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Comparison

Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) vs Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8

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 Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is a 90mm f/2.8 Leica R lens made 1964-1996, valued at $300 to $800 used.

Specifications side by side

Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) and Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 specifications compared
SpecificationCarl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y)Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8
Focal length85 mm90 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Native mountContax/YashicaLeica R
Production years1975-20051964-1996
Optical design6 elements / 5 groups, Planar Double Gauss, T* coating5 elements / 4 groups, telephoto
Typical used value$800$480
Value range$500 to $1,400$300 to $800
Adapts toSony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFTSony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFT

What actually differs

  • The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) is 2 stops faster: f/1.4 against f/2.8.
  • The Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $480 against $800, a gap of $320 (roughly 1.7x). Ranges: $300 to $800 versus $500 to $1,400.
  • The Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is longer at 90mm against 85mm, a 5mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
  • The Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is the older design; production began around 1964 against 1975 for the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) (1964-1996 versus 1975-2005).
  • They use different mounts, Contax/Yashica and Leica R, 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), 5 elements in 4 groups for the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8.

Which one to buy

Choose the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) for the 2 stops of extra speed. Choose the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 for the $320 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 Leica R