Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M § 03 Head to head
Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M vs Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2
Zeiss 50mm f/2 focuses 36 cm closer. Nikon 50mm f/2 is 530 g lighter.
The Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M is a 50mm f/2 prime, and the Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2 is a 50mm f/2 prime. On paper the Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2 comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M 
Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2 01
Key differences
Why is the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M better than the Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2?
- Focuses 36 cm closer (0.24 m vs 0.6 m)
- Newer design (2015 vs 1959)
Why is the Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2 better than the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M?
- 530 g lighter (200 g vs 730 g)
- 14 mm shorter (61 mm vs 75.3 mm long)
- Has a physical aperture ring
- Smaller filter thread (52 mm vs 67 mm)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2 has the edge: it is 530 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M | Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/2 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 730 g (25.75 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 81 x 75.3 mm | 38 x 61 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.24 m (9.45 inches) ◆ | 0.60 m (23.62 inches) |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | — | 6 |
| Optical construction | 8 elements / 6 groups | 7 elements / 5 groups |
| Filter size | 67 mm | 52 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Canon EF, Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Released | 2015 | 1959 |
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Size
- A · Carl
- B · Nikon
- 75.3 × 81 mm
- 61 × 38 mm
The Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M is 14 mm longer and 530 g heavier than the Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2.
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Sample frames
Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M or the Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2?
- The Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2 weighs 200 g, 530 g less than the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M (730 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M or the Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2?
- The Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M focuses down to 0.24 m, against 0.6 m for the Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2.
- Do the Carl Zeiss Milvus 50 mm f/2M and the Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2 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 Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2 better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor S 5 cm f/2 has the edge: it is 530 g lighter to carry.
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