The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro and the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 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 Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro with a length of 67mm, is 21mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 also has a larger diameter of 72mm compared to the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's 71mm 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. Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro weighs 320g, which means it is 210g (39%) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 which has a weight of 530g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Macro Prime Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Macro Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has a filter size of 55mm whereas the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro and the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50 is also available in Canon EF and Pentax KAF mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
50mm but while Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has the fastest aperture of
F2.8, the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/50's widest aperture value is
F2.0.