The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 50mm f1.8 II and the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 is the longer of the two lenses at 88mm. The Canon 50mm f1.8 II with a length of 41mm, is 47mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 also has a larger diameter of 72mm compared to the Canon 50mm f1.8 II's 68mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon 50mm f1.8 II weighs 130g, which means it is 400g (75%) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 which has a weight of 530g.
Filter Threads
The Canon 50mm f1.8 II has a filter size of 52mm whereas the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon 50mm f1.8 II:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 50mm f1.8 II and the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 is also available in Pentax KAF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
50mm but while Canon 50mm f1.8 II has the fastest aperture of
F1.8, the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50's widest aperture value is
F2.0.