Comparison
Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 vs Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2
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 Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 is a 57mm f/1.2 Konica AR lens made 1965-1970s, valued at $500 to $1,600 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 | Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 58 mm | 57 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/1.2 |
| Native mount | M42 | Konica AR |
| Production years | 1936-1960 | 1965-1970s |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss (original Biotar design) | 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $230 | $850 |
| Value range | $120 to $550 | $500 to $1,600 |
| 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 Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 is 1.5 stops faster: f/1.2 against f/2.
- The Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 is cheaper. Typical used value is $230 against $850, a gap of $620 (roughly 3.7x). Ranges: $120 to $550 versus $500 to $1,600.
- The Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 is longer at 58mm against 57mm, a 1mm 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 1965 for the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 (1936-1960 versus 1965-1970s).
- They use different mounts, M42 and Konica AR, 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 Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2, 7 elements in 6 groups for the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2.
Which one to buy
Choose the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 for the $620 lower typical price. Choose the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 for the 1.5 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.