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Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro vs Zeiss Carl Planar T1.4 50

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Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro

Perspective Control Prime | Canon EF

Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro
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Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50

Standard Prime | Canon EF

Carl Zeiss Planar T1.4 50
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BUY from B&H PHOTO

Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro vs Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two lenses with different focal types: Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro for the EF Mount is a Perspective Control Prime lens with a 50mm focal range and a max aperture of F2.8 whereas the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 for the EF Mount is a Standard Prime lens with a 50mm focal range and max aperture of F1.4.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro Key Specs

  • 50mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 945g.
  • Diameter: 87mm
  • Length: 115mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.27m
  • Max Magnification: 0.5x

Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 Key Specs

  • 50mm Focal Range
  • F1.4 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 58mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 350g.
  • Diameter: 66mm
  • Length: 69mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.45m
  • Max Magnification: 0.15x

What type of photography are the Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro and Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro and the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50
Bird/WildlifeFairFair
SportsFairAverage
PortraitFairExcellent
TravelFairGood
StreetFairVery Good
WeddingFairExcellent
Walk AroundPoorGood
VloggingPoorGood
LandscapeGoodGood
MacroGoodPoor

Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 115mm. The Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 with a length of 69mm, is 46mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro also has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50's 66mm diameter.

The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 weighs 350g, 62% (595g) lighter than the Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro's weight of 945g.


Lens Mounts

Both the Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro and the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 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 Planar T1,4/50 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 TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro has the fastest aperture of F2.8, the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50's widest aperture value is F1.4.

Reasons to choose Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro over Carl Zeiss Planar T1.4 50

Minimum Focus Distance 0.27m vs 0.45m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.5x vs 0.15x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Carl Zeiss Planar T1.4 50 over Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro

Max Aperture - Wide 1.4 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.4 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Weight 350g vs 945g 595g lighter
Diameter 66mm vs 87mm 21mm smaller in diameter
Length 69mm vs 115mm 46mm shorter
Filter Thread 58mm vs 77mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find

Common Strengths of Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro and Carl Zeiss Planar T1.4 50
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Common Weaknesses of Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro and Carl Zeiss Planar T1.4 50
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Autofocus No vs No Slow and less accurate focusing
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro vs Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Canon Zeiss
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Perspective Control Prime Standard Prime
Lens Mount Canon EF Canon EF
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 50mm 50mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Black -
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F1.4
Min Aperture F16.0
Aperture Ring No Yes
Diaphragm Blades - 9
Optics
Optical Elements 12 7
Optical Groups 9 6
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.27m 0.45m
Max Magnification 0.5X 0.15X
Autofocus No No
AF Motor Type No AF None
Full Time Manual Yes N/A
Focus Method Internal -
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale - Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 945g 350g
Diameter 87mm 66mm
Length 115mm 69mm
Materials Magnesium alloy -
Weather Sealing No No
Filter Thread 77mm 58mm
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Tripod Collar No No
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