Zeiss Planar 50mm f1.8 Review Vs Jena Pancolar Vs Jena Tessar 50mm F2.8

Zeiss Planar 50mm f1.8 Review Vs Jena Pancolar Vs Jena Tessar 50mm F2.8

– This classic vintage lens shootout between 3 Zeiss lenses. The Zeiss Planar 50mm f1.8 vs Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f1.8 vs Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f2.8.

Zeiss Planar 50mm f1.8 Specs:
Focal Length: 50 mm
Weight: 185 g
Aperture: f/1.8 to f/16
Mount: M42, Rollei QBM
Closest focus: 45 cm/1.5 ft
Filter Size: 49 mm
Lens Composition: 7 elements in 6 groups, multi-coated
Focusing: Manual

Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f1.8 Specs:
6 elements in 5 groups
Weight – 223 grams
Length – 45mm (72 mm with adapter)
Filter size – 49 mm
Min. focus distance – 0.35 m
Aperture – 6 curved blades, f1.8 to f22 in half stops

Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f2.8 Specs:
Focus Throw – Approx 270°
Mounts – M42, Exakta
Optical Formula – 4 elements in 3 groups (Tessar)
Closest Focusing Distance – 0.35m/1ft
Filter Size – 49mm
Aperture Blades – 5
Weight – 170g
12 Aperture Settings from F2.8 to F22
Made in DDR

Thanks to the Zenography tube channel for the great video.

All three of the vintage Zeiss 50mm vintage lenses are a great value. Just pick the one that produces the image renditions and feel you are looking for. Those differences are explained well in the video review below.

More Zeiss lens info here.