Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM § 03 Head to head
Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM vs Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH.
Zeiss 50mm f/2 is 70 g lighter. Leica 50mm f/2 is 21 mm shorter.
Both lenses are made for the Leica M mount: the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM is a 50mm f/2 prime, and the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. is a 50mm f/2 prime. On paper the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM 
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. 01
Key differences
Why is the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM better than the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH.?
- 70 g lighter (230 g vs 300 g)
Why is the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. better than the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM?
- 21 mm shorter (47 mm vs 68 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (39 mm vs 43 mm)
- Newer design (2012 vs 2004)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM has the edge: it is 70 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM | Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/2 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Standard prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full Frame |
| Weight | 230 g (8.11 oz) ◆ | 300 g (10.6 oz) |
| Dimensions | 52 x 68 mm | 53 mm (diameter) x 47 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.7 m (27.56 inches) | 0.7 m (2.3 ft) |
| Maximum magnification | — | Not specified |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | — | No |
| Aperture ring | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 10 | Not specified |
| Optical construction | 6 elements in 4 groups | 8 elements in 5 groups |
| Filter size | 43 mm | 39 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Leica M | Leica M |
| Released | 2004 | 2012 |
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Size
- A · Carl
- B · Leica
- 68 × 52 mm
- 47 × 53 mm
The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM is 21 mm longer and 70 g lighter than the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH..
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Sample frames
Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH.
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM or the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH.?
- The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM weighs 230 g, 70 g less than the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. (300 g).
- Do the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM and the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM or the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM has the edge: it is 70 g lighter to carry.
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