The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 and the Pentax FA 50mm F1.4 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 Pentax FA 50mm F1.4 with a length of 38mm, is 50mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 also has a larger diameter of 72mm compared to the Pentax FA 50mm F1.4's 64mm 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. Pentax FA 50mm F1.4 weighs 220g, 58% (310g) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50's weight of 530g.
Filter Threads
The Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Pentax FA 50mm F1.4 has a 49mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50:
And these are the 49mm filters that we recommend for the Pentax FA 50mm F1.4:
Lens Mounts
Both the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 and the Pentax FA 50mm F1.4 has the same Pentax KAF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Pentax KAF lenses are Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III.
Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Pentax FA 50mm F1.4 is also available in Pentax KAF mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
50mm but while Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 has the fastest aperture of
F2.0, the Pentax FA 50mm F1.4's widest aperture value is
F1.4.