The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Carl Zeiss Biogon T2,8/21 ZM and the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM 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 Biogon T2,8/21 ZM is the longer of the two lenses at 75mm. The Canon 50mm f1.4 USM with a length of 51mm, is 24mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM has a larger diameter of 74mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Biogon T2,8/21 ZM's 53mm 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 Biogon T2,8/21 ZM weighs 280g, which means it is 10g (3%) lighter than the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM which has a weight of 290g.
Filter Threads
The Carl Zeiss Biogon T2,8/21 ZM has a filter size of 46mm whereas the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM has a 58mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 46mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Carl Zeiss Biogon T2,8/21 ZM:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM:
Lens Mounts
The Carl Zeiss Biogon T2,8/21 ZM has the Leica M lens mount whereas the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Leica M EV1, Leica M11-D and Pixii Max for the Leica M Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Carl Zeiss Biogon T2,8/21 ZM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 21mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 50mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 80mm.
