Zeiss Tessar 50mm or Canon 50mm?

Foggy · Jul 26, 2013

I have to rather quickly pick between the Zeiss 50mm F2.8 lens which I have read is a bit of a classic goody, or the much newer and at F1.8 much faster canon 50mm.

The lens will be to pad out my current 14-45mm kit GH2 lens.

The canon is atleast £25 more expensive all said and done.

Which would you folks buy?

RED ROBOT · Jul 26, 2013

I would go for the Canon 50mm 1.8 . Great lens for the price in my opinion.

ChimpPhobiaFilms · Jul 26, 2013

I can't tell you about the Zeiss Tessar ( I don't have experience with it), but I can tell you I am happy with my 50mm.

Graeme · Jul 26, 2013

Either is good, but I would go for the Canon because its faster and you don't have another fast lens.

wheatgrinder · Jul 26, 2013

FYI: You don't want to use a cannon EF lens on the GH2. (not saying you were going to, but just in case)

Finding a 50mm F1.4 in canon FD is trivial, and cheep...

At that focal length your options are many.

for example.. it doesnt say what the adapter is, but from the picture it looks like a FD to M4/3...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-FD-...=UK_Lenses_Filters_Lenses&hash=item46113e5d49

Second thought that might not be an FD to M43 adapter, regardless, they are cheap for cheap ones..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-FD-...ns_caps_hoods_adaptors_ET&hash=item2c6694cdae

I have one of these and its fantastic..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-FD-...ens_Adapters_Mounts_Tubes&hash=item3cc95ce154

have the tripod mount on the adapter makes it so I can hand GIGANTIC FD lenses off my GH2 without working about straining the camera..

jils johny · Jul 26, 2013

Zeiss are one of the best lens makers!

TheArtist · Jul 26, 2013

The focus ring on the Canon 50/1.8 will make you shit cubes.

wheatgrinder · Jul 26, 2013

TheArtist said:
The focus ring on the Canon 50/1.8 will make you shit cubes.

Applies to the EF mount version only. Which as I said above you cant really use on a GH2. The old FD lenses have beauftifull long focus throw compared to the new focus by wire crap..

Foggy · Jul 26, 2013

Cheers wheatgrinder, I was just about to buy the EF mount version so you've saved me some money there.

I notice a ton of the f1.8 versions are available less than half the price of the 1.4.Still a quick lens too.

Very tempted!

Foggy · Jul 27, 2013

Ended up buying the one you linked to wheatgrinder, I'm pretty sure the adapter is wrong but I will sell that adapter and buy the one you linked to.My lens collection begins!