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Comparison

Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8

The Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 M42 lens made 1971-1975, valued at $70 to $240 used. The Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 is a 50mm f/1.8 M42 lens made 1965-1980, valued at $70 to $260 used.

Specifications side by side

Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 and Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 specifications compared
SpecificationAsahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.8
Native mountM42M42
Production years1971-19751965-1980
Optical design7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss, thoriated rear glass6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss
Typical used value$130$130
Value range$70 to $240$70 to $260
Adapts toSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mountSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount

What actually differs

  • The Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is 0.7 stops faster: f/1.4 against f/1.8.
  • Typical used values are equal at $130.
  • Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
  • The Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 is the older design; production began around 1965 against 1971 for the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (1965-1980 versus 1971-1975).
  • Both use the M42 mount, so one adapter serves either lens on a mirrorless body.
  • Construction differs: 7 elements in 6 groups for the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4, 6 elements in 5 groups for the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8.

Which one to buy

On the catalog data the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 wins on the 0.7 stops of extra speed, and the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 gives up nothing measurable in return except its own rendering, described below. Condition and variant matter more than the spec sheet at these prices.

Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.

Full reference pages

Mount references: M42