Comparison
Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 vs Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC
The Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 is a 58mm f/2 M42 lens made 1936-1960, valued at $120 to $550 used. The Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC is a 55mm f/1.8 M42 lens made 1972-1978, valued at $50 to $170 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 | Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 58 mm | 55 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/1.8 |
| Native mount | M42 | M42 |
| Production years | 1936-1960 | 1972-1978 |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss (original Biotar design) | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss, EBC multi-coating |
| Typical used value | $230 | $95 |
| Value range | $120 to $550 | $50 to $170 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount |
What actually differs
- The Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC is 0.3 stops faster: f/1.8 against f/2.
- The Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC is cheaper. Typical used value is $95 against $230, a gap of $135 (roughly 2.4x). Ranges: $50 to $170 versus $120 to $550.
- The Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 is longer at 58mm against 55mm, a 3mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
- The Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 is the older design; production began around 1936 against 1972 for the Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC (1936-1960 versus 1972-1978).
- Both use the M42 mount, so one adapter serves either lens on a mirrorless body.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 4 groups for the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2, 6 elements in 5 groups for the Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC.
Which one to buy
On the catalog data the Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC wins on the 0.3 stops of extra speed and the $135 lower typical price, and the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 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