{"id":1568,"date":"2015-12-09T20:13:50","date_gmt":"2015-12-09T19:13:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/?p=1568"},"modified":"2026-01-14T09:33:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T08:33:19","slug":"review-carl-zeiss-contarex-planar-f50mm-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-carl-zeiss-contarex-planar-f50mm-12\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Carl Zeiss Contarex Planar f=50mm 1:2"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC09991.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1593\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC09991.jpg\" alt=\"DSC09991\" width=\"800\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC09991.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC09991-300x270.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Zeiss Contarex line was Zeiss&#8217; last attempt to produce\u00a0a competitive camera system in Germany; after that production moved to Japan. Zeiss put a lot of effort into those lenses and cameras. You can read <a href=\"http:\/\/www.imx.nl\/photo\/zeiss\/zeiss\/page67.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">on the internet <\/a>that they created a line of lenses which is considered by some &#8220;<strong>the best ever, optically and mechanically<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<p>So I was curious and bought a\u00a0<strong>Carl Zeiss Contarex f=50mm 1:2\u00a0<\/strong>to see whether this assessment checks out.\u00a0Today the Planar 2\/50 is the cheapest of the Contarex lineup but it is still quite expensive at around 300\u20ac. I will review it as I would review any other lens,\u00a0and see if the hype about this lens is justified.<\/p>\n<h1>Sample Images<\/h1>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1580\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1580\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07558.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1580 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07558.jpg\" alt=\"DSC07558\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07558.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07558-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1580\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony a7 | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50\u00a0 | f\/8 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/96189377@N08\/22934872054\/sizes\/o\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full resolution<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1576\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1576\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07527.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1576 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07527.jpg\" alt=\"DSC07527\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07527.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07527-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1576\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony a7 | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50\u00a0 | f\/4 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/96189377@N08\/23454729962\/sizes\/o\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full resolution<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1577\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1577\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07546.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1577 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07546.jpg\" alt=\"DSC07546\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07546.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07546-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1577\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony a7 | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50\u00a0 | f\/2.8 |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/96189377@N08\/23454585782\/sizes\/o\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> full resolution<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<h1>\u00a0Specifications<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Diameter: 65mm<\/li>\n<li>Length: \u00a044mm<\/li>\n<li>Filter Diameter: 49mm<\/li>\n<li>Number of Aperture Blades: 9<\/li>\n<li>Elements\/Groups:\u00a06\/4<\/li>\n<li>Close Focusing Distance: 30cm<\/li>\n<li>Mount: <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Contarex\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contarex<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>The Contarex Planar 2\/50\u00a0usually sells for around $200-500\u00a0at <a href=\"http:\/\/rover.ebay.com\/rover\/1\/711-53200-19255-0\/1?icep_ff3=9&amp;pub=5575076376&amp;toolid=10001&amp;campid=5337787618&amp;customid=&amp;icep_uq=contarex+50+2+-tessar&amp;icep_sellerId=&amp;icep_ex_kw=&amp;icep_sortBy=12&amp;icep_catId=3323&amp;icep_minPrice=&amp;icep_maxPrice=&amp;ipn=psmain&amp;icep_vectorid=229466&amp;kwid=902099&amp;mtid=824&amp;kw=lg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ebay.com <\/a>(affiliate link).\u00a0<\/em><br \/>\n<em>In Germany\u00a0you can buy it for 200-400\u20ac\u00a0at <a href=\"http:\/\/rover.ebay.com\/rover\/1\/707-53477-19255-0\/1?icep_ff3=9&amp;pub=5575076376&amp;toolid=10001&amp;campid=5337787618&amp;customid=&amp;icep_uq=contarex+50+2+-tessar&amp;icep_sellerId=&amp;icep_ex_kw=&amp;icep_sortBy=12&amp;icep_catId=3323&amp;icep_minPrice=&amp;icep_maxPrice=&amp;ipn=psmain&amp;icep_vectorid=229487&amp;kwid=902099&amp;mtid=824&amp;kw=lg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amazon.de <\/a>(affiliate link).\u00a0Because of the age conditions vary a lot, as do prices.<\/em><\/p>\n<h1>Versions<\/h1>\n<p>If there is someone who knows more about this system please correct me, my research wasn&#8217;t very deep.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\u00a0I think there is a black and a silver version but both feature the same optical design.<\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-content\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-content\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC09998.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1594\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC09998.jpg\" alt=\"DSC09998\" width=\"800\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC09998.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC09998-300x236.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-content\"><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"entry-content\"><b>Compatibility<\/b><\/h1>\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<p>You can of course use the lens on a range of old\u00a0<strong>Contarex film cameras.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I found adapters for Leica M, Fuji-X, Eos-M and Sony E-mount. The lens itself doesn&#8217;t have an aperture ring so the adapter must have it&#8217;s own aperture ring.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Build<\/strong><strong> Quality<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>The Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 feels really solid so at least that part of the internet folklore isn&#8217;t too far off.<\/p>\n<p>The outer\u00a0hull is made from aluminium and\u00a0looks surprisingly modern. Every part is either metal or glass.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-content\">All markings are engraved.<\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-content\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<h1><strong>Size, Weight and Handling<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Canon_nFD_24mmf2p8-7.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a><\/h1>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00081.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1573\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00081.jpg\" alt=\"DSC00081\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00081.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00081-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Contarex 2\/50 is quite large for a 50mm lens but still small enough to feels well balanced on a Sony a7 series camera.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>focusing ring<\/strong> travels about 240 degrees from 0.3m\u00a0to 1m and a further 40 or so degrees to infinity.\u00a0At short distances I sometimes wish for a more direct transmission. The focusing feel is just perfect: smooth but precise.<\/p>\n<p>The lens \u00a0does not have a\u00a0<strong>aperture ring.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Operation of the lens itself is a joy. \u00a0Because the aperture is controlled by the adapter the quality of the adapter plays a larger than usual role. I bought the cheapest one I could find and it&#8217;s aperture ring feels quite sluggish which detracts from the experience.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00080.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1572\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00080.jpg\" alt=\"DSC00080\" width=\"800\" height=\"612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00080.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00080-300x230.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h1>Close Focusing Distance<\/h1>\n<p>The Contarex 2\/50 focuses down to 30cm (about 20cm from the front of the lens) which is very unusual for a 50mm lens and a very handy feature.<\/p>\n<p>Focused at 30cm it is quite soft at f\/2 and one should stop down to at least f\/2.8 to get good center sharpness.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC08025.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1588\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC08025.jpg\" alt=\"DSC08025\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC08025.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC08025-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h1>Image Quality<\/h1>\n<h3>Vignetting<\/h3>\n<p>Quite strong\u00a0at f\/2. To fully correct it I had to max out the LR slider. Stopping down to f\/2.8 reduces it a lot and from f\/4 it will be visible only for very critical applications.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Caontarex50.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1589\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Caontarex50.jpg\" alt=\"Caontarex50\" width=\"800\" height=\"834\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Caontarex50.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Caontarex50-288x300.jpg 288w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Flare Resistance<\/h3>\n<p>The Contarex Planar 2\/50 is only single coated and flare resistance is\u00a0quite bad. \u00a0\u00a0There is a significant contrast loss when a bright light source is in the image or just outside of it and ghosting is also easily seen. If you plan to use it you should \u00a0get a good hood for it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1596\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1596\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00046.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1596 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00046.jpg\" alt=\"DSC00046\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00046.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00046-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1596\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony Nex-5n| Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 | f\/4 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/96189377@N08\/23537009876\/sizes\/o\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full resolution<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Distortion<\/h1>\n<p>The Contarex 50mm 1:2 shows very little\u00a0barrel distortion. A distortion correction setting of +2 in LR corrects it very well.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1591\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1591\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07710.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1591 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07710.jpg\" alt=\"DSC07710\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07710.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07710-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1591\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony a7 | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 | f\/8 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/96189377@N08\/23563087655\/sizes\/o\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full resolution<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1 id=\"attachment_1408\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chromatic Aberrations<\/span><\/h1>\n<p>There is only the very slightest hint of lateral CA.<\/p>\n<h1>Bokeh<\/h1>\n<p>At f\/2 bokeh is quite busy &#8211; the edges of highlight circles are very defined.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1608\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1608\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00031.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1608 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00031.jpg\" alt=\"DSC00031\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00031.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00031-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1608\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony Nex-5n | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 | f\/2<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07687.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1585 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07687.jpg\" alt=\"DSC07687\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07687.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07687-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a>Sony a7 | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 | f\/2 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/96189377@N08\/22816191423\/sizes\/o\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full resolution<\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1609\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1609\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00032.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1609 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00032.jpg\" alt=\"DSC00032\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00032.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC00032-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1609\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony Nex-5n | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>At f\/2 .8 bokeh is much smoother with neutral highlight circles. This is my go to aperture for images with less DOF.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1586\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1586\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1586 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07688.jpg\" alt=\"DSC07688\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07688.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07688-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1586\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony a7 | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 | f\/2.8 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/96189377@N08\/23147541340\/sizes\/o\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full resolution<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1578\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1578\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07549.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1578 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07549.jpg\" alt=\"DSC07549\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07549.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07549-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1578\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony a7 | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 | f\/2.8 | full resolution<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1579\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1579\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07556.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1579 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07556.jpg\" alt=\"DSC07556\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07556.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07556-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1579\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony a7 | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you stop down further bokeh deteriorates because the Ninja-star-shape of the aperture becomes very visible.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1610\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1610\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07506-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1610 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07506-2.jpg\" alt=\"DSC07506-2\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07506-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07506-2-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1610\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony a7 | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 | f\/5.6 | Ninja-stars<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Contrast<\/h1>\n<p>Contrast is good from f\/2\u00a0but stopped down more modern lenses from the 70&#8217;s have better contrast.<\/p>\n<h3>Sharpness<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Zeiss_Contarex_50mmf2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1597\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Zeiss_Contarex_50mmf2.jpg\" alt=\"Zeiss_Contarex_50mmf2\" width=\"800\" height=\"2212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Zeiss_Contarex_50mmf2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Zeiss_Contarex_50mmf2-108x300.jpg 108w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Zeiss_Contarex_50mmf2-463x1280.jpg 463w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Contarex 2\/50 shows\u00a0an interesting behavior. The sharpness is very even across the frame. Most other 50mm lenses are sharper in the center but they fall of towards the corners.<\/p>\n<p><strong>f\/2:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0Good resolution but low contrast in the center. The corners are surprisingly sharp.<\/p>\n<p><strong>f\/2.8:\u00a0<\/strong>The center improves a lot but the midframe and corner area do not improve.<\/p>\n<p><strong>f\/4:<\/strong> Now the midframe area is very good as well.<\/p>\n<p><strong>f\/8:\u00a0<\/strong>Very sharp across the frame, competitive with modern lenses.<\/p>\n<h1 id=\"attachment_1422\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Compared to<\/span><\/h1>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/minolta-md-50mm-2-review\/\">Minolta MD 2\/50<\/a> &#8211;\u00a0<\/strong>In some ways the Contarex reminded me of this lens. It also has below average bokeh at f\/2 and very even sharpness. Mechanically the Contarex is much much nicer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Carl Zeiss Planar 1.4\/50 C\/Y &#8211;\u00a0<\/strong>This is in many ways a successor of the Contarex. Build quality is very nice as well. Optically it is superior, \u00a0 at f\/2 it is a lot sharper, it is has more contrast and much more effective coatings. It doesn&#8217;t focus as close though and it only has 6 aperture blades.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/canon-new-fd-50mm-11-4-review\/\">Canon new FD 1.4\/50 <\/a>&#8211;\u00a0<\/strong>If you want a lens to take nice pictures buy the Canon. It is quite a bit sharper and more versatile. If you want a lens which feels very nice in your hand buy the Contarex.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-zeiss-loxia-planar-250-t\/\">Zeiss Loxia 2\/50 <\/a>&#8211;\u00a0<\/strong>The Loxia is a better lens than the Contarex in about any way and the final stage of the Planar design. If you want nice build quality and good performance the Loxia is your lens.<\/p>\n<h1>Conclusion<\/h1>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>good<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #008000;\">build quality<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #008000;\">close focusing distance<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #008000;\">sharpness stopped down<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>average<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>sharpness at f\/2<\/li>\n<li>contrast<\/li>\n<li>aperture shape from f\/4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>not good<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">flare resistance<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">price<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">bokeh at f\/2<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>Even though I enjoyed shooting with the Contarex Planar 50mm 1:2 <strong>I feel that it couldn&#8217;t really live up to the hype.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Because of the <strong>&#8220;special&#8221; bokeh at f\/2<\/strong> I mostly shot it at f\/2.8 even though I usually prefer to shoot 50mm lenses at f\/2. The <strong>dated coatings<\/strong> also required my constant attention because the lens flares so easily. Stopped down to f\/8 it is as sharp as much more modern lenses but not as contrasty.<\/p>\n<p>What I enjoyed was the <strong>very solid<\/strong> feel of the lens and the much shorter than usual close focusing distance. It was also interesting to see from where the Planar design evolved.<\/p>\n<p><strong>I find it hard to recommend this lens today. If you want a lens with interesting character you could for example buy a Minolta \u00a0Rokkor 1.4\/58 for a much lower price. If you want a lens with better performance, then about any manufacturer&#8217;s 1.4\/50mm lens will give you that.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>The Contarex Planar 2\/50\u00a0usually sells for around $200-500\u00a0at <a href=\"http:\/\/rover.ebay.com\/rover\/1\/711-53200-19255-0\/1?icep_ff3=9&amp;pub=5575076376&amp;toolid=10001&amp;campid=5337787618&amp;customid=&amp;icep_uq=contarex+50+2+-tessar&amp;icep_sellerId=&amp;icep_ex_kw=&amp;icep_sortBy=12&amp;icep_catId=3323&amp;icep_minPrice=&amp;icep_maxPrice=&amp;ipn=psmain&amp;icep_vectorid=229466&amp;kwid=902099&amp;mtid=824&amp;kw=lg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ebay.com <\/a>(affiliate link).<br \/>\n<\/em><em><em>In Germany\u00a0you can buy it for 200-400\u20ac\u00a0at <a href=\"http:\/\/rover.ebay.com\/rover\/1\/707-53477-19255-0\/1?icep_ff3=9&amp;pub=5575076376&amp;toolid=10001&amp;campid=5337787618&amp;customid=&amp;icep_uq=contarex+50+2+-tessar&amp;icep_sellerId=&amp;icep_ex_kw=&amp;icep_sortBy=12&amp;icep_catId=3323&amp;icep_minPrice=&amp;icep_maxPrice=&amp;ipn=psmain&amp;icep_vectorid=229487&amp;kwid=902099&amp;mtid=824&amp;kw=lg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amazon.de <\/a>(affiliate link). B<\/em><\/em><em><em>ecause of the age conditions vary a lot, as do prices.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<p><em> If this review was helpful to you, please consider using one of my affiliate links. I will earn a small commission on your purchase and it won\u2019t cost you anything. Thanks!<\/em><\/p>\n<h1>Zeiss Contarex 2\/50\u00a0Sample Images<\/h1>\n<p>All images are processed in Lightroom from Raw. Many more full resolution samples in<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/96189377@N08\/albums\/72157659045122283\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> my Zeiss Contarex 2\/50\u00a0flickr album<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1583\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1583\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07680.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1583 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07680.jpg\" alt=\"DSC07680\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07680.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07680-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1583\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony a7 | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 | f\/2.0 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/96189377@N08\/23334850712\/sizes\/o\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full resolution<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1584\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1584\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07681.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1584 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07681.jpg\" alt=\"DSC07681\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07681.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07681-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1584\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony a7 | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 | f\/2.8 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/96189377@N08\/23075353139\/sizes\/o\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full resolution<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1575\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1575\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07514.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1575 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07514.jpg\" alt=\"DSC07514\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07514.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07514-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1575\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony a7 | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 | f\/2.8 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/96189377@N08\/22936040693\/sizes\/o\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full resolution<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1607\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1607\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07684.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1607 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07684.jpg\" alt=\"DSC07684\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07684.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/DSC07684-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1607\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony a7 | Zeiss Contarex Planar 2\/50 | f\/5.6 | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/96189377@N08\/23334858252\/sizes\/o\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full resolution<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1421\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><\/figure>\n<h1>Other Articles<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/lenses\/canon-fd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">My Canon FD Reviews<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Phillip-Reeve-525402494292511\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">My <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Phillip-Reeve-525402494292511\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new Facebook page<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/manual-lenses-sony-a7\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Manual lenses on the Sony a7 \u2013 a beginner&#8217;s guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using any of the links marked as affiliate links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the creation of future content.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Zeiss Contarex line was Zeiss&#8217; last attempt to produce\u00a0a competitive camera system in Germany; after that production moved to Japan. Zeiss put a lot of effort into those lenses and cameras. You can read on the internet that they created a line of lenses which is considered by some &#8220;the best ever, optically and &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-carl-zeiss-contarex-planar-f50mm-12\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Review: Carl Zeiss Contarex Planar f=50mm 1:2<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[419,169],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1568","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-vintage","category-zeiss"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Review: Carl Zeiss Contarex Planar f=50mm 1:2 - phillipreeve.net<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A review of the classic Zeiss Contarex 50mm 1:2 on the modern 24 Megapixel Sony Alpha 7.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-carl-zeiss-contarex-planar-f50mm-12\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Review: Carl Zeiss Contarex Planar f=50mm 1:2 - 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