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Comparison

Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. vs Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y)

The Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. is a 50mm f/1.4 Canon FD lens made 1971-1990s, valued at $55 to $200 used. The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y) is a 50mm f/1.4 Contax/Yashica lens made 1975-2005, valued at $120 to $420 used.

Specifications side by side

Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. and Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y) specifications compared
SpecificationCanon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C.Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y)
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.4
Native mountCanon FDContax/Yashica
Production years1971-1990s1975-2005
Optical design7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss7 elements / 6 groups, Planar Double Gauss, T* coating
Typical used value$100$220
Value range$55 to $200$120 to $420
Adapts toSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mountSony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFT

What actually differs

  • Both open to f/1.4, so neither has a speed advantage.
  • The Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. is cheaper. Typical used value is $100 against $220, a gap of $120 (roughly 2.2x). Ranges: $55 to $200 versus $120 to $420.
  • Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
  • The Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. is the older design; production began around 1971 against 1975 for the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y) (1971-1990s versus 1975-2005).
  • They use different mounts, Canon FD and Contax/Yashica, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
  • Both use 7 elements in 6 groups.

Which one to buy

On the catalog data the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. wins on the $120 lower typical price, and the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y) 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: Canon FD and Contax/Yashica