Comparison
Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 vs Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8
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 Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 is a 50mm f/1.8 M42 lens made 1960s-1990, valued at $20 to $90 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 | Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Native mount | M42 | M42 |
| Production years | 1965-1980 | 1960s-1990 |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss (Meyer Oreston derivative) |
| Typical used value | $130 | $45 |
| Value range | $70 to $260 | $20 to $90 |
| 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
- Both open to f/1.8, so neither has a speed advantage.
- The Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $45 against $130, a gap of $85 (roughly 2.9x). Ranges: $20 to $90 versus $70 to $260.
- Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 is the older design; production began around 1960 against 1965 for the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 (1960s-1990 versus 1965-1980).
- Both use the M42 mount, so one adapter serves either lens on a mirrorless body.
- Both use 6 elements in 5 groups.
Which one to buy
On the catalog data the Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 wins on the $85 lower typical price, 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