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Comparison

Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) vs Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5

The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) is a 85mm f/1.4 Contax/Yashica lens made 1975-2005, valued at $500 to $1,400 used. The Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 is a 85mm f/1.5 M42 lens made 1970s-present, valued at $90 to $350 used.

Specifications side by side

Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) and Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 specifications compared
SpecificationCarl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y)Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5
Focal length85 mm85 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.5
Native mountContax/YashicaM42
Production years1975-20051970s-present
Optical design6 elements / 5 groups, Planar Double Gauss, T* coating6 elements / 4 groups, Biotar-type Double Gauss
Typical used value$800$170
Value range$500 to $1,400$90 to $350
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

  • The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) is 0.2 stops faster: f/1.4 against f/1.5.
  • The Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 is cheaper. Typical used value is $170 against $800, a gap of $630 (roughly 4.7x). Ranges: $90 to $350 versus $500 to $1,400.
  • Both are 85mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
  • The Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 is the older design; production began around 1970 against 1975 for the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) (1970s-present versus 1975-2005).
  • They use different mounts, Contax/Yashica and M42, 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 Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y), 6 elements in 4 groups for the Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5.

Which one to buy

Choose the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) for the 0.2 stops of extra speed. Choose the Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 for the $630 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: Contax/Yashica and M42