Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZF (FX) - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (full format)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

Sample Shots

The following sample shots were taken with a D3x and RAW-converted via CaptureOne.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1600s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/80s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/5000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/2500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/160s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/11.0
Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/11.0
Exposure 1/160s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1600s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D3X
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s

Verdict

Just like the rest of the Zeiss Z-series, the Makro-Planar 50mm f/2 is not a lens for mainstream users due to the lack of AF. However, to put things into perspective - AF is not a killer feature for macro lens anyway but then you may also argue that its very large max. aperture may be sufficient to substitute a conventional 50mm lens.

Quality-wise it's an impressive lens offering a very high resolution till diffraction takes its toll. Lateral CAs are basically non-existent and the little amount of barrel distortion is not field relevant. At f/2 there's some vignetting which can be disturbing in some scenes so you should either stop down or resolve the issue during image post-processing. The bokeh (out-of-focus blur) is generally quite smooth.

A comparison to competing macro lenses is a little difficult. On the upside the Zeiss is a full stop faster than but on the other hand the max. object magnification is "just" 1:2 which may be a somewhat limiting factor for macro enthusiasts. So you gain and loose a little in terms of flexibility. The price tag is comparatively steep at around 1100-1200€/US$ so you really have to have an itch for such classic lenses.

Nonetheless: a highly recommended lens!

Optical Quality:    
★★★★★
Mechanical Quality:
★★★★★
Price/Performance:
★★★★★

Click here for an explanation of our star ratings


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