The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/100 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 T2/100 is the longer of the two lenses at 113mm. The Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC with a length of 91mm, is 22mm shorter. On the other hand, the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/100's 76mm 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 Makro-Planar T2/100 weighs 680g, 2% (20g) lighter than the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC's weight of 700g.
Filter Threads
Both the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/100 have the same Filter thread size of 67mm.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/100 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.
Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is also available in Sony Alpha and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/100 is also available in Pentax KAF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
136mm.
On the other hand, the Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T2/100 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 100mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 160mm.