Inspired by its predecessor from the 1930s, the silver C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM from ZEISS is a fast, normal prime for M-mount rangefinder cameras. Its fast f/1.5 maximum aperture and natural perspective make it particularly suitable for portraiture and documentary work, especially in difficult lighting conditions. The 'C' designation of the lens reflects its compact form factor and classic optical design to produce timeless imagery with natural color fidelity and rendering. Also, its Sonnar optical design promotes a high degree of sharpness and flare resistance, and a T* anti-reflective coating is also used to suppress flare and ghosting for high contrast and color clarity.
Ask Our Experts212-444-6615
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
Video Chat with a Photography Expert - Live
Key Features
- Leica M-Mount Lens
- Aperture Range: f/1.5 to f/16
- ZEISS T* Anti-Reflective Coating
- Manual Focus Design
Inspired by its predecessor from the 1930s, the silver C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM from ZEISS is a fast, normal prime for M-mount rangefinder cameras. Its fast f/1.5 maximum aperture and natural perspective make it particularly suitable for portraiture and documentary work, especially in difficult lighting conditions. The 'C' designation of the lens reflects its compact form factor and classic optical design to produce timeless imagery with natural color fidelity and rendering. Also, its Sonnar optical design promotes a high degree of sharpness and flare resistance, and a T* anti-reflective coating is also used to suppress flare and ghosting for high contrast and color clarity.
More DetailsIn Stock
$1,361.00
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $95.99
See Options
ZEISS C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM Overview
Type 'C' lens refers to this lens's classic aesthetic and compact design that recalls its predecessor from the 1930s. The glass and coatings have been updated to contemporary standards, however it still produces a timeless look well-suited for both film and digital use.
Sonnar optical concept benefits the normal focal length and helps to realize a high degree of sharpness and well-controlled flare.
Bright f/1.5 maximum aperture suits working in available light conditions and also affords greater control over depth of field for selective focus imagery.
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 3'.
ZEISS C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM Specs
| Focal Length | |
| Aperture | |
| Lens Mount | |
| Angle of View | |
| Minimum Focus Distance | |
| Magnification | |
| Optical Design | |
| Aperture/Iris Blades | |
| Focus Type | |
| Filter Size | |
| Dimensions | |
| Weight |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
ZEISS C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM Reviews
Great!
By George
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-11-21
I chose this lens because the design has not changed since the 1930's - only glass quality. It is the type of lens used by many photographers of that period and yield a great photograph still today.
Perfect pair with Leica M7
By Kennedy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-05-21
Fast lens ! Intuitive lens to use, ergonomic and mechanically stunning, didnt experience focus shifting, oh and Optically Brilliant!
See any errors on this page?
Weather sealing for light rain or dust?
Weather sealing for light rain or dust?
Unfortunately, the ZEISS C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM Lens (Silver) is not weather sealed for light rain or dust.
Date published: 2023-10-23
question
Does this records metadata of the image if I use it in Leica M10?
They are not six-bit coded, so the camera will not know what lens you are using. The metadata will leave the lens unidentified, though the camera does a good job of guessing the F-stop
Date published: 2023-07-07
Are the Zeiss ZM lenses optimized for aps-c ...
Are the Zeiss ZM lenses optimized for aps-c sensors, or do they also work well with full frame mirrorless cameras, with the appropriate mount converter?
The lens is a Full Frame lens. I use it with my full frame cameras and film cameras. You will have no problem adopting it to an APS-C camera. Just take note of the "Crop factor". Meaning the lens will be 75mm on a 1.5 crop APS-C camera.
Date published: 2021-07-14
how does this handle in low light ? can you ...
how does this handle in low light ? can you recommend any leica m mount to fuji x mount adapters ?
The lens is a manual lens. It does not support autofocus. It is f/1.5 so very good for wide open shots.
And for a Leica M mount ot a Fujifilm X mount adapter this is a good one but is fully manual.
FUJIFILM M Mount Adapter for X-Mount Cameras
BH #FUMMA • MFR #16267038
https://bhpho.to/3uwnNuJ
Date published: 2021-05-04
Initially, when the c-Sonnars were first issued ...
Initially, when the c-Sonnars were first issued about 10 or so years ago, I beleive Zeiss calibrated the optimal focus to 2.8. Later they could be ordered optimized at f/1.5. In the past few years I've read optimum focus is set at f/2. What is the optimum focus on this particular production series? Thanks.
The ZEISS C Sonnar 1.5/50 ZM is currently optimized for focus at f/2.0.
Date published: 2022-11-29
question
Does this lens work with the Leica M (digital body)?
yes perfectly!!! I have a type 262
Date published: 2023-07-07
question
Does this records metadata of the image if I use it in Leica M10?
Exposure control with the ZEISS ZM lenses is the same as with any M mount lens. You have a choice of aperture priority or manual exposure modes. Shutter priority or program exposure modes are not available, since the camera cannot control the manual aperture of the lens. This is the case irregardless of the lens brand.
Date published: 2022-10-02
question
Can B&H arrange for the recalibration of the focus to wide open at 1.5?
Not that I know of. You need to contact Zeiss directly.
Date published: 2018-08-27
