| Author: | | New Member Registered: November, 2013 Posts: 14 | | Review Date: November 4, 2023 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | very sharp | | Cons: | visible CAs wide open, and stopped down on high magnifications, too | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 6
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 8
Camera Used: K-5, K.S1 fuji x-T100, X-e1
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An overrrated 7/6 element lens - only for very rich people - or to rent
for such a high price I expect no CAs and ED elements - but I am a few disappointed.
++ high sharpness
++ very good color rendition
+ wide open some flare
o Bokeh okay, but not outstanding
-/O CA correction does not satisfy my expectations 
only 7.25 points (8.5 points for performance / 6 Points for the high price)
my PENTAX 1,8/50 is very well CA corrected  - much more better than this ZEISS lens with high reputation. . The cheap CARL ZEISS JENA 2.8/50 is better CA corrected. . And so do Pancolar, Meyer Oreston and Prakticar (REVUENON) 1.8/50 by ZEISS JENA GDR , too.
ps. This ZEISS lens asks for an ED element
| | | | | | | Pentaxian Registered: April, 2015 Location: USA Posts: 2,874
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 29, 2016 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Outstanding "3D" effect at f/1.6 - f/2 | | Cons: | Soft image at f/1.4 | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 10
Value: 9
Camera Used: Pentax K3ii
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I've been doing lots of test shooting with my new-to-me Zeiss ZK 50mm f/1.4 lens. This lens has some purple fringing at the widest apertures. Bokeh and micro-contrast are excellent. Colors are good, but maybe a bit cooler and less saturated than are the Pentax Limited lenses.
I first compared it to my Pentax DA 55mm f/1.4 lens, and found the Pentax to be a tiny hair sharper at most apertures.
Then I compared it to my Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 lens. I found that I slightly preferred the overall "smoother/gentler/softer" rendering of the Voigtlander lens at f/3.5 through f/11 to the Zeiss lens.
I was considering selling this Zeiss 50mm lens, until I saw photos I took with it at f/1.6, f/1.8, and f/2. When taking a photo of an object from about 5 to 20 feet in front of this lens at these settings, I obtained a beautiful "3D" look that I've not seen with any of my other lenses (see attached photo). 
I love this 3D effect so much that I've decided to keep this lens just to shoot it at f/1.8 ish.
Sure, this is a relatively expensive lens to keep around just for one specific use (like a one trick pony). So, call me crazy, but I like this effect so much I think that I'll keep this lens around just for this one purpose.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: May, 2011 Location: Hanoi Posts: 213
1 user found this helpful
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2012 Posts: 14
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 16, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharpness at f/2 and above, color, bokeh | | Cons: | CA, sharpness below f/2 | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
Camera Used: K-5, K-7
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With extensions rings
 | | | | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2012 Posts: 2
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 6, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $700.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | bokeh, colours, sharpness, manual focus ring | | Cons: | front cap, i guess? =D | |
Absolutely great and unique lens!
This lens is one of a kind as every aperture value gives you a different application.
1.4 - soft, dreamy portraits with great color transitions and smoothest bokeh ever.
2.0 - sharp, detailed, but still smooth portraits with great bokeh
3.5-4.0 - very sharp all around street photography lens with great subject isolation
5.6 and smaller - super sharp normal lens.
Long focus throw is great for video and precise manual focus. The smoothness of focus ring makes it a pleasure to focus. All metal construction makes it feel like it can last long enough be a worthy gift for your grandchildren
The colours of this lens (combined with the bokeh) give it a very cinematic feel. In fact, this lens is used as a base for Zeiss CP lenses, so you know it's really good.
If you're in the market for a 50mm lens, definitely look at this one. Yes, it's MF and on an expensive side, but it is truly a unique one and is totally worth the price. It will make you think differently.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunny987/4450299688/in/set-72157631299320520
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunny987/6189832694/in/set-72157631299320520
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunny987/6241784974/in/set-72157631299320520
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunny987/7383898364/in/set-72157631299320520
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunny987/7306980646/in/photostream
You can also take a look at my flickr set for this lens: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunny987/sets/72157631299320520/ | | |
