Zeiss ZE 50mm f/2 Makro Planar

The 50mm Makro-Planar is recognized as one of the sharpest lenses in anyone’s lineup. Not a true Macro in that maximum focusing is at a 1:2 ratio, but allows you to focus as close as 22mm from the front element. Although it does give up a stop of aperture compared to the ZF 50 f/1.4, many photographers prefer it because of its razor sharp images.

Roger’s take: I’ve been shooting Zeiss lenses completely manually, using adapters on Canon bodies for several years because I love the Zeiss look. The chance to shoot these direct mount lenses with focus confirmation and automatic aperture has made my day. The 50 Makro-Planar is one of the ZE lenses I strongly prefer to the Canon of the same focal length (meaning I’ve been shooting the ZF version on an adapter waiting for this to get here). Its simply one of the sharpest lenses at this focal length you can find.

Sale of Zeiss ZE lenses: We are a registered Zeiss dealer and sell new in box, fully warrantied Zeiss ZE lenses and now stock for immediate delivery. If the “Purchase” link is active under the rental link, a new in box copy of the lens is in stock for immediate shipment. If the purchase link is inactive, we are out of new copies, although we still have rental copies available.

Zeiss Try and Buy: We offering a new service with ZE lenses only: rent any ZE lens for 4 days. If you decide you want to buy it, we will apply your 4 day rental fee to the purchase of a brand new copy at our listed price. (Note: this is not your used rental copy, you will be buying a new lens.)

If you’re interested in finding good reviews of the various ZF lenses, with in-depth analysis of their strengths and weaknesses, we recommend spending a few dollars and getting Lloyd Chambers online review of the ZF lineup.