Welcome to keh.com!
Theme gray image

Contax 45mm f/2 Zeiss Planar T* Lens for G-Series, Black {46}

Model #221166
  • $693.00

Select Gear Grade
Our Grading System
New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
BN Bargain
$693.00
Only 1 left!
Free 180 Day warranty on all purchases
FREE SHIPPING OVER $75 + FREE 21-DAY RETURNS
Talk with an expert:
1-800-342-5534

Zeiss Planar 45mm f/2 G: the G-Series standard lens worth seeking out

The Contax G-mount 45mm f/2 Planar T* is the lens most G1 and G2 shooters reach for first. At 45mm, it sits close enough to a true normal field of view to feel natural on the rangefinder-style body, and the f/2 maximum aperture gives you workable low-light performance without bulk. Zeiss's T* multi-coating keeps flare controlled and contrast clean across the frame, which matters when you're shooting in mixed or backlit conditions.

The 46mm filter thread takes standard screw-in filters without adapters or step rings, and the compact form keeps the G-body pocket-friendly. For a lens built around a classic optical formula on a system that reached maturity decades ago, the rendering holds up against modern glass in ways that matter to photographers who care about subject separation and midtone gradation than resolution charts.

Who It's For

Film photographers shooting on Contax G1 or G2 bodies get the most direct path to this lens's strengths: a 45mm focal length that reads naturally as a street or travel normal, with f/2 available when light drops. Documentary and reportage shooters benefit from the compact footprint, since the G-system with this lens draws far less attention than a DSLR kit. Portrait photographers drawn to the Planar formula's rendering characteristics will find the f/2 aperture sufficient for subject isolation at close focus distances.

Key Features

  • Zeiss Planar optical formula with T* multi-coating for flare control
  • 45mm focal length, near-normal field of view on G-mount rangefinder
  • f/2 maximum aperture for low-light work and depth-of-field control
  • 46mm filter thread accepts standard screw-in filters without adapters
  • Compact form factor maintains Contax G-body portability
  • Contax G mount compatible with G1 and G2 rangefinder bodies

FAQ

Is the 45mm f/2 Planar a true normal lens for the Contax G?
It sits close enough to normal on the rangefinder body to feel natural for general shooting, though it's technically slightly wide of a true 50mm standard. For most G-series work, it becomes your default reach-for lens.
How does the T* coating perform in backlit or mixed lighting?
Zeiss's multi-coating keeps flare well-controlled and maintains contrast across the frame, which is critical when you're shooting against windows or mixed ambient and artificial light. It's not clinical, just clean.
What filter size does this lens use?
46mm, which means you can use standard screw-in filters without step rings or adapters. Easy to build a filter kit around.
Does the 45mm f/2 Planar have autofocus?
No. The Contax G system handles focus through the body's rangefinder mechanism, not the lens itself. You focus on the G1 or G2 body, not the lens.
How compact is this lens compared to other G-mount options?
It's one of the smallest lenses in the G lineup, which is why it keeps the rangefinder body pocket-friendly. Zeiss designed it for portability without sacrificing the f/2 aperture.
What kind of rendering should I expect from this lens?
It handles subject separation and midtone gradation well. If you're chasing resolution numbers, a modern 45mm will beat it. If you care about how skin and background interact, the Planar's optical formula still holds up.
SpecificationValue
Focal Length45mm
Max Aperturef/2
MountContax G
Filter Thread46mm
ColorBlack

This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.

Brand Name Contax
Filter Size 46mm
Focus Type Autofocus (camera motor)
Lens Mount Contax G
Lens Type Standard / Normal
Max Focal Length 45mm
Min Focal Length 45mm