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Comparison

Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 vs Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4

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 Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 Olympus OM lens made 1972-1980s, valued at $70 to $280 used.

Specifications side by side

Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 and Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 specifications compared
SpecificationCarl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/1.4
Native mountM42Olympus OM
Production years1965-19801972-1980s
Optical design6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss
Typical used value$130$130
Value range$70 to $260$70 to $280
Adapts toSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mountSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount

What actually differs

  • The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 is 0.7 stops faster: f/1.4 against f/1.8.
  • Typical used values are equal at $130.
  • 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 1972 for the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 (1965-1980 versus 1972-1980s).
  • They use different mounts, M42 and Olympus OM, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
  • Construction differs: 6 elements in 5 groups for the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8, 7 elements in 6 groups for the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4.

Which one to buy

On the catalog data the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 wins on the 0.7 stops of extra speed, and the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 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 and Olympus OM