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Comparison

Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. vs Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y)

The Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. is a 85mm f/1.8 Canon FD lens made 1974-1990s, valued at $100 to $340 used. The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) is a 85mm f/1.4 Contax/Yashica lens made 1975-2005, valued at $500 to $1,400 used.

Specifications side by side

Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. and Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) specifications compared
SpecificationCanon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C.Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y)
Focal length85 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/1.4
Native mountCanon FDContax/Yashica
Production years1974-1990s1975-2005
Optical design6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss6 elements / 5 groups, Planar Double Gauss, T* coating
Typical used value$180$800
Value range$100 to $340$500 to $1,400
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

  • The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) is 0.7 stops faster: f/1.4 against f/1.8.
  • The Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. is cheaper. Typical used value is $180 against $800, a gap of $620 (roughly 4.4x). Ranges: $100 to $340 versus $500 to $1,400.
  • Both are 85mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
  • The Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. is the older design; production began around 1974 against 1975 for the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) (1974-1990s 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.
  • Construction differs: 6 elements in 4 groups for the Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C., 6 elements in 5 groups for the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y).

Which one to buy

Choose the Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. for the $620 lower typical price. Choose the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) for the 0.7 stops of extra speed. Rendering differs too: read the character notes below, because speed and price are the only advantages the catalog data can settle.

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