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Comparison

Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y) vs Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4

The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y) is a 50mm f/1.4 Contax/Yashica lens made 1975-2005, valued at $120 to $420 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 Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y) and Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 specifications compared
SpecificationCarl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y)Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.4
Native mountContax/YashicaOlympus OM
Production years1975-20051972-1980s
Optical design7 elements / 6 groups, Planar Double Gauss, T* coating7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss
Typical used value$220$130
Value range$120 to $420$70 to $280
Adapts toSony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFTSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount

What actually differs

  • Both open to f/1.4, so neither has a speed advantage.
  • The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 is cheaper. Typical used value is $130 against $220, a gap of $90 (roughly 1.7x). Ranges: $70 to $280 versus $120 to $420.
  • Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
  • The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 is the older design; production began around 1972 against 1975 for the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y) (1972-1980s versus 1975-2005).
  • They use different mounts, Contax/Yashica and Olympus OM, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
  • Both use 7 elements in 6 groups.

Which one to buy

On the catalog data the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 wins on the $90 lower typical price, and the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y) 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: Contax/Yashica and Olympus OM