Comparison
Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 vs KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8
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. The KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 is a 50mm f/2.8 M42 lens made 1970s-1990s, valued at $25 to $100 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 | KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Native mount | M42 | M42 |
| Production years | 1965-1980 | 1970s-1990s |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss | 4 elements / 3 groups, Tessar |
| Typical used value | $130 | $50 |
| Value range | $70 to $260 | $25 to $100 |
| 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 Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 is 1.3 stops faster: f/1.8 against f/2.8.
- The KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $50 against $130, a gap of $80 (roughly 2.6x). Ranges: $25 to $100 versus $70 to $260.
- 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 1970 for the KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 (1965-1980 versus 1970s-1990s).
- Both use the M42 mount, so one adapter serves either lens on a mirrorless body.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 5 groups for the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8, 4 elements in 3 groups for the KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8.
Which one to buy
Choose the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 for the 1.3 stops of extra speed. Choose the KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 for the $80 lower typical price. 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: M42