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$599 SAVE $50 = 7.0% Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Nokton Classic II MC BACK IN STOCK in Lenses: Rangefinder
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Zeiss ZM 50mm f/1.5 C-Sonnar T*
Related: distortion, Leica, Leica M, optics, Zeiss Lenses, Zeiss ZM, Zeiss ZM 50mm f/1.5 C-Sonnar
The Zeiss ZM 50mm f/1.5 C-Sonnar (about $1117) is a classic alternative to the 50mm f/2 Planar.
The 50/1.5 C-Sonnar is a classic design favored by some for portraits and its dreamy look when shot in the f/1.5 - f/2 range, as well as its classic (historical) look long appreciated in photography.
The compact design is characterized by uncorrected spherical aberration resulting in some focus shift, as well as wave-type field curvature. This is not a lens to look technically excellent, but rather one that offers unsual artistic qualities.
Use if this lens must be learned: its focusing characteristics (eg focus shift) can result in soft images if not understood! Get it only if you understand these issues; it’s an artists lens that takes some skill and appreciation to use well.
Image quality
Not yet tested.
MTF charts suggest that this lens offers significant focus shift and field curvature: expect a dreamy look at f/1.5, and be sure to understand focus shift, which is discussed in more detail in DAP.
The T* coatings and 6 elements promise outstanding flare control.
Specifications
Per Zeiss. See the datasheet.
| Focal length: | 50mm |
| Aperture scale: | f/1.5 - f/16, 1/3 stops |
| Focusing range: | 0.9m - infinity |
| Angular field, diag./horiz. | 45.7°/38.4° |
| Coverage at close range: | 37 cm x 55 cm |
| Image ratio at close range: | 1:15 |
| Number of elements/groups: | 6 elements in 4 groups |
| Filter thread: | M 46 x 0.75 |
| Weight: | 250g |
| Dimensions (with caps): | ø 56 mm, length 63 mm |
Distortion
The wave distortion is mostly pincushion, reversing to barrel distortion near frame edges.
However, the total distortion is only about 0.5%, unsually low for a 50mm lens, and thus likely to go unnoticed with the majority of images.
Conclusions
Not yet tested.
