First published January 6, 2010 - Preliminary Draft

OVERVIEW

About a years ago I wrote the Zeiss 50mm F2 Makro-Planar ZF review. In December 2009 Zeiss finally released the 50mm Makro Planar in the ZE mount for Canon EF and EF-S cameras. The newly released Zeiss 50mm F2 ZE is the same lens optically, so the ZF and ZE versions should be identical (in theory). It has been over a year since I owned the ZF, so instead of a simple copy & paste, the ZE review is written as if the ZF was not reviewed.

For Canon owners the significant differences in the Zeiss ZE mount are:  automatic aperture operation, complete EXIF data, focus confirmation and no need for third party lens adapters. Using a Zeiss ZE lens is like using any other Canon manual focus EF lens - aperture is set via the control dials on the camera body, EXIF data shows the lens and exposure information - including the aperture selected, focus confirmation beeps and so on. The Zeiss ZE’s work on all EF and EF-S dSLR bodies.

BUILD QUALITY

After spending a year shooting with the Leica M8, it is easy to grow accustom to Leica’s build quality. Leica lenses are known for tight tolerances, smooth focus action, lightly dampened focus rings and high grade materials. In comparison, the typical Canon lens lacks the tactile joy that a Leica lens offers. I am happy to write that the Zeiss 50/2 ZE build quality and materials feel as a good Leica lens.

Compared to other 50mm lenses, the Zeiss 50/2 ZE is not a light lens. The 28/2 ZE is surprisingly heavily because its small front element suggests a lightweight lens based on outward appearances. The 50/2 ZE has a slightly larger diameter than the 28/2 ZE plus a larger front filter thread (67mm). Thus, the 50/2 ZE looks larger so its weight & density are not a surprise like they are with 28/2 ZE. The 50/2 ZE weighs 10 grams less then 28/2 ZE, and compared the 50/2 ZF, the ZE picked up 40 grams in added weight (presumably the electronics for the auto aperture mechanism).

When focused at infinity (the lens’ shortest position), the 50/2 ZE balances nicely on the Canon 1Ds Mark III. At the infinity position the lens is relatively compact - about the size of the Canon 35L. At 1:2 magnification  (the 50/2 ZE’s minimum focus distance) the 50/2 ZE is about 1.5 inches longer. Being a macro lens, the added length is expected. However, for those who have not owned a macro lens before, the extreme change in body length could be a surprise. The front element is buried very deep in the lens, so to keep the lens kit a smaller, one could shoot without the included lens hood. I am not sure if the lens needs its hood except in extreme lighting conditions. Thus far I have been shooting the 50/2 ZE without a hood and have not encountered any lens flare with the sun to my back or side.

The focus ring turns smoothly, but it is stiffer than 28/2 ZE and 21/2.8 ZE. The stiffer focus ring was an unwelcome surprise. Both the Zeiss 50/2 ZF and 100/2 ZF are infamous for their stiff focus rings, and it appears the 50/2 ZE continues in the family tradition. Going from infinity to the minimum focus distance is a nearly a full turn of the focus ring (about 330 degrees of rotation). A stiff focus ring makes one more aware of the exceptionally long focus throw. The stiff focus ring was very noticeable the first day, but after using the lens several times - either the focus ring is improving, or maybe I am just getting used to it.

On the Zeiss ZF lenses the aperture ring is quite close to the camera body, and somewhat recessed in a valley. In the 50/2 ZF review I complained about aperture ring placement. With 50/2 ZE this is a non-issue since there is no aperture ring; aperture selection and operation are 100% electronically integrated and controlled by the Canon camera body just like any other Canon lens.

The silver ring at the front of the lens is a design aesthetic and I could take it or leave it. Whether the ring will look nice and shiny after a couple years of attaching and detaching the lens hood is unknown at this time. A metal lens hood is included. To attach the hood, it rotates into place and locks into position with metal spring clips. On the upside, the 50/2 ZE uses 67mm filters which is a fairly common filter size.