Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

I wanted one precision prime lens for those images that demand a sharp lens. Carl Zeiss delivers the goods with this lens. I shoot with Canon 5d Mk II so 50mm is a good all around lens. Macro makes it even better, because detail really pops on close-ups. No image stabilization and no auto focus is not problem. It just puts new requirements on the photographer,which in my opinion, is a good thing. Focusing is only a little slower. Then it's just a matter of exhaling and holding the breath; like the old film cameras. On a tripod it's dynamite. In short; this lens is awesome and worth every penny.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

This is a macro lens but I rarely shoot macro. I wanted to stay loyal to the Zeiss brand. Auto focus doesn't matter to me. What sold me on this particular Zeiss lens was the fact that it was very versatile. It shoots video very well and does a great job of shooting portraits, landscapes or macro.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

I use this lens for wedding videos. the camera, Cannon Mark II. What an extraordinary combination.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

This was my 1st Zeiss lens, and I wish I had bought it sooner. For background/reference, I have:
- 5D Mark II body
- 35mm f/1.4L
- 135mm f/2.0L

and I've used several other L-series lenses from Canon. Yet, this is my favorite lens out of all of them. Why? Because it is/has:
- incredibly sharp (arguably sharper than the Canon 135mm even)
- very clear (this lens is arguably better than the sister Zeiss 50mm f/1.4, which I tried for a bit before buying this lens)
- unparalleled construction (fully metal; no plastic)
- great color rendering
- macro abilities / incredibly short minimum focusing distance
- fun

Of those features I just listed, the one that means a lot and might need clarifying is "fun," and it directly relates to the fact that the manual-focus only (no auto-focus) -- which begs discussion anyway. I had never before owned a lens that lacked auto-focus, which briefly worried me at first. Yet, I can honestly say that the lack of auto-focus:
- isn't that big of a deal (rarely do I encounter a situation that warrants auto-focus, such as fast-moving objects)
- forces me to think about and put into focus what should be in focus
- makes photography more fun for me

I feel as if having only manual-focus forces me to a play a larger role in the creation of the photo, and that I'm producing and crafting something rather than just blindly composing and shooting.

Related to the focusing, the focus ring has a very "long throw"; it has a wide range of rotation, which is very useful for ensuring that you're focusing on EXACTLY the specific part you want.

(By the way, I replaced my camera's internal focusing screen w/ the ~$20 Eg-s focusing screen, which is very helpful. I recommend it.)

Also, the lens is able to communicate w/ Canon bodies. So, when something IS in focus, it still shows a red dot through your viewfinder and optionally beeps if you turn on that feature in your camera. This makes manual-focusing really easy: just press shutter half-way down, then simultaneously rotate the focusing ring until the point of interest has a red dot on it and beeps!

As for the construction, its 100% metal construction seriously makes all of my Canon L lenses feel like a toy. I still appreciate and respect the L lenses, but it truly feels like Zeiss is a full tier higher.

It is INCREDIBLY sharp, to the point that it seems it could be used for a medical lens, ha. Seriously, I've used my tripod and taken photos at my city's skyline at night. The buildings were 4,400 feet away (~8/10 of a mile), and you can even make out *some* detail in every single building's window.

I cannot recommend this lens enough. I have 0 complaints. I am now a Zeiss convert.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

I use this lens for just about everything, including macro.

The fit and finish are second to none. It's built like a solid block of brass and glass....because that's exactly what it is.

Super sharp optics. Colors pop and the bokeh is awesome.

There's a bit of vignetting with this lens, but nothing that LR3 couldn't handle.

Be sure you want and are ready to take on manual focus. The focus confirm makes it quite easy, but you're not going to be chasing your kids around the house for candids all that successfully.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

This lens is crazy sharp! The color is beautiful and I've fallen in love w/ the manual focus. Because it's manual focus, it can be tricky and you might miss some shots, but it's getting easier with practice. I was initially concerned about about focusing manually, but with a canon focusing screen it has been easier than expected. I really haven't taken it off my camera much in the first month I've owned it. The manual focus forces you to be a little bit more thoughtful about your shot. For me, this lens has inspired a new wave of creativity. I have this approximate focal distance covered by the Canon 50mm 1.4, the Canon 24-105L and the Canon 45mm tilt shift, but this one is my favorite!

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

I am absolutely amazed at the IQ and colour from this lens. I've recently started to get back into photography so I'm in a learning phase (including doing a 365) and using this with a 30D. In the 2 weeks I've had this lens, it has completely changed my photography and I'm having so much fun using it - as well, my understanding of exposure has jumped exponentially. I also have a 70-300L that was a gift, but since I bought the Zeiss, I haven't taken it off the camera. I'm amused to see people ding this lens because it is manual focus - I love that it is manual focus. It has made me slow down and consider my composition and the light a lot more than I did when I was shooting with AF. To say I love this lens would be an understatement.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

I use this lens to shoot commercial work in the studio on my Canon 1DsM3 and personal macro work on my Canon 50D. The color, contrast and clarity are unreal! I actually tested the lens against my 50mm f1.2 Canon EF and was very impressed. I love that it feels solid, like equipment from years past. Yes, I have to admit that manual focusing takes some getting use to, but the results are worth it. While this is my first Zeiss lens, I will be looking into the 100mm.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

i shoot mostly video with the 7D and this lens is my favorite portrait lens. since i try to avoid shooting at a 1.4 anyway (with these cameras i find it looks completely amateurish when only one eye is in focus), i was glad to trade one stop for the macro ability.

no complaints. smooth focus, incredibly long turn. consistent color and contrast. unbelievable clarity.

a tad heavy, but it's for solid construction. it feels like a real lens and shoots like it.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

This is another of the best of breed lenses for use on the Canon bodies. It is metal, and built like a precision instrument. Aside from the fantastic feel of the device, it is capable of truly stunning images.

So much is written about the "Zeiss look" I'll not repeat what everyone else concludes. What I will say is, if you are looking to improve the rendering of what you shoot, with very subtle but perceptible details, you should rent one of these and test it out.

It is one of my preferred focal lengths, and simply stunning as a portrait device. Highly recommended.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

Crisp - good saturation - and very repeatable results. What more can you ask for? For those that do not mind manual focus, this lens is for you. I have gone through (2) 50 1.8mm lens before finding this one - its a keeper

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

I "upgraded" to this lens from the ZE 50/1.4. Don't get me wrong -- the 50/1.4 I owned was quite excellent however common consensus is that this lens is superior. I didn't really need the extra stop so I sold off the 1.4 and pulled the trigger on this lens.

I can easily say this is probably the best 50 I've ever used (I'd love to own the Leica 50 Summicron but can't afford it). If you don't require AF then there are really no issues with this lens.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

Unfortunately, I am not qualified to do justice to a review of this lens. My favorite lens of the three I have, the others being the Zeiss 35mm f1.4 ZE and the Canon 24-105mm f4L. The image quality of this lens is just stunning. Looking at the image in the live view of my Canon 60D, I feel like I am looking through very expensive laboratory grade optics, which these seem to approach.
In HD video footage I have shot with it, subjects really do seem to stand out. I like the long focus throw. Very high build quality. Nice size, much smaller than the 35mm f1.4. On the 60D APS-C, basically an 85mm portrait lens.
So, do you need a super high quality lens if you are "just" shooting 1080HD video. I do.
Manual focus? Bring it on! No zoom? Bring it on!

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

After extensive research, I decided to pick up this lens. I have been using Canon 70-200 f/2.8 MK 2 and 16-35 f/2.8 MK 2, and this lens's quality completely impresses and awes me optically and mechanically.

Don't pick up the lens if you cannot commit to improve your skill in manual focusing. If you're willing to invest the time and energy in perfecting your photography skill, this lens is heaven sent.

I will keep my 70-200 mk 2 but sell the 16-35 mk2 because the image quality of Zeiss is so unparalleled. The next Zeiss lens I'll be picking up is the 21mm f/2.8.

What I say the quality of this Zeiss lens is top-notched, I mean:

1) Super sharp edge to edge at f/2
2) The clarity and detail is jaw-dropping. Imaging having the clarity of a microscope as a camera lens.
3) Smooth and buttery bokeh.
4) Full metal construction, including the lens hood.

This lens is used to produce quality image. It's not a snap and go lens. You'll be rewarded handsomely develop a close relationship with this masterpiece of a lens.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

I have this lens as well as the Canon 50mm macro. I intended to buy the zeiss as an upgrade - but rather than finding it was better - i found it was different.

I've compared them shooting different studio and outdoor shots with a tripod, remote shutter release and 5d mark II -in a range of situations and observed the following. The Zeiss is more contrasty (blacks are darker) and the color is slight more rich. Things that are out of focus in the zeiss are more fluffy and dreamy.

The zeiss is really not that much sharper than the canon - in many cases i find they are the same in terms of sharpness - especially on a copy stand. The canon is easier to focus (physically) because the ring on the zeiss is tight - but the canon ring is arguably too loose.

The zeiss comes with a lens hood - which was unclear on this site

Shooting people in action at f2 is impossible to keep them in focus - and when they are in focus - at 6' their eyes are in focus and their nose and ears are not; so i don't think the zeiss has a real usable f-stop advantage at f2 with this sort of photography.. The zeiss is sharpest at f11 - and then when it gets up to f16 and f22 - it is less contrasty and i can't see the difference as much from the canon - so it kind of looses its advantage..

I would highly recommend the canon - which i was pretty happy with ; and say that this is a very expensive upgrade for a relatively minuscule improvement in sharpness and a wash in ease of usability.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

This puppy is tack sharp. I did a simple test between Canon's 24-70 L, set at 50mm and the Zeiss and the difference in detail was impressive. The macro is equally cool. Manual focus is a bit more pesky but worth it when you get results like this:)

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

great MF macro with beautiful bokeh.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

This piece is a little surreal. Of course it has all the features you'd expect from this level of product... corner to corner sharpness, precision machined construction, etc. What really amazes me about this lens though is how it continually surprises me. Set up a shot, frame, focus, click.. and the image on the lcd looks 10x better I could've imagined it when actually looking through the viewfinder. The contrast and color captured by this lens is absolutely a step above.

I can get clean sharp images from a lot of lenses, but I reach for this one because it inspires creativity. I always think "I wonder what I can get it do with this subject". It really gets me to think about color, because it doesn't miss any of it!

One caveat I will mention is that the focus throw on this lens is extremely long, close to 360 degrees I would guess. This is great for doing macro work, as focusing is always precise and certain. For a walking around lens however, I can't always pull focus with a single motion, and find myself grabbing the ring a couple times to get it to turn far enough. I've missed a couple of action shots for this reason. Not really a complaint, just a note about the ideal use for this lens.

The Zeiss name lives up to its legend...

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

I specifically got this lens for its sharpness, construction, AND manual focus (since I have a tendency to adjust the focus after the autofocus has set). Contrast is great also.

Comments about Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Makro-Planar ZE Macro Lens for Canon EF Mount SLRs:

I looked around before buying this lens and could not find a single rating of it what was not full marks. I put heavy in for a con, but really the weight makes the lens feel incredibly solid. I use this lens with my T2i with superb results. You will want some sort of prism or focus assist screen for focusing at distances greater than 10 feet.