Carl Zeiss Planar T* 2/50 ZM

Leica M-Mount

Review

The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 2/50 ZM is a fantastic standard lens specifically designed for Leica M mount cameras. Known for its robust build quality and exceptional optics, this lens has become a favorite among both amateur and professional photographers. With its classic 50mm focal length, the Planar 2/50 ZM delivers a versatile perspective that's perfect for a wide range of shooting scenarios, from street photography to portraiture.

Build Quality and Design

One of the standout features of the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 2/50 ZM is its outstanding build quality. The lens is constructed from high-quality materials, giving it a solid and premium feel. The metal housing is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of everyday use. Additionally, the compact size and lightweight design make it a perfect companion for Leica M cameras, allowing for easy portability without compromising on performance.

The manual focus mechanism operates smoothly, allowing for precise adjustments. The focus ring is well-damped, ensuring controllable and tactile feedback, which many photographers appreciate, especially when capturing candid moments.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Planar T* 2/50 ZM is impressive. It features the renowned T* coating, which significantly reduces flare and ghosting, resulting in images with high contrast and rich color saturation. The lens produces sharp images with excellent detail, even wide open at f/2. The bokeh it produces is beautifully creamy, which enhances the aesthetic quality of those out-of-focus areas in your photographs.

The lens also performs well in low-light conditions, thanks to its fast f/2 aperture, which allows for greater flexibility without the need for a high ISO. However, it’s worth noting that while the sharpness is commendable, it does have a tendency to display some vignetting at wider apertures, particularly at the corners.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality and design
• Smooth manual focus operation
• Outstanding sharpness and detail
• Beautiful bokeh and color rendition
• Effective T* coating minimizing flare

Cons

• Some vignetting at wider apertures
• Manual focus may not suit everyone
• Price point may be higher compared to other 50mm options

Verdict

The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 2/50 ZM is a remarkable lens that excels in optical performance and build quality. While it may come with a few drawbacks, such as some vignetting and a reliance on manual focus, the overall experience it provides makes it a worthwhile investment for photographers looking to elevate their craft. If you appreciate exceptional glass and are willing to embrace the manual focus experience, this lens will not disappoint. It stands as a testament to the legacy of classic photography while fitting seamlessly into the modern photographer's toolkit.