The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM and the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/85 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. Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 105mm. The Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/85 with a length of 85mm, is 20mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/85's 78mm 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. Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/85 weighs 700g, 26% (250g) lighter than the Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM's weight of 950g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/85 has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/85:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM and the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/85 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 Planar T1,4/85 is also available in Pentax KAF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
85mm and the fastest aperture of
F1.4.