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ZEISS Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM Lens (Silver)

BH #ZE502S • MFR #1365-660
39 reviews
ZEISS Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM Lens (Silver)
Key Features
  • Leica M-Mount Lens
  • Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22
  • ZEISS T* Anti-Reflective Coating
  • Manual Focus Design
Designed as the standard lens of the ZM system, the silver Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM from ZEISS is a bright normal-length prime for M-mount rangefinder cameras. Utilizing the classic Planar optical design, this lens achieves high resolution, sharpness, and even illumination across the entire image field for accurate rendering. A T* anti-reflective coating has also been applied to resist flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color fidelity, and its manual focus design permits working with subjects as close as 2.3' away.
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$999.00
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ZEISS Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM Overview

Designed as the standard lens of the ZM system, the silver Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM from ZEISS is a bright normal-length prime for M-mount rangefinder cameras. Utilizing the classic Planar optical design, this lens achieves high resolution, sharpness, and even illumination across the entire image field for accurate rendering. A T* anti-reflective coating has also been applied to resist flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color fidelity, and its manual focus design permits working with subjects as close as 2.3' away.

Planar optical concept helps to produce a high degree of sharpness and resolution from edge to edge, as well as notable flare resistance.
Zeiss T* anti-reflective coatings have been applied to each lens surface to help minimize reflections in order to provide greater image clarity, contrast, and color fidelity.
Manual focus design enables a minimum focusing distance of 2.3'.

ZEISS Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM Specs

Focal Length50mm
Maximum Aperturef/2
Minimum Aperturef/22
Lens MountLeica M
Angle of View47°
Minimum Focus Distance2.3' / 70 cm
Macro Reproduction Ratio1:12
Optical Design6 Elements in 4 Groups
Diaphragm Blades10
Focus TypeManual Focus
Filter Size43 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)2 x 2.7" / 52 x 68 mm
Weight8.1 oz / 230 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight0.685 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)4.7 x 4.35 x 3.1"

ZEISS Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM Reviews

One of the best

By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-24

Call me old fashioned when it comes to lenses but this is one of the best 50mm lenses you can buy. For practical work, 2 is more than fast enough and the small size and weight is perfect. I scratch my head when I look at how lens makers can make an 2 lens weigh many times as much and be three times larger and for significantly better performance. It's been said that nobody ever took a good picture on a standard lens but I disagree. You just have to think a little harder. The planar design has stood the test of time. This lens is sharp enough, fast enough and well made enough for anyone, and the price is good compared with the Leitz alternatives.

A tremendous value!

By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-10-26

Sharp as a tack. Beautiful mechanics. Small, light - and a real value over the Leica 50mm. This lens hasn't been off my M10 Monochrome since I got it. What a find!

excelente!!!!!

By JAVIER
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-09-19

excelente lente tanto en construccion como en prestaciones. lindos colores y contraste. me recuerda al nikkor 50 2.0...

Zeiss - it says it all.

By George
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-07-06

Just a lovely lens in every way. Works beautifully with my Leica M Monochrom 246

Superb!

By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-03-28

Lens performs exactly as expected. I would recommend to anyone needing a sharp, solidly built 50mm lens.

Sublime image quality

By Eugueny
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-02-26

This lens is magnificent. It's well-made, just as well as any Leica lens, including the Summilux. I think people confuse the excessive stiffness of a focus ring on a Summilux with build quality. It's perfectly sharp and contrasty wide open. The image quality is hard to complain about. Some people say it's clinical but that's just another way of saying my photos are boring without interesting optical effects introduced by the lens. On the negative side, I am not a fan of 1/3 increments in aperture. Another minor complaint is the blue dot marker, making it hard to see when changing lenses in the dark. And finally, this lens (just like all Zeiss designs) is not the smallest. To be specific, it's kind of long... see the dimensions and map to your expectations. I am a huge fan of compact lenses and ultimately I decided to downgrade to a slower but MUCH shorter Summarit f/2.5 for the same price.

Can't Imagine Better

By Craig
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-12-30

I have Summicron experience and have a positive attitude toward that optic but actually have preferred this ZM. I appreciate sharpness and this certainly delivers in that regard. I mainly use for B&W film duties but this works nicely on my Fuji bodies, too. Not all film-era glass delivers with the Fuji bodies for me but this lens does. Build quality is confidence inspiring and this one will be a permanent resident of my gear bag.

Small packages?

By Frederick
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-11-22

After searching for just the right 50mm for my Monochrome M, I made a decision to buy the Planar instead of paying too much for a battered old Summicron. I’m glad I did! It’s wonderful.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

question

I have to wonder how this lens compares to the Nokton 50 1.5 ASPH. I'm on the fence about both for my M2. Anyone know?
Asked by: David F.
Both the Zeiss 50mm f/2 Planar and the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 are beautiful lenses, and it would be hard to go wrong with either. Each will render images slightly different. Colors will be a bit warmer with the Zeiss, and images will have enhanced 3-dimensionality. I would suggest renting each of the lenses. You should be able to find both of them at a place like <a href= http://lensrentals.com. target= _blank >lensrentals.com.</a> You would then have a chance to see which lens better fits the aesthetic you are going for.
Answered by: Christina S.
Date published: 2022-10-02

Dear all, How do you like it on your Sony a7 ...

Dear all, How do you like it on your Sony a7 serie?
Asked by: Anonymous
The ZEISS Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM Lens would be excellent when mounted on the Sony A7 series cameras with the appropriate adapter. One such adapter is the Metabones Leica M Lens to Sony E-mount Camera T Adapter (Black), BH # MEMBLMEBT2 https://bhpho.to/2YmpZnv
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2021-12-06

Does it fit a Leica M5?

Does it fit a Leica M5?
Asked by: Mathieu
The ZEISS ZM Lenses are compatible with any M-mount camera.
Answered by: ZEISS Camera Lenses
Date published: 2020-03-10

I am considering this lens for the typ 246 ...

I am considering this lens for the typ 246 monochrome, and curious as to how it renders B&W?
Asked by: Michael
This lens produces excellent b&w images.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-03-27

Can it be used for Canon RF mounts - and if yes, ...

Can it be used for Canon RF mounts - and if yes, do all functions fully translate?
Asked by: Barbara
You'll need a Leica M-mount to RF-adapter to use it on an R-series camera. This lens has no electronic functionality, so there are not really any functions that require "translating" per se, but you will have to set your camera up to shoot "without a lens" as the R-series cameras will not realize there is a lens mount and won't fire without that feature enabled.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2021-08-04

question

has anyone tried this lens on a sony a7 W/adapter? wanting to know first hand if its pairs well that sensor. thanks alex
Asked by: alex b.
This lens is very sharp and has been used on my Sony Nex cameras including a7 and it is noted by many customers as being great together.A good adapter is also recommended, such as this one, <a href= http://bhpho.to/1mbVh9m. target= _blank >http://bhpho.to/1mbVh9m.</a>And this is a link for all of the adapters we carry, <a href= http://bhpho.to/1D6RMbt. target= _blank >http://bhpho.to/1D6RMbt.</a>
Answered by: Robert K.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

Whats the difference between this lens and Zeiss 50mm f/2 ZM mount one? Only 1/3 stop aperture difference?
Asked by: Chen X.
We believe you are asking the difference between this lens and the Zeiss Normal 50mm f/1.5 C Sonnar T* ZM Manual Focus Lens B&H # ZE5015B. The only difference would be the approximate 3/4 of a stop more light the f/1.5 lens brings in. To get that additional light in, bigger pieces of incredibly precise pieces of glass must be mounted to larger, also incredibly precise, pieces of metal in order to do so. As someone who has on many an occasion wanted every photon possible, I would gladly pay the $401 difference. In Zeiss land, $401 is pocket change and well worth it if you need it.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2022-10-02

Can i buy a vented hood for this lens?

Can i buy a vented hood for this lens?
Asked by: Paul
Yes you can use this hood: https://bhpho.to/3qNHFXq
Answered by: Dan
Date published: 2021-03-17
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