Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M § 03 Head to head
Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M vs Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine
Zeiss 50mm f/2 is 0.1 stops brighter maximum aperture. Meike 50mm f/2.1 has a physical aperture ring.
Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M is a 50mm f/2 prime, and the Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine is a 50mm f/2.1 prime. On paper the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M 
Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine 01
Key differences
Why is the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M better than the Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine?
- 0.1 stops brighter maximum aperture (f/2 vs f/2.1)
- 210 g lighter (730 g vs 940 g)
- 31 mm shorter (75.3 mm vs 106.5 mm long)
- Focuses 34 cm closer (0.24 m vs 0.58 m)
- Smaller filter thread (67 mm vs 77 mm)
Why is the Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine better than the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M?
- Has a physical aperture ring
- Newer design (2021 vs 2015)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M has the edge: its f/2 aperture gathers more light than f/2.1.
- low-light For low-light shooting, the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M has the edge: its f/2 aperture gathers more light than f/2.1.
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Specification
| Specification | Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M | Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 ◆ | f/2.1 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 730 g (25.75 oz) ◆ | 940 g |
| Dimensions | 81 x 75.3 mm | 80 x 106.5 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.24 m (9.45 inches) ◆ | 0.58 m |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | — | 11 |
| Optical construction | 8 elements / 6 groups | 12 elements / 9 groups |
| Filter size | 67 mm ◆ | 77 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF, Nikon F | Canon EF, PL, Canon RF, L-Mount, Sony E |
| Released | 2015 | 2021 |
| Price | — | $998 list price |
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Size
- A · Carl
- B · Meike
- 75.3 × 81 mm
- 106.5 × 80 mm
The Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine is 31 mm longer and 210 g heavier than the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M.
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Sample frames
Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which lens has the brighter aperture, the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M or the Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine?
- The Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M opens to f/2, against f/2.1 on the Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine, 0.1 stops brighter.
- Which is lighter, the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M or the Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine?
- The Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M weighs 730 g, 210 g less than the Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine (940 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M or the Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine?
- The Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M focuses down to 0.24 m, against 0.58 m for the Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine.
- Do the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M and the Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M or the Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M has the edge: its f/2 aperture gathers more light than f/2.1.
- Is the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M or the Meike 50 mm T2.1 Cine better for low-light shooting?
- For low-light shooting, the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M has the edge: its f/2 aperture gathers more light than f/2.1.
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