hand focus", but with lens this precise that's no hard duty, in contrary, I enjoyed it! The most amazing is that you can really "touch" the quality of this lenses!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Video
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
Currently use CZ 50/1.4 ZF.2 with D3s. It has not taken much time to get familiar with manual focus. I do enjoy it, especially with DSLR video on D3s.
The color rendering is very rich. It is fantastic that I can not find it in other 50mm lens I have used before (50/1.4G and 50/1.2L with 1D4).
Like other 50mm lens, it is a bit soft as wide open. It is much sharper when stoping down from f2.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Color Rendition
- Shadow detail
Cons
- Hard to focus
Best Uses
- Faces
- Travel
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
I use the lens mostly for travel photography and, although it is tough to focus even with the split screen focusing screen, the tones and color are otherworldly. Nikon lenses are very good; this lens is great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
I'm a d7000 user,i think this is perfect 50mm lens for the d7000 compare with S50 and Nikon 50 1.4 if u don't care about the manual focusing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
I bought this lens for my D700, compare to other 50mm/1.4 from Nikon, Canon or Sigma, this P50 is the best. The mechanism of focusing is so good, even it is manual focusing, the focusing is still fast. The best of these lens is the performance on the small aperture, which surprised me on scenery shooting. A friend of me recommend it to me, and I definitely recommend these to people who prefer quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
I have had the opportunity to use some of the best prime Nikkor lenses out there, and even though this Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.4 is all about manual focus, it still stands out from the crowd.
After a lifetime using AF it takes a little while to get used to MF, but once it is mastered the results will justify its price.
Great construction and materials used are superb, it feels good not touch plastic for once!.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
It is a fantastic lens for low light and everyday Photography. [...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
More expensive than other normal primes and only MF. However, the tone, clarity, and contrast are exceptional. It's truly a worth of investment.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
I like the sharpness and colour rendering. It's worth every penny. You just have to get used to manual focusing, otherwise it's an excellent lensSee the sample shots from my site:[@]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- NOT AUTO FOCUS
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
Purchased to complement possibly my Nikkor 24-70, wanting a SHARP 50. I found the Zeiss sharper contrast but matched in quality to the 24-70; certainly not as heavy to lug about. Love the focus, very smooth, I always manual focus and use live view. Nikkor 50mm is probably just as great and two-three hundred less but I've the Zeiss and am happy with that.
James M. Locke
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras:
I have owned and used Nikkor's 50 1.2 AIS, 50 1.4 & 1.8 AF-D, and 1.4G AF-G prime standard lenses. But, ZF outperforms all of those Nikkors. Color rendition is much better, and overall sharpness is far superior. For fast actions where AF is must, I use 24-70mm f/2.8G.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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