The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 and the Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 is the longer of the two lenses at 69mm. The Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro with a length of 63mm, is 6mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro has a larger diameter of 68mm 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. Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro weighs 280g, 19% (70g) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50's weight of 350g.
Lens Mounts
Both the Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 and the Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro 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 Carl Zeiss Planar T1,4/50 has the fastest aperture of F1.4, the Canon 50mm f2.5 Macro's widest aperture value is F2.5.